6 Mysterious Historical Letters with Shocking Secrets
While the world of technology has diminished its use, letters used to be the main form of communication across all classes, from peasants to royalty. While these letters often chronicled daily occurrences, others reveal shocking truths about the author and the world around them. Learn more about six mysterious historical letters here and their shocking contents, both good and bad.
6. Siegfried Sassoon’s “A Soldier’s Declaration”
Starting our list of historical letters is Sassoon with his experiences in World War I. The war shifted global politics and technology but also changed the public’s view about war itself. This is perfectly encapsulated in Sassoon’s letter, where he writes, “…I believe that the War is being deliberately prolonged by those who have the power to end it…I can no longer be a party to prolonging those sufferings.”
5. Polish Girls Inform the World about The Holocaust
Fifth on our list of historical letters is also from war. World War II and the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps are well–known now, but at the time, it was incredibly hard and dangerous to get information out of the camps. However, four women were able to get some letters out of Ravensbruck to their relatives. Written in code, the letters detailed medical experiments performed on them, the mass executions, and women sent to work in the concentration camps’ brothels.
4. Lincoln and His Beard
Next on our list of historical letters has to concern a President. While we may know Lincoln best for his beard, this feature was not always present. As Lincoln tried to make way in the political world, he struggled with his image as being lanky and lean. That is until 11-year-old Grace Bedell wrote to him, saying “if you let your whiskers grow…you would look a great deal better for your face is so thin.” Lincoln won the Presidential spot without a beard but grew one anyways, potentially also saving him from an assassination attempt at his inauguration.
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3. Alexander Hamilton and His Lover
Rounding out the top three historical letters is one of America’s first scandals with Alexander Hamilton at the center. According to records, Hamilton was engaged in an ongoing love affair with married lover Maria Reynolds. The affair was discovered by her husband James, who, instead of declaring a duel, sent a series of letters blackmailing Hamilton. Even though Hamilton tried to keep the affair a secret, the letters were leaked by Thomas Jefferson, which destroyed Hamilton’s reputation.
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2. Émile Zola’s Letter During the Dreyfus Affair
Second on our list of historical letters is Émile Zola and the Dreyfus Affair. As Alfred Dreyfus was accused of treason by the French despite clear evidence pointing to his innocence, a reporter decided to take a stand. Émile Zola largely steered clear of politics but was angered by the treatment of Dreyfus, sending a letter to the Prime Minister claiming that “the normal channels of justice have failed [to speak out].”
1. Henry VIII’s Letters to Anne Boleyn
Last but not least on our list of historical letters is Henry VIII‘s correspondence with Anne Boleyn. While Henry VIII never expected the crown, he is now well-known for his marriages and the need to have a male heir. One of his most prominent love affairs was with Anne Boleyn, who he fell for while married to Catherine of Aragon. Many letters were shared between the two, and while Anne’s side was mostly absent from records, Henry wrote many letters professing his love.
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