DUTIES AND ECONOMIC PRIVILEGES OF A CUSTOMS MAGISTRATE

[Manuscript - Brussels. Chambre Suprême:] Document on vellum confirming a customs magistrate in Bruges. Brussels, 1787, 5 Oct.

Attractive official document on vellum, confirming the appointment of one Sieur de la Rue as second customs magistrate of Bruges. Alongside his salary he will be rewarded with exemptions (presumably from tax) on 16½ sesters of wine, 40 tonnes of beer, 40 measures of wood for burning and 10 sacks of charcoal, and will also have milling rights.

Regarding the job description, the document notes that he will have free power to uncover, by prevention in the first instance, frauds against the various royal and imperial edicts, to hear parties' pleas, and to give good and brief justice. Performing supervisory, instructional and consultatory roles, he will "do in excess, well and duly, in whole and singularly, the things which a good and loyal judge can and must do".

Details

MS on vellum, folio, bifolium, text on 3 pages (the last of these with only 7 lines text and signature). On official duty-paid stationery, with printed at top of first page, shield, date (1787) and price (six florins). With intact seal, in very good condition, at bottom of second page. Folded vertically, with blank fourth page making the outer covers, with docket notes at foot (signs also of horizontal fold). Minor flaw at bottom of first leaf of bifolium, document slightly dusty, underside of vellum discoloured as usual, overall very good.