Field deputy (Dutch Republic)

[6] In practice the work of the States General was done in permanent or ad hoc commissions in which these provincial deputies could be appointed.

[a][8] The field deputies generally received a commission in which their task and competence was defined on an ad hoc basis.

[9] The Field Deputies had their origins in the Eighty Years' War and had accompanied Maurice of Nassau and Frederick Henry on most of their campaigns.

[10] In 1672, at the beginning of the Franco-Dutch War, Johan de Witt, under pressure from the Orangists, had given William III of Orange command of the Dutch States Army.

He wanted to act autonomously as commander and only tolerated their presence again when their duties were limited to financial and logistical matters.

William III had by now died and although the Dutch Republic had many experienced generals, none of them were considered qualified enough for supreme command in the Low Countries.

The trust William III had placed in him and the expectation that the appointment would ensure close cooperation between London and The Hague were the deciding factors.

Moreover, he was a foreigner and the States General wanted to prevent English political and military interests from being prioritised over those of the Dutch.

Both Dutch generals and the field deputies have been harshly criticised for their reputed frequent vetoes of Marlborough's plans.

He writes: English historians tend to portray Marlborough as a military genius whose plans were constantly frustrated by the overcautious or jealous Dutch.

[22] Although the field deputies were often not military men, some, like Jacob Hop and Sicco van Goslinga, directly commanded troops in battle.