Voltaire notes that his strongest desire was to be naturalised in England, and that the Royal Society, prompted by Folkes, have given him that great honour. He lists the English writes who have influenced him: Shakespeare, Addison, Dryden, and Pope, and adds that he also entered into the ‘temple of philosophy’ where he admired the ‘altar of Newton’. Voltaire states that he was so bold as to introduce Newton into France, but that in doing so he became not only a confessor to his faith but a martyr also. He then turns to press, bemoaning and satirising its restrictions, and noting that the Royal Society has rewarded him for his sufferings. He ends by paying his respect to the brethren of the Royal Society and stating his desire to cross the sea in order to give them his ‘hearty thanks’.

The Royal Society dates the letter to 29 November 1743, however Besterman instead gives the date as 25 November 1743.

Voltaire notes that his strongest desire was to be naturalised in England, and that the Royal Society, prompted by Folkes, have given him that great honour. He lists the English writes who have influenced him: Shakespeare, Addison, Dryden, and Pope, and adds that he also entered into the ‘temple of philosophy’ where he admired the ‘altar of Newton’. Voltaire states that he was so bold as to introduce Newton into France, but that in doing so he became not only a confessor to his faith but a martyr also. He then turns to press, bemoaning and satirising its restrictions, and noting that the Royal Society has rewarded him for his sufferings. He ends by paying his respect to the brethren of the Royal Society and stating his desire to cross the sea in order to give them his ‘hearty thanks’.

The Royal Society dates the letter to 29 March 1743, however Besterman instead gives the date as 25 November 1743. As Voltaire was elected on 3 November 1743, we have followed Besterman’s dating here.

Voltaire’s candidature was supported by six individuals between 1 April and 10 October 1743. His supporters were:

• George Parker, 2nd Earl of Macclesfield
• James Jurin
• Martin Folkes
• Shallett Turner
• William Jones
• James Bradley

His election was confirmed by Charles Lennox, 2nd Duke of Richmond and Aubigny on 3 November that year.

Voltaire thanks the recipient for acquainting him with a letter that he wrote to Frederick II of Prussia. He states that it has been two years since he wrote to Frederick, and adds that as their relationship caused much comment it is not unreasonable to assume that the letter is from him. Voltaire notes that everyone in Geneva has advised him to repudiate the letter in the public papers. He asks the recipient to allow him to send him a letter on this matter that he sent to the Duke of Grafton. He concludes by musing on the English press, noting that the liberty of the press is extended a little too far.

Byron discusses various literary works and corrects a series of errors he feels Goethe has made, adding that he regrets if Goethe is upset by the hasty and unjust judgements of English critics, about which he notes that he himself complained. He then offers his appreciation of Goethe’s works, and mentions Voltaire, Alexander Pope, and Jonathan Swift.

Frederick begins the letter with a discussion of England, France, and Prussia, and the political situation between them. He adds that he plans to attend the congress at Augsburg, but concedes that he has no faith in it. Frederick then turns to Voltaire’s new work, adding that it does little to assuage his worries, and concludes the letter by providing an account of his ill health.

Frederick begins by saying that he hopes the marquis has a peaceful summer, before moving on to political matters. He discusses the negotiations between the French and the English, and criticises Voltaire for his desire to become rich.

The declaration was to be given by Richelieu in England at the time of the Jacobean expedition.

Voltaire opens by saying that the recipient makes his heart bleed with the news that the Duc de Bourgogne is near death, and that the Duc de Berry is afflicted with the same illness. He adds that he does not want to believe it because the news is too distressing. Voltaire then turns to political concerns, discussing the Congress of Breda and negotiations of peace with England. He ends by saying that he has read Spartacus, leant to him by Mr. Saurin, writing that it is not touching but contains some beautiful moments.

~With thanks to Rumi Kitahara for her assistance in identifying this manuscript.

Voltaire discusses Molière and Shakespeare. Voltaire writes that everything that de Champfort has written about Molière is worthy of him and the fine century in which he lived. He notes that de Champfort has rightly shown the injustices that were shown towards this ‘philosopher of the theatre’ and that de Champfort has skilfully passed over the obstinancy with which a débauché refused to bury a wise man. He adds that Archbishop Chamvalon dies soon after Molière and was buried pompously to the sound of bells and with beautiful ceremonies but that Louis XIV had great difficulty in preventing Molière’s body being thrown in the garbage. He notes that there was a comparable English scenario a hundred years before whereby the English constructed a magnificent monument in Stratford to Shakespeare, who Voltaire denigrates as being incomparable to Molière in both art and manners. He says that games in honour of Shakespeare have just been established in England and celebrated with extreme magnificence, with there being tables to seat a thousand people. Voltaire complains that genius is not encouraged in France with such profusion, noting that those that have sought to enlighten France have been greeted with persecution. He makes brief mention of Martin Fréron and Pierre Corneille before thanking de Champfort for sending him his work and concluding that it deserved the prize it had won. The letter is addressed to Mr. Renard, bookseller at the palace, for him to give to de Champfort.