Letter from Voltaire to Frederick II of Prussia, written from Ferney and dated 6 January 1778 [D20973]
Identifiers
CMV:
CMV36707
Repository:
Shelfmark:
5-240 (VII, f.71-2), ‘Au roi de Prusse, 6 janvier 1778, à Ferney (M. 10135.)’
Title:
Letter from Voltaire to Frederick II of Prussia, written from Ferney and dated 6 January 1778 [D20973]
Collection(s):
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Reproductions:
Content
People:
Incipit Diplomatic:
Sire, grand homme, Que vous m’instruisez, que vous me consolez, que vous me fortifiez dans toutes mes idées au bout de ma carrière!
Incipit Modernised:
Seigneur, grand homme, Que vous m’instruisez, que vous me consolez, que vous me fortifiez dans toutes mes idées au bout de ma carrière!
Language(s):
In Voltaire’s Hand:
No
Brief Summary:
Letter from Voltaire to Frederick II of Prussia, written from château de Ferney and dated 6 January 1778.
Detailed Summary:
The writer expresses deep gratitude to the King for his guidance and support in his later years. He criticises the value of metaphysical and theological debates, asserting that true distinction comes from meaningful contributions like those of Archimedes and Newton, rather than from the mundane tasks of lesser scholars. He acknowledges that while literature and style hold real merit, history often falls short in accuracy. Finally, he reflects on his own financial dealings, praises the King’s example of humanity, and offers his humble thanks and admiration.
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Physical Description
Material(s):
Extent:
2 ff.
Format:
Dimensions:
Hands:
2
Watermark:
Countermark:
Binding:
The manuscript is bound with other documents in contemporary red morocco.
Additional Comments:
Materiality Keywords:
Decorations:
Additions:
The MS carries a few autograph additions.
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History
Date:
6 January 1778
Ownership:
After Voltaire’s death, the MS passed into the ownership of Catherine II and remained in the imperial and then national collection thereafter.
Origin (transcript):
Origin:
Provenance:
This MS was probably taken to St Petersburg by Wagnière in the summer of 1779 along with the rest of Voltaire’s library.
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)
OCV Reference:
129, p. 152–153
OCV Manuscript Reference:
129, p. 153
Record created by:
Record created on: