Voltaire writes that it is forbidden to pass in front of the house of Mr and Me Galatin along the small path leading to Geneva with either stone or wooden carts. He adds that the first time that this prohibition is contravened, the carts will be seized, and the offenders will be fined at the Château de Ferney.

Voltaire discusses the article ‘Mânne’ for the Encyclopédie. He notes that the article seems quite good to him, and that the philosophs and the curious can be happy with it. Voltaire notes, however, that a good apothecary would have said more and demonstrated the superiority of ‘mânne grasse’ over ‘mânne maigre’.

He then goes on to say that he is very happy to be in Lausanne when d’Alemberts theologian is in Geneva. He remarks upon d’Alembert’s saying that he might see the lake again this winter, noting that he should come and bring Diderot with him so that they may play his Les Fils naturel.

Voltaire ends by asking d’Alembert to tell Madame Du Deffand that he is thinking of her even though he does not write, and to pass on his compliments to President Henault.

Provost Goodall recounts his journey through France, beginning with a description of Dijon. He remarks upon his arrival in Geneva and includes a description of a visit to Ferney during which time he viewed Voltaire’s rooms.

Many of the works were written by Adolphe de Circourt.

Voltaire thanks Panckoucke for a translation of his poem titled ‘Lucretia’, and for a delivery of books which included a five-volume set of works by Buffon. Voltaire remarks upon the difficulties of transporting items to Geneva from Lyon, and reminisces about a previous visit Panckoucke paid to Ferney.

The manuscript is an autograph letter written in the hand of an anonymous author. It recounts Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s conclusion of his retreat in Geneva, undertaken in response to a perceived conspiracy orchestrated by David Hume. The letter describes Rousseau’s correspondence with various chancellors, from whom he seeks guidance and protection, as well as a letter sent from Dover to Mr. Louvray requesting permission to relocate to a free country.

MS1 is endorsed ‘Copie’, which is consistent with its appearance. However, the presence of a conjugate address suggests that the letter was originally directed to another recipient, and that this copy was instead sent to Voltaire. In line 7 of MS1, a word appears to be missing: ‘semaines’, following ‘Quelques’.

The recueil contains a contemporary copy of a letter from Voltaire to Turgot, written from Ferney and dated 18 May [1776]. In the letter, Voltaire discusses Turgot’s governance and notes that Mr de Trudaine claims that in Geneva, Switzerland, Franchecomté, and all along the Lion Road people are convinced that they have lost their father.

Friedrich III, Fürst zu Salm-Kyrburg requests an audience with Voltaire whilst he is in Geneva.

The writer thanks the lady for sending him the English Charles V but says he can barely read it, as his eyesight fails during the snowy months. Though he regrets remaining in his cold solitude, he finds it too troublesome to move at his age.

He apologises for writing late, explaining that recent unrest in Geneva has distracted him – people have been shot in the streets, including an eighty-year-old man and even a pregnant woman, which he finds shocking.

He (jokingly?) reveals that he has been made a Capuchin monk, thanks to her grandmother and Saint Cucufin, and that he holds both spiritual and temporal authority over the Capuchins of Gex. Despite these ‘honours”’, he insists his character is unchanged and remains devoted to her.

The writer also refers to Jerusale Delivered by Torquato Tasso, which he has been asked to translate.

The writer expresses profound gratitude for the comforting letter and verses he received. He recounts a painful encounter with Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who, through manipulation and deceit, stirred public opposition against him in Geneva, resulting in both financial loss and personal distress. The writer highlights Rousseau’s hypocrisy and ingratitude, contrasting it with his own steadfast commitment to literary and personal integrity. He concludes by affirming his admiration for the recipient’s military and literary achievements, pledging enduring esteem and unwavering support.