The MS copy takes into account the variants introduced in the 1741 London edition of the text. The MS also contains an Italian translation of Morale di principidi Giambatta Commazzi.

Johannes Düren was a book printer from Hagae Comitum, Frankfurt and Leipzig.

De Missy writes that he received two examples of Voltaire’s Anti-Machiavel six months ago, one by the post, and the other was left at his house for him when he was not there. He notes that he flatters himself to think that one of the copies came from Voltaire as he recognised his arms on the seal of the envelope and believes he is unworthy of this favour despite having taken a keen interest in Voltaire’s concerns. He goes on to add that two words written in Voltaire’s hand on the title page made it impossible for him to doubt that it was Voltaire who had sent him the copy. He acknowledges that it has taken him too long to reply with his thanks, noting that he is aware of how precious time is to Voltaire and regrets the time he will lose in reading his letter. De Missy then remarks on his desire to be a correspondent of Voltaire’s, though he acknowledges that he has little to offer him. The letter then turns to what De Missy has done with Voltaire’s gift. He claims that he planned to make an extract of it for the British Library. Having transcribed the extract in haste, he intended to publish it as a volume at Christmas (though the volume was delayed longer than this and he regrets the errors that slipped into the extract as a consequence of his initial speed). He notes that he hopes Voltaire will approve of the edition, if only for the zeal with which he produced it.

Voltaire writes that César de Missy will no doubt accuse him of laziness, but he has been unwell and forced to take the water which has interrupted his business for some time. He writes that as a citizen of the world he takes great interest in the maxims of antimachiavellianism, but so few share his interest that he had abandonned his work entirely. He adds that he published it hoping to do some good, but only prduced money for booksellers. Voltaire sends his best to Monsieur de Nency and asks how he can get hold of nova reperta et antiqua deperdita printed recently in London with notes. He discusses his Lettres philosophiques and comments on their flaws, suggesting that they were turned upside down and truncated. He then notes that he lives in a barren country for literature as foreign newspapers are forbidden and only almanacs are printed there, remarking that the Univerdity of Louvain does not yet know of Sir Isaac Newton. He adds that Émilie du Châtelet is the only philosopher in Brabant, and that it is a pity that she prefers Leibnitz to Newton.

De Missy begins by saying that his impatience does not allow him to let Mr. Gravelot leave from Paris without taking the opportunity to write to Voltaire. He discusses his failure to secure a publishing deal for an English version of Voltaire’s works, but adds that despite his failings he should like to receive a short word of comfort from Voltaire. He acknowledges his failings and says that he no longer desires condemnation but rather mercy. De Missy says that he recently saw an advertisement for an English Translation of Voltaire’s l’Anti-Machiavel, and asks if Voltaire has acquired the universal history he had told him about, adding that he is mortified that the bookseller that promised him he would send one to Voltaire broke their agreement.