During the early 16th century, royal officials were necessarily granted sources of income to support them until their treasuries should have regular revenues. Juan de Anasco and Luis Hernandez de Biedma, De Soto’s accountant and factor, had permission to engage in Indian trade as long as the residents of Florida paid no customs. They and the two other treasury officials were to receive 12 square leagues of land each and encomiendas of tribute-paying natives. [Note 20: Instructions to De Soto and permissions to the treasury officials 5/4/1537] As the century wore on, such supplements to salaries were curtailed or forbidden. (Bushnell KC)