Unveiling 265-Year-Old French Love Letters: A Glimpse into Wartime Romance

More than 100 letters written by family members to sailors aboard the French warship Galatée, captured by the British in 1758, have been opened and read for the first time after 265 years. The letters offer rare historical context and insights into the lives of people during the 18th century, revealing universal human experiences and the resilience of societies during times of distress. The correspondences, signed by women in 59% of cases, shed light on literacy across classes and the crucial role women played in running households and making key decisions while their husbands were at sea. The letters also highlight the challenges of distance and absence, as well as the creativity of people in maintaining connections.