Autograph letter from Voltaire to Frederick II of Prussia, dated [29 January 1775] [D19889].
Identifiers
CMV:
CMV36694
Repository:
Shelfmark:
5-240 (VII, f.52), ‘Au roi de Prusse, 29 janvier 1775 (M. 9630)’
Title:
Autograph letter from Voltaire to Frederick II of Prussia, dated [29 January 1775] [D19889].
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Related record(s):
No related manuscripts found.
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Content
People:
Incipit Diplomatic:
Sire, Je reçois dans ce moment la lettre charmante dont Votre M.. m’honore du 2 décembre.
Incipit Modernised:
Seigneur, Je reçois dans ce moment la lettre charmante dont Votre M.. m’honore du 2 décembre.
Language(s):
In Voltaire’s Hand:
Yes
Brief Summary:
Autograph letter from Voltaire to Frederick II of Prussia, written from château de Ferney and dated [29 January 1775].
Detailed Summary:
The author expresses deep gratitude for a recent letter from the sovereign, which revitalised him and eased his suffering. He playfully critiques the genealogy of the Chinese emperor Kienlong and discusses the origins of Christianity, linking it to ancient Indian religion. The author also praises the sovereign’s agricultural achievements and compares him favorably to Apollo, noting his talents in various fields. Finally, he mentions his declining health and the challenges of managing his marquisate, emphasizing his enduring loyalty and respect for the sovereign. Additionally, according to T. D. N. Besterman, the date certainly is 1776.
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Physical Description
Material(s):
Extent:
1 f.
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Dimensions:
Hands:
1
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Binding:
The manuscript is bound with other documents in contemporary red morocco.
Additional Comments:
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History
Date:
[29 January 1775]
Ownership:
Origin (transcript):
Origin:
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Bibliography
Bibliography:
Fernand Caussy, Inventaire des manuscrits de la bibliothèque de Voltaire conservée à la bibliothèque impériale publique de Saint-Pétersbourg (Geneva, Slatkine reprints, 1970)
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