Voltaire begins by saying that he wants to give Cicero to Henri Louis Cain, a.k.a. Lekain. He asks if d’Argental would be willing to come to his house to hear it that morning as Voltaire can’t go out. He ends by simply stating: ‘Please come’.

The manuscript is a draft of a letter praising Frederick II, especially his virtues of hospitality and kindness. Additionally, the author draws parallels between the potential for passionless love for God and that for mathematical truths.

The notes include quotations from Voltaire, Cicero’s De officiis, Justinian’s Digesten, and Arnobius’ Contra gentes/Adversus nationes. They were likely compiled by Gijsbert Jan van Hardenbroek (1719-1788)

Voltaire writes that he has the honour of being between Cicero and Caesar. He notes that they are people of Algarotti’s country that the recipient would do much better at talking to them than Voltaire who adds that they embarras him a lot. He ends by saying that as soon as the task is done well or badly, he will put himself in the ‘historical jumble’ and obey Algarotti’s orders.

Voltaire writes that Marie-Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise Du Deffand’s memory and kindness give him many regrets, adding that he is like an enchanted knight reminded of their country in the Palace of Alcine. Voltaire then discusses his leaving Paris, noting that his life now is happy as he free to think, write, and say what he pleases in Potsdam. He adds that he is fortunate to eat strawberries, peaches, grapes, and pineapples in January. Voltaire then notes that he misses du Deffand, d’Alembert, and President Henaut, and asks du Deffand not to show this letter to anyone but the two aforementioned men. He briefly discusses the opinions of the Sorbonne towards Buffon.