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Catherine notes that she has learned that Marie-Louise is going to give her her uncle’s library. She adds that sensitive souls will never see Voltaire’s library without remembering that he knew how to inspire in people a universal benevolence that also comes across strongly in his writings. Voltaire’s library would be sold to Catherine II a month later, with Marie-Louise receiving a payment of 135,000 lt in return in December.

The letter is accompanied by a draft of Marie-Louise Dénis’ reply, and a concerned letter from Alexandre d’Hornoy who writes to the Chevalier de Florian to express his dismay at Marie’s actions, asking de Florian to intercede on his behalf and make Catherine aware of the deep family divisions that the sale of Voltaire’s library has caused. d’Hornoy’s letter was written from Paris and is dated 9 August 1778.

Repository: Private Collection
Date: 15 October 1778
CMV: cmv37429

Du Châtelet begins telling d’Argental of a letter in which it was stated that Voltaire would have been arrested a long time ago had it not been for her family’s good reputation. She notes that her protection of him is not infallible and discusses her concerns that it was a member of her family who informed the ministry, likely the Marquis de Breteuil. She questions whether or not she should move to Paris, and asks for d’Argental’s advice.

Repository: The Morgan Library & Museum, New York, US
CMV: cmv35265

The letter relates to family affairs. Nathaniel tells his mother that his sister Louisa is content and pleased to attend a dance school, and that he has learned to swim. He mentions his uncles, and notes that he wishes his older sister, Elizabeth, would write to him. A list of Voltaire’s works has been added to the verso of the letter, presumably in his mother’s hand.

Repository: The Morgan Library & Museum, New York, US
CMV: cmv35271

Jacobi says that Goethe, like Voltaire and Sophocles, writes his best works between the seventieth and eightieth years. He adds that he borrowed Goethe’s biography from a passing traveler, as the Munich booksellers could not yet get it. He then provides a report on friends and family before going on to discuss Goethe’s writings.

Repository: Klassik Stiftung Weimar
CMV: cmv35312