Decree signed by William of Orange, Stadholder of The Netherlands and future King William III of England, tranferring to Johan Diederik (or Theodo(o)r), 2nd Baron of Friesheim, recently appointed chief bailiff and state prosecutor in the city of 's-Hertogenbosch, all sources of income that had been previously bestowed on his predecessor, Johan Ruse, in total 330 guilders per year plus further unspecified emoluments. The document notes that Friesheim had been appointed to succeed Ruse on 5 October 1679. It is signed by William of Orange ("Guillaume de Orange") and Johan Pesters, a leading figure in William's entourage. Johan Ruse may have been the former Burgomaster of Maasstricht of that name, also known as Johannes Rusius, who was still living in 1668.
In his teens or early twenties Johan Diederik had served as William of Orange's page and became a captain in the Dutch army in 1666. He was to serve many years under William of Orange, rising to the rank of Major General in 1701 and General in 1718. He gradually shifted into civilian life beginning in 1709 and ended his career as Governor of 's-Hertogenbosch, where he died in 1733. The earlier civilian post documented in the present decree is not recorded in the standard biographies, which note that little is known about Friesheim, in spite of his distinguished career and decorations for his military achievements under King William III.
The document and complete paper and wax seal in very good condition, formerly folded and with some small holes in the blank second leaf where folds cross.