A reduction in expense was not a revenue. The royal officials at the treasury in St. Augustine were supposed to be charging import almorifazgos of their own: 10% ad valorem on cargoes direct from Spain, 5% on the increase in value of Spanish goods transshipped from another colonial port, and 5% ad valorem on any colonial goods, even from another port in Florida. During the 16th century this almorifazgo was haphazardly applied. Accountant Arguelles reported that Governor Mendez de Canzo did not pay taxes on half of what the presidio boats brought him, yet it is evident that the royal officials did not know what percentage to charge. [Note 59: Bartolome de Arguelles 10/31/1598] AN21 (Bushnell KC)