Brief van de Minister van Oorlog aan het Nederlandse leger, 1849 1849 - 1850

This 1849 document, “Brief van de Minister van Oorlog aan het Nederlandse leger” (Letter of the Minister of War to the Dutch Army), is an example of an important historical artifact. An anonymous author, likely a secretary, penned the message, demonstrating the structure and function of communication in the Dutch Army. The letter from the Minister of War, which is on display at the Rijksmuseum, conveys an official order from the Dutch King Willem III and is addressed to all officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers. This handwritten document provides a glimpse into the history of the Dutch army in the mid-19th century, emphasizing the significance of written communication in military operations.