Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

His Catholic Majesty's Secretary of State for the department of grace and justice has communicated to the Attorney General, dated at the highest instant, the following orders.

The exportation of Merino Sheep to foreign countries has always been prohibited; and the Government has sometimes permitted the exportation of some when it had cogent reasons for so doing. The number so permitted to be exported was always very small, and certain formalities were at the same time required, to prevent the frauds which, under colour of those permissions, might be committed.

The Council of Regency has been apprised of the scandalous abuse, which has of late taken place in the exportation of Merino Sheep to foreign countries, through the absolute disregard of the laws concerning this subject: and it being of the greatest importance to the welfare of the state to put a stop to this disorder, introduced so much to the injury of the royal interest, it is their Highness' command, that all the authorities shall abstain in future from granting such licenses: and that the Intendants, and others under them, shall be particular in enforcing the laws prohibiting the exportation of Merino Sheep, giving the most strict orders for its prevention, and those who shall contravene this order by neglect or connivance, shall be immediately dismissed from their offices. You shall accordingly take notice of this order of their Highness', and under your responsibility enforce it with the utmost vigour of the existing laws, &c. &c.

(Signed) JUAN GARCIA MARTINEZ.