An historic letter from a soldier from Napoleon's army has surfaced in Nijlen (Antwerp Province), where it has been donated to the local council. For generations the letter has been in the possession of Mia Nelis and her family. ‘We read how Adrianus, a young lad from Nijlen wrote to his brothers about the harsh conditions in Napoleon's army,’ explains alderwoman Charlotte Bats.
Historic letter from a Flemish soldier of Napoleon's describes horror and death
Colin Clapson
Published:
For generations, the historical letter about life in the Napoleonic army was passed down in the Nelis Family. It was their parish priest who originally handed the letter to the family with the message to preserve it well because of its historical nature. 213 years on the letter is being donated to the municipality.
In the letter, Adrianus Gummarus Verwerft, a young soldier from Nijlen, describes what it is like to be part of Napoleon's army. The letter is addressed to his father and brothers.
Horror, hunger and death
A soldier’s life was anything but fun. ‘I hope you don't have to go to war. I have already seen 1,400 people die, including fellow villager Johannes Wijnants. Here we live like wolves; there is no money, no food, only horror,’ the letter reads.
The soldier's letter will be properly preserved. It will be stored in acid-free paper so that the document remains in prime condition. The municipality will also digitise the letter so the public at large will be able to read it.
Nijlen municipality now hopes to get hold of more letters. ‘We know that two similar Nijlen soldiers‘ letters exist,’ says alderwoman Bats. ‘Anyone who owns such a letter is always welcome to donate it to us!’