The writer recalls previous correspondence with the recipient regarding a work on the Italian language and informs them of a recent publication in Amsterdam that has misrepresented his letters, particularly one dated January 24, 1761. This publication contains serious distortions, including defamatory remarks about a respected general and falsified excerpts from the writer’s original letter. The writer requests the recipient’s assistance in affirming the inaccuracies and falsehoods in this publication, highlighting the potential harm to both his own reputation and that of the general. He expresses his deep gratitude for any support in clarifying these issues and maintaining the truth.

The statement was prepared by Voltaire for Vernet to sign. The statement notes that Vernet disapproves of an anonymous brochure titled Guerre Littéraire, copies of which were seized by the Messieurs les Scorlarques. It is added that he is especially very angry to see his name featured in the brochure in several places. The statement concludes with a declaration that the brochure is false as he has never had the slightest problem with Voltaire, his neighbour, for whom he has the greatest respects, and from whom he has received only politeness.

De Lacretelle writes that he has just read an articel in the Journal des Débats written by a ‘wide-awake muse’. He adds that he likes the generous anger against the defamers of Voltaire and says that he enjoys seeing that there is still a brilliant and passionate defender of ‘this poor 18th century which Barbarians have drowned in blood and which other Barbarians want to bury in mud.’ He concedes that he is far from being comparable to Voltaire and Diderot and that there is an old quarrel between himself and Jules Janin. De Lacretelle continues by saying that Diderot has created a dreadful word which surpasses in cynicism and atrocity what language and ‘the revolutionary reign’ have produced. He concludes by saying that he would like to have the recipient as a secon in the ‘little war’ attempted in the name of deepest friendship.