The writer expresses deep gratitude to the King for his guidance and support in his later years. He criticises the value of metaphysical and theological debates, asserting that true distinction arises from meaningful contributions—like those of Archimedes and Newton—rather than from the mundane efforts of lesser scholars. He acknowledges that, while literature and style possess genuine merit, history often falls short in terms of accuracy. Finally, he reflects on his own financial dealings, praises the King’s example of humanity, and offers his humble thanks and admiration.

The writer expresses profound gratitude for the monarch’s kindness and joins others in wishing for His Majesty’s well-being and happiness. Though he feels his voice may seem insignificant, he assures that his sentiments are heartfelt and sincere. He affirms that true virtue and goodness ultimately prevail, and offers his most sincere wishes for the monarch’s continued happiness and success.

The writer reports that the King of Prussia is inviting eighteen families of watchmakers from Geneva to relocate, offering them free accommodation and apprenticeships. He laments that these families, mostly of French origin, are leaving their homeland, but expresses hope that they will prosper in their new circumstances. He also expresses scepticism about rumours of a recent naval battle against the Turks and describes a visit by serfs belonging to the clergy of St Claude, who are reportedly mistreated.

In this letter, the writer expresses profound gratitude and humility for the kind words received from Monsieur in the July issue of Mercure, emphasising the value of such sincere expressions of friendship. The author also conveys disdain for the contemporary literary scene and its lack of appreciation for genuine talent, lamenting that only superficial works seem to gain favour. Additionally, the writer reflects on the unfortunate circumstances of Mr. de La Harpe and others of their time, while noting his relief at the dismissal of a deceitful legal case. The letter concludes with a request to retain Monsieur’s favour, which the writer finds deeply comforting.

The writer humbly apologises to a lady, calling himself unworthy of her and her grandmother’s kindness. He praises the grandmother’s generosity, which has extended even to helping his craftsmen, though he feels too ashamed to address her directly after past criticisms. He encloses an article on the soul, inviting the lady to burn it if she dislikes it, and jokes about his ignorance on the subject.

He recounts how he once defended nine impoverished Huguenots from the Jesuits, who had tried to seize their property, and expresses satisfaction at having thwarted them. One of these Huguenots now seeks a favour at Versailles, but the writer refuses to trouble the grandmother to intercede, feeling he has already abused her benevolence.

He gratefully acknowledges that all the pleasures of his later life stem from the lady’s introduction to her grandmother, whose friendship and conversation he deeply values. He ends with a tender, self-deprecating farewell, wishing to serve her until his last breath despite his inability to be of use.

The writer offers long-overdue thanks to the recipient, delayed by a prolonged illness. He praises the recipient’s work as a translator, particularly his translations of German poets, and humorously laments the longevity of biblical figures, suggesting a preference for more agreeable subjects. He further encourages the recipient to devote himself to his own writing rather than to the translation of tragedies, and expresses his regret at Madame Dalbertas’s departure from their region.

Voltaire opens by saying that the recipients would not believe how impressed he was at the letter they were willing to write to him dated 2nd December [D20936], adding that they restored his life. Voltaire presents his gratitude to His Serene Highness as well as the council and notes that he is counting on their kindness for the few days that remain of his life.  He concludes by saying that he will live and die filled with the deepest gratitude for them.

Voltaire begins by saying that there are two people in the world that he has never had the pleasure of seeing, but to whom he has the greatest obligations: Jean-Joseph de Laborde himself and Etienne-François de Choiseul. He then remarks upon his age and illness, and says that if he is damned upon his death it will not be for the sin of ingratitude, adding that ingratitude should be considered the eighth mortal sin. Voltaire then references a recent event which he claims does irreparable harm to his colony, before wishing the recipient and his family all the prosperity that they deserve.