My opinion on shipping historical figures (dead since the 19th century or longer) is that it’s different from shipping real or recently deceased people, but it should be done only with strong evidence and that you shouldn’t romanticise the figures or view them as only their relationship with that character. Also when it comes to creating content for historical pairings you should always tread lightly and consider the facts
Ship free or die!
I regret that I have but one ship to give to my fandom.
We must all ship together, or assuredly, we shall all ship separately.
Give me my ship or give me death.
I have not begun to ship.
Don’t ship unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here.
“I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm’s way.”