In this letter, the writer conveys admiration for Monsieur’s extensive and intricate work in astronomy, particularly in the study of comets and their interactions with planetary bodies. They contrast Monsieur’s impressive achievements with their own less successful attempts at scientific and literary pursuits, expressing frustration at past injustices and current trivialities in the literary world. Despite these challenges, the writer finds solace in practical work on their estate, highlighting a preference for the tangible results of agriculture over the often unrewarding efforts in literature. The letter concludes with a respectful acknowledgment of Monsieur’s contributions and a personal reflection on the rewards of practical endeavour over intellectual ambition. According to T. D. N. Besterman, ‘Caussy, p. 33, is mistaken when he says that MS1 is dated ’27 avril 1759”.

The writer apologises for his delayed response, attributing it to a prolonged illness. He expresses admiration for the recipient’s poem on agriculture, praising its successful union of usefulness and pleasure, while offering reservations about the adoption of certain agricultural methods it describes. He also clarifies misconceptions arising from his earlier remarks on French Georgics and reaffirms the value of poetry, while commending both the recipient’s work and that of Mr de Saint-Lambert.

The writer praises the recipient’s book as eloquent, profound, and valuable, particularly noting its insights on the benefits of free trade for national prosperity. He agrees with the idea that agriculture must be encouraged alongside trade and expresses concern about France’s labour shortages despite its large population. He suggests that addressing the issue of mendicants and supporting agricultural reforms might enhance productivity.

Notes from 1833 refer to article by Mr Everett on Tocqueville’s work on American penal system and articles from North American Review comparing prison regimes. Discusses in detail experiments by Mr Lawes in using sewerage as fertilizer to increase crop production; refers to letter in family’s possession from Voltaire to Samuel Estwick which has been dated by Macaulay and compared with Voltaire’s writing; letter copied on f 11v; refers to price of land at sales; includes notes in French on Thiers’ ‘Historie de l’Empire Vol 8’ from 1853; refers to trustees and arrangements for family trusts. Comments on parliamentary affairs during sessions of 1850-51 including vote on Greek Question 1850; refers to case in Court of Common Pleas; discusses workings of specific committees including those on gevernment finances; refers to resignation and reappointment of Government.

Os D 12/1/1 found enclosed.