Algarotti begins by stating that it has been two months since he last heard from Vannucchi, adding that he is waiting for more sonnets from this great philosopher and poet. He then notes that he will be going to Potsdam the following day to meet with Frederick II of Prussia and present him with some of his verses as Frederick had stated that Vannucchi’s muse was ‘quasi celeste’. Algarotti then turns to Voltaire and Samuel Formey, remarking that the both share his enthusiasm for th translations of the Iliad produced by Paolo Brazzolo, before going on to discuss Frederick’s moods and literary interests. He ends with a mention of his friend, Scipione Maffei. In a postscript appended to the letter, Algarotti sends greetings from Voltaire and thanks Vannucchi for his learned essay on dreams and appatitions.

Louisa Ulrica writes that she is informing Voltaire of the strangest adventure of her life. She notes that whilst withdrawn in her solitude in the time that Morpheus sows his poppies, she had a soft and quiet sleep, and had a ‘charming’ dream. In the dream, Apollo, followed by the nine Sisters came into view and Apollo told Louisa Ulrica that he had heard that she had received verses from his favourite and that a puny prose was all that she could answer. Such a response was offensive, and Apollo has come to offer forgiveness from the Gods by writing better verse. She then writes out the verse which praises Voltaire and the positive effect he had on Berlin during his visit.