Historical Letters
Letters of broad historical significance that capture pivotal moments in human civilization.
3 letters in this category
Napoleonic Era
Historical
Letter from Exile
Napoleon Bonaparte → Marie Louise (Wife)
I have terminated my political career, and I come to sit down by the hearth of the British people.
August 13, 1815 • HMS Bellerophon
Age of Exploration
Historical
Letter from the Santa Maria
Christopher Columbus → King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella
I have discovered a great many islands inhabited by numerous people. I took possession of all of them for Your Highnesses by proclamation and display of the Royal Standard.
February 15, 1493 • At Sea
Ancient Rome
Historical
Letter from Pompeii
Pliny the Younger → Tacitus
A cloud was rising whose appearance I cannot give you a more exact description of than by comparing it to a pine tree.
79 AD • Misenum