Pliny, Letter 10.108

1I ask you, sir, to write back what rights you wish the cities of Bithynia and Pontus to have in recovering money owed to them from leases or sales or for other reasons. 1I have found that a prior right of collection was granted them by most proconsuls and that this has had the force of law. 2Nevertheless I think that something should be laid down and sanctioned by your foresight, by which their interests may be provided for in perpetuity. 2For the arrangements made by those men, although they may have been wisely granted, are short-lived and weak unless your authority attaches to them.