Letter from Voltaire to Daniel Marc Antoine Chardon, written from Ferney and dated 19 February 1768 [D14765]
Identifiers
CMV:
CMV36720
Repository:
Shelfmark:
5-240 (VII, f.91), ‘‘A M. Chardon, maître des requêtes, 28 février 1768’ (M. 7186)’
Title:
Letter from Voltaire to Daniel Marc Antoine Chardon, written from Ferney and dated 19 February 1768 [D14765]
Collection(s):
Related record(s):
No related manuscripts found.
Link to Archive Catalogue:
Link to Digital Resource:
OCLC Number:
Reproductions:
The Besterman Collection, Geneva
Content
People:
Incipit Diplomatic:
Monsieur, Cicéron et Démosthène à qui vous ressemblez plus qu’au maréchal de Villeroi, n’ont pas gagné toutes leurs causes.
Incipit Modernised:
Monsieur, Cicéron et Démosthène à qui vous ressemblez plus qu’au maréchal de Villeroi, n’ont pas gagné toutes leurs causes.
Language(s):
In Voltaire’s Hand:
Partly
Brief Summary:
Letter from Voltaire to Daniel Marc Antoine Chardon, written from château de Ferney and dated 19 February 1768.
Detailed Summary:
The writer acknowledges that even the greatest orators, like Cicero and Demosthenes, did not always win their cases, and expresses disappointment that form often overshadows substance in legal matters. He notes the plight of Sirven, who, despite receiving support, cannot present his case in Toulouse due to legal restrictions, leading to a bleak future for his family. The writer reflects on the futility of historical conflicts and expresses deep personal gratitude and respect, acknowledging his own declining health.
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Physical Description
Material(s):
Extent:
1 f.
Format:
Dimensions:
Hands:
Watermark:
Countermark:
Binding:
The manuscript is bound with other documents in contemporary red morocco.
Additional Comments:
Materiality Keywords:
Decorations:
Additions:
Voltaire endorsed MS2 ‘à mr Chardon, maître des requêtes, 20 février 1768’.
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History
Date:
19 February 1768
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:
118, p. 119–120
OCV Manuscript Reference:
118, ‘MS2’, p. 120
Record created by:
Record created on: