Voltaire opens by saying that the recipients would not believe how impressed he was at the letter they were willing to write to him dated 2nd December [D20936], adding that they restored his life. Voltaire presents his gratitude to His Serene Highness as well as the council and notes that he is counting on their kindness for the few days that remain of his life.  He concludes by saying that he will live and die filled with the deepest gratitude for them.