The writer describes their current life and medical situation with a blend of humour and resignation. They express frustration with the local medical professionals and bureaucratic hurdles while making light of their own ailments and the absurdities of their treatment. The writer also discusses cultural observations, such as the popularity of certain culinary trends and literature, and expresses regret over not being able to visit certain places. Despite their difficulties, they value the ongoing friendship with the recipient and offer a philosophical reflection on the nature of existence and the importance of friendship.

The writer discusses their varied experiences, including hosting numerous guests and undertaking grand projects, which have led to a sense of disillusionment and a return to a simpler, more reflective life. Despite past grandeur and significant expenditure, they now find solace in philosophical contemplation and value the ongoing friendship with the recipient. The writer notes the challenges faced due to age, illness, and the harsh environment, contrasting their own situation with the recipient’s need for the vibrancy of Paris. They express deep gratitude and affection for the recipient, amidst a backdrop of personal and financial struggles.

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.

Voltaire thanks Villette for publically acknowledging their friendship. He then praises Jean-François de La Harpe and his wife who are living with him at Ferney, noting that they are talented individuals.

The manuscript is an autograph letter that attests to a more frequent future correspondence with Voltaire after his loss of two good friends, presumably mme de Feriol, who died on the 2nd, and Maisons, to whose death Voltaire refers in D1006. The letter carries the references to Chubb and Voltaire’s Métaphysique (Questions sur l’Encyclopédie). According to T. D. N. Besterman, Caussy was in the wrong when he suggested that the manuscript carries the phrase ‘On the back of MS1 is a copy of some verses by Bernard’.

The manuscript is an autograph letter written in response to D16563. Dorat reflects on the badly intentioned individuals adamant to antagonise Dorat and Voltaire, with their efforts proving fruitless. The manuscript is accompanied by Dorat’s epistle dedicated to Diderot. On the 19th mme Gallatin wrote to Frederick of Hesse-Cassel ‘Nôtre ami [Voltaire] se porte bien, il m’envoya tout de suitte des plantes de Légumes pour rétablir mon jardin [after its destruction by the storm]. Pour des fruits malgré L’envie que j’aurois d’en manger il faut m’en passer, il n’en reste nulle part.’ Nôtre ami m’a chargé de vous présenter son profond respect. Mon marie et mes filles prie Vôtre Altesse Sérénissime de recevoir les leurs. Vous recevrez incessamment les deux premiers Tomes de L’anciclopédie, vous les aurez 15 jours avant personnes au monde (h*, Marburt). Enclosed with the first volume, received 9 January 1771, was the following note ‘Son Altesse Sérénissime est priée instamment que ce Livre ne sorte pas de ses mains pendant 3 semaines ou un mois. Je n’ay pas pûs L’avoir sans cette condition, La chose étant de la plus grande importance pour notre ami. Je ferois partir les 2 autres volumes successivement dans peu de jours. Mille respects’ (h*, Marburg).

The manuscript is signed original in Marie François L’Huillier d’Orville de Marigny’s hand. According to T. D. N. Besterman, the folios are numbered 402-403. In the letter, the author politely expresses his discontent and upset over Voltaire’s lack of communication, opting to blame the inefficient postal service of the day rather than Voltaire’s intentional disinterest. Throughout the letter, the correspondent recounts his travels, the times of ill health, and the war of 1744, incessantly praising the virtues of friendship. Marigny ends the letter expressing his gratitude for the portrait gifted to him by Voltaire in 1751, bearing an inscription ‘Amico De Marigny, amicus of Voltaire’. Additionally, the author adds his ode to the portrait – the 8-line verse, with the rhyme scheme ABAB CDCD.

Voltaire begins by saying that his friendship with Helvétius is so well known that everybody resorts to him in order to obtain Helvétius’ benevolence. He notes that he cannot deny a letter of recommendation but does not wish to prey on Helvétius. He asks that Helvétius write to some of those who wish to hear from him. Voltaire ends by saying that he longs after the pleasure of seeing him at Chalons.

The letter has been translated into French by an unknown individual on the reverse.

Voltaire begins by saying that his greatest pain is to receive no news from Thiériot, adding that several of his friends are talking to the Chancellor and everyone serves him [Voltaire] except for Thiériot. Voltaire adds that he does not even know whether or not Thiériot sent a copy of the libel, which Voltaire claims is more against Thiériot than himself, to the prince.

Voltaire notes that he does not know why Mr. Marquis du Châtelet wanted to write to Thiériot (a reference to D1762) and Mr. de la Popliniere. He adds that such a letter was not necessary, but Monsieur and Madame du Châtelet are such lively and respectable friends, that they prefer to do too much than too little. He also makes reference to a letter from Madame de Berniere (D1759), noting that everyone did their duty. He argues that his friendship with Thiériot assures him that Thiériot’s letter will supersede all of the aforementioned correspondence, but concedes that it is 15 January and he is yet to hear from him.

Voltaire then provides Thiériot with the opening lines of a letter he received from Charles Porée on 4 January 1739 [D1741]. In these lines, Porée remarks that he would not forgive himself if he had been cowardly enough and treacherous enough to ever betray in public or in particular the feelings of respect, esteem and friendship that he has for Voltaire.

Voltaire ends the letter by saying that this is how friends behave, adding that he is sure Thiériot’s heart does not need an example and that he looks forward to hearing from him.