Élisabeth Bégon

Élisabeth Bégon, born in 1696, was a remarkable writer whose correspondence offers a rare glimpse into the life of an elite colonial laywoman in New France. Between the years of 1748 and 1753, she penned letters that vividly described her daily experiences and observations during a transformative period in her life.

After leaving Canada in 1749, Bégon settled in Rochefort, France, where she continued to write to her son-in-law, Michel de Villebois de la Rouvillière. Her letters, which were primarily addressed to him, reflect the challenges and nuances of life in the colonies. Tragically, her last known letters were written after Michel's death in New Orleans, highlighting the slow pace of communication during that era.

In 1935, Bégon's extensive body of work, which includes letters, nine notebooks, and thirty-nine leaflets, was published under the title Lettres au cher fils. This collection is significant as it is one of the few known works authored by a French Canadian laywoman of her time, providing invaluable insights into the social and cultural dynamics of New France.

The original letters are preserved at the National Library and Archives of Quebec, serving as a testament to Bégon's unique voice and perspective in a predominantly male literary landscape.