The manuscript is an autograph letter discussing erudition, Enlightenment, and religion. It refrences Le philosophe ignorant, Voltaire’s Henriade, Excellent Commentaire sur Les délits et peines, and les Scithes.

The MS speaks of Voltaire’s relationship to religion and his role within the Enlightenment.

The MS is a copy of original document: transcription by Jean-Louis Wagnière, Voltaire’s secretary. The writer expresses deep gratitude and surprise at the generosity of the monarch, as conveyed by Mr Dalembert, particularly regarding the honour of a statue, which the writer believes is more suited to a king than to a common citizen. He acknowledges the monarch’s exceptional efforts to spread enlightenment, demonstrate modesty, and bring happiness to his subjects. As he approaches the end of his life, he finds unexpected joy and honour in the recognition from such a distinguished ruler.

Voltaire writes that Leibniz was known in the universe by his works and was respected in his home country. He adds that Leibniz instructed kings and enlightened the wise, concluding that he knew how to doubt. A provenance note added to the MS states that the poem was written for Pierre Soubeyran who was tasked with engraving the portrait of Leibniz that the verse would accompany. This portrait first appeared in the Mercure de France in August 1748 (p.161), but was engraved by one Gilles Edme Petit rather than Soubeyran as the note suggests.

Voltaire writes that Chamfort has caught him at a moment when the sad state of his eyes leves him free to write. He notes that Chamfort speaks so well of his art that even if Voltaire had not seen such charming verses in la Jeune Indienne [a comedy written by Chamfort published on 30 April 1764, which Voltaire must have read in manuscript form] he would have been entitled to say that here is a young man who will write as they did a hundred years ago. Voltaire continues by saying that the nation only emerged from barbarism because there were three or four people who possessed genius and taste. Corneille, for example, wrote 200 verses, Boileau used an art unknown before him to put reason into verses, and Pascal and Bossuet changed the ‘welches’ into French. Voltaire notes, however, that de Chamfort seems convinced that the Crebillons and all those who have made tragedies as bad and verses as hard as his have changed French into welches. To this, he adds that the nation has taste by accident and so it is to be expected that a people who did not know the merit of Misatrope and Athalie will be ignorant and weak people who need to be led by the small number of enlightened men. He goes on to say that the likes of Freron do not fail to contribute to bringing back barbarism and misleading the tastes of young people who would reather read cheap books than buy more expensive good books, and who are often not in a condition to form a library. Voltaire quips that ‘loose leaves are the plague of literature.’ He concludes by saying that he looks forward to de Chamfort’s book as the subject is very touching and he knows how to successfully write touching verses.

Marie-Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise Du Deffand begins the letter by stating that she has neither Voltaire’s erudition, nor his clarity, but that her opinions are nevertheless in line with his. She then discusses shared public opinions, and states that if common prejudices were taken from people, they would have nothing left. The Marquise then turns to the question of faith, and states that faith is firmly believing in what you do not understand. She notes that for Voltaire the search for truth is a universal medicine, as it is for her, but that they differ in that Voltaire believes he has found it and she believes it cannot be found. Speaking of modern philosophers, the Marquise remarks that they have never been less philosophical or tolerant men who would crush all who do not bow before them. She concludes by turning to her correspondence with Voltaire, saying that his letters honour her infinitely but that she does not have the vanity to make them a trophy. She notes that she had once read a letter, which was then memorised and printed without her consent and so now keeps her letters from Voltaire private. She additionally remarks on the letter Voltaire sent to the president, which she says he was very happy with.

Voltaire writes that his dear friend Radamiste’s father has trimmed his nails a little but he still has enough left, for which he asks Moncrif to thank him. He adds that he expects to see Moncrif at the rehearsal tomorrow and that it will be good for them to have friends to silence the clever ones and enlighten the fools who would only see the resemblance to Houdard de La Motte’s Issé. If they can successfully navigate this pitfall, Voltaire writes, he thinks that they can count on a very great success. Voltaire concludes by writing that he thinks Moncrif will think about having ‘Mr le génie’ dress differently when he returns to the Alcidon.