Beman thanks Caldwell for going to the trouble of sourcing books from him. He discusses various editions that he has printed, including:

• A volume of Voltaire’s works
• Morany’s Dictionary
• Boyle’s Dictionary
• Works by Vallance
• Buffon’s Historia Naturello das Orseaux
• Works by Abbe Winckelman

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.

Voltaire writes that Marie-Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise Du Deffand’s memory and kindness give him many regrets, adding that he is like an enchanted knight reminded of their country in the Palace of Alcine. Voltaire then discusses his leaving Paris, noting that his life now is happy as he free to think, write, and say what he pleases in Potsdam. He adds that he is fortunate to eat strawberries, peaches, grapes, and pineapples in January. Voltaire then notes that he misses du Deffand, d’Alembert, and President Henaut, and asks du Deffand not to show this letter to anyone but the two aforementioned men. He briefly discusses the opinions of the Sorbonne towards Buffon.

Pigalle requests that he be excempt from payment of his annual dues. He reminds the council of his previous gift of the bust of Louis-Philippe, and his restoration work on the busts of Corneille, Voltaire, Lavoisier, and Buddon.