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.

Voltaire begins with a discussion of suicide, before turning to the health of his recipient and himself. He notes that the marquise has lost two eyes but has retained friends, wit, imagination, and a good stomach. He, on the other hand, is much older, can’t digets, is going deaf, and is being made blind by the snows of Mont Jura. Voltaire adds that he can neither stay in nor leave Ferney, noting that he has wanted to found a colony there and establish two fine watch factories. He then discusses his financial woes, concluding that he will not kill himself and noting that philosophy is good for something- it consoles. He then discusses his desire to please the recipient’s grandmother and her husband and die as their vassal. He briefly remarks on the visits of Mr. Seguier and Mr. d’Alembert before bidding the marquise farewell.