Power of Attorney?1704

p.2

Dear Anne,

This document is directly related to the legal rule of inheritance at the time. When one of the parents died, the children of the parents were entitled to an equal part each of the possessions and assets of the deceased parents. In case these children were still under-aged (i.e. under the age of 25 and unmarried), the surviving parent had to guarantee the children would recieve their legal part once they turned 25 or at the moment they got married. The surviving parent could guarantee this either via a will, a notarial deed, or via the local Weeskamer (Orphans' Chamber). In either option, two guardians needed to be appointed by and beside the surviving parent in order to protect the interests of the children.

In this case, Jan de Bruijn (occupation not mentioned in this deed) was married to Grietje Sijvers, who is mentioned as a sales woman of Delft pottery. From the context we can deduct Grietje must have died recently. Apparently, Simon Simonsz Mesch and Simon Jorisz Mesch, both mentioned as master potters, had been appointed as legal guardians regarding the inheritance of those children of Jan and Grietje who were still under-aged. However, by this deed, they authorised on their turn the widower Jan de Bruijn to take any legal and financial action regarding financial issues, also towards any debtors, concerning his late wife.

As always Rene, thank you for a comprehensive summary of the document.

I find it very interesting that Grietje Sijvers is noted as a saleswomen of Delft pottery, and also that the Mesch cousins urged Jan de Bruin to take legal and financial action against debtors concerning his wife, Grietje.

As we know from your earlier translation of a legal case in 1701, both Mesch cousins joined a class legal action with many other potters to recover debts owed by Jan & Grietje. 

The fact that 3 years later the Mesch potters are prepared to act as guardians for Jan & Grietje's children shows something of their character I think.

very best wishes

Anne