In this letter, Voltaire thanks the captain for sending a copy of a charming letter from a lady known as “petite mère” and reflects on the value of such correspondence. He expresses frustration over the misplacement of a valuable work and laments being misunderstood for his foreign views and political critiques. He comments briefly on several literary and political figures, mixing criticism with resignation, and asks for a little more time to live despite his age.

The writer says that sending new works to the recipient, a leading figure in literature, seems unnecessary, since his letters already surpass most contemporary books. Still, given the unsettled state of Europe, he feels justified in offering a modest critique of prevailing thought, hoping that the recipient may find some value in it.

The collection includes: XII, 227. Bevos, to Benjamin Franklin, 1778 December 21. A.L.S. 1p. Paris. Had the pleasure of sitting between Franklin and the poet Rocher at dinner, the day they celebrated the Apotheosis of Voltaire. Is deputed by the Chamber of Commerce, at Languedoc, to ascertain the products of the United States; desires an audience for this purpose. (In French.)
IX, 51. Dupont, to Benjamin Franklin, 1778 April 16. A.L.S. 3p. Colmar. Has not the honour of being known to Franklin, but M. Voltaire, the genius of France, is an old friend of his father and M. Gérard knows his family well; desires to enter the American army. (In French.)
LXII, 107. Desrivières, Ferdinand. to Benjamin Franklin, 1778 April 22. A.L.S. 4p. Paris. He tells of his offer to go to Canada with three or four hundred men; of his literary efforts and Voltaire’s criticism of them; asks to enter the American service. (In French.)
LI, 85. Unidentified, to Benjamin Franklin, [1778 June]. Verses. 1p. Lines on the refusal by the Church authorities to hold a religious service over Voltaire’s remains. (In French.)
XII, 127. Bérenger, M. (Jean-Pierre), 1740-1807 to Benjamin Franklin, 1778 November 12. A.L.S. 2p. Lausanne. Desire of five young Genevese to settle in America; requests Franklin to aid them in this project, though they are provided for in a pecuniary way; considers the feasibility of establishing a Genovese clock and watch factory at Boston or Philadelphia. Hopes his opinion of the “Histoire de Genève” will coincide with Voltaire’s which he quotes. (In French.)

Jean Frédéric Phélypeaux, comte de Maurepas writes that he is sending a letter that he has just received from Voltaire, which contains a matter about which Maurepas believes he should consult with Feydeau. He adds that Voltaire talks about libellous writings, noting that he knows enough of Voltaire’s sensitivity to criticism and his fear of pamphlets to suspect that these libels concern Voltaire more than any writer, and that Voltaire will want them suppressed. He asks Feydeau to return Voltaire’s letter to him.

Rousseau comments on matrimony (Vernes is about to marry) and sends Vernes his good wishes. He writes that he hopes to see a copy of the Genevan edition of his article, ‘Economie politique’ from the ‘Encyclopédie’, promoted by Vernes, and adds that Voltaire has not written to acknowledge Rousseau’s ‘Lettre à d’Alembert’. Roussea goes on to say that Tronchin’s letter contained judicious criticisms of his work, and that he has not forgotten Vernes’ request but has little time for writing due to poor health and has to both reply to thousands of letters and entertain visitors. He notes that he hopes to send Vernes his text, ‘De l’imitation théâtrale’, soon.