Conduite voor J.D.B. Wilkens, 20 september 1815 Possibly 1815 - 1820

This is a document, written anonymously in the Netherlands in 1815, concerning J.D.B. Wilkens and his conduct. Its visual codes are those of officialdom: handwriting on paper. The document speaks of Wilkens having served bravely in the National Militia, alluding to the historical events that shaped its creation. It also comments on the social structures of its time, discussing matters of military conduct and potential royal recognition, the ‘Decoratie der Willemborde.’ As historians, understanding this document requires delving into the social and institutional context of the Netherlands during the post-Napoleonic era. Research resources such as military records, royal archives, and period newspapers could shed light on its full meaning, revealing the social conditions that shaped the document’s creation and the specific history of J.D.B. Wilkens.