Letter from Voltaire to Jean-Baptiste-Louis-Georges Séroux d’Agincourt, written from château de Ferney and dated 17 December 1770 [D16839]
Identifiers
CMV:
CMV36729
Repository:
Shelfmark:
5-240 (VII, f.105), ‘A M. d’Agincourt, fermier général, 17 décembre 1770 (M. 8127)’
Title:
Letter from Voltaire to Jean-Baptiste-Louis-Georges Séroux d’Agincourt, written from château de Ferney and dated 17 December 1770 [D16839]
Collection(s):
Related record(s):
No related manuscripts found.
Link to Archive Catalogue:
Link to Digital Resource:
OCLC Number:
Reproductions:
The Besterman Collection, Geneva, photocopy
Content
People:
Incipit Diplomatic:
Non, Monsieur, je ne suis point assurément de l’avis des sots et des ignorants qui pensent que les chevaliers romains, chargés du recouvrement des impôts publics, n’étaient pas des citoiens nécessaires et estimables.
Incipit Modernised:
Non, Monsieur, je ne suis point assurément de l’avis des sots et des ignorants qui pensent que les chevaliers romains, chargés du recouvrement des impôts publics, n’étaient pas des citoyens nécessaires et estimables.
Language(s):
In Voltaire’s Hand:
No
Brief Summary:
Letter from Voltaire to Jean-Baptiste-Louis-Georges Séroux d’Agincourt, written from château de Ferney and dated 17 December 1770.
Detailed Summary:
In this correspondence, the writer addresses misconceptions about Roman tax collectors, arguing that, contrary to some beliefs, they were both essential and esteemed citizens. They express satisfaction with the generosity of tax farmers, particularly in supporting a new colony, and highlight bureaucratic challenges faced by the settlers. The writer also praises Monsieur le Duc de Choiseul’s potential contributions to the kingdom and contrasts historical figures Newton and Locke with contemporary political scenarios, emphasising the need for peace and rational diplomacy. The letter concludes with respect and gratitude towards the recipient, comparing them favourably to historical figures.
Keyword(s):
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Physical Description
Material(s):
Extent:
1 f.
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 manuscript carries a few autograph additions.
Marginalia Keywords:
Inclusions:
History
Date:
17 December 1770
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:
121, p. 140–141
OCV Manuscript Reference:
121, ‘MS1’, p. 141
Record created by:
Record created on: