Voltaire begins by saying that he is staying at Condrieux. He flatters Servan and asks after his health, before going on to complain about his exile from Paris. Voltaire then asks Servan for advice on which books to read to gain an understanding of the laws of modern governments such as Denmark and Sweden, rather than those of past governments such as Rome and Sparta.

Wagnière notes that the captain of the naval regiment was hanged in Bordeaux, the Prince of Condé was assassinated, and the Cardinal’s library was sold. He then notes that in May, the exiled princess remained in Paris and presented a request to parliament in April 1650. He concludes by noting that Cardinal Mazarin was called a rascal in Parliament in 1650.

Voltaire opens by saying that when he asked Marie-Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise Du Deffand to urge her friends to speak to Maurepas, it was not for fear that it would do him harm. He turns to the recent appearance of some scandalous letters, asking if the duchesse du Maine is angry that he put Newton above Descartes, or if the duchesse de Villars will react badly to his treatment of her innate ideas as chimeras. He then turns to the Jansenists, whom he says want him to burn for certain of his theological ideas that he published whilst in London. He adds that his English publisher found him very moderate. He goes on to say that he had thought to leave France forever when he gave Tiriot permission two years ago to print this work, and that he has since changed his mind, adding that it is unfortunate that the letters appear in France when he most wants to stay there. He concludes by saying that he does not know if he will return to France. He asks her to send any letters for him to Paris opposite St Gervais as they will find him, asking that she marks her letter (for example with ‘DD’) so that he can easily identify which letters come from her.

Lord Hervey begins by thanking Voltaire for the copy of d’Alzire that he had sent him, noting that he very much approves of the preface, found ‘l’Epitre à madame de Chatelet’ incomparable, and the tragedy itself the most beautiful of all Voltaire’s works. He writes that the subject is new and without the slightest absurdity, noting that there is a lot in the characters that an audience is unaccustomed to yet nothing that shocks. He then discusses Mr. Algarotti, who has been tasked with sending the letter to Voltaire, praising his vivacity, good taste, and accuracy of mind. Lord Hervey then returns to d’Alzire, noting that the Queen had read the tragedy before Voltaire had sent him a copy, but that her edition lacked the Epitre. He adds that the Queen approved of the play but felt herself deserving of the praises given to Madame du Chatelet. He then writes that he is glad to hear that Voltaire has obtained permission to return to Paris, but warns him against doing anything that would attract a third exile.