Voltaire thanks Guazzesi for sending him a book [Guazzesi’s translation of Alzire, published together with Racine’s Iphigenie in 1762], adding that he is too ill to thank him in his own hand, the letter instead being written by his secretary. Voltaire goes on to say that Iphigenie was worthy of being translated by Guazzesi, but that the translator does others [Voltaire] too much honour. He then turns to Guazzesi’s poetry, remarking that his compositions are instructive and agreeable, before speaking of the ancient Romans, noting that they had an unrefined sense of humour. He adds that he can see the mountains that were crossed by Hannibal through his windows.

The MS opens with a poem titled ‘Epitre a M. Thieriot’. In the letter that follows, Voltaire writes that he sends a thousand compliments to his friend Bernard for cultivating the muses. He adds that he does not know why the public persists in believing that he wrote Montézume, adding that his scene in Zadig is set in Peru. He then turns to ‘Le Franc’ whom he claims has prevented Mademoiselle Dufresne from playing and expresses his doubts over the suitability of Mademoiselle Gossin for the role. Voltaire ends by remarking upon his ill health.

Walker begins by apologising for his delayed reply, explaining that his father died in a fire that destroyed the upper stories of their house at Eccles Street, and that Lord Charlemont also died, resulting in him being unwell from a cold and mental suffering. He then turns to literary matters, mentioning Sheridan’s Pizarro, Malone, Pope Agris, and Voltaire’s Merope.

Voltaire begins by saying that his head is spinning becuase he is sick, adding that he is working no less but maybe not better. He says that he had his blood warmed by Du Tertre [possibly Jean Baptiste François Dutertre employed by Voltaire towards the end of his life in Paris] yesterday. Voltaire ends by saying that d’Argental calms him down, puts balm on his wounds, and offers him consolation.

Voltaire begins by saying that he and his niece are penetrated by the noble processes of Mr. de Crassier and the recipient. He adds that if he had not been in bed for such a long time he would come himself to inquire after Mr. de Crassier’s health.

Voltaire tells Bordes to put the little book that he has the honour of sending him in his library, adding that it is by Mathieu. He then asks how he can send this lady everything that will be said, and tell her it is time to talk, before going on to say that he was very happy with Mr le comte de Cogni as their are few people of his sort and age that are so kind and educated. He ends by saying that he, the poor patient, only has time to tell Bordes how much he loves him.

The manuscript is a draft of a lettre en vers, starting with a poem numbering 34 lines, allegedly dedicated to the eldest sister of Frederick II, Wilhelmine of Prussia, Margravine of Brandenburg-Bayreuth. Voltaire reflects upon the recent death of one of the monarch’s siblings, praising her virtues, notably her diplomatic endeavours in negotiating peace across Europe. The author also mentions her interactions with Théodore Tronchin and urges his correspondent to attend to his health.

In the letter, the author comments on Prince Augustus Ferdinand of Prussia’s illness, suggesting methods to alleviate its severity and noting the availability of medical care from Dr. Théodore Tronchin. Voltaire then addresses and refutes accusations of unsolicited distribution of a copy of poems authored by Frederick II and addressed to Charles William Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick. According to T. D. N. Besterman, Caussy wrongly states that the draft is in Wagnière’s hand.

Voltaire begins by saying that his body is sick, but that his soul is well becuase it is full of the recipient. He adds that he does not know where de La Marche is, or if his daughter is with him. He then apologises for the large paquet he sent de La Marche concerning fetishes, and reminds him that the big Corneille is more precious to him than the little President de Brosses. Voltaire reminds de La Marche that he had asked him to let him know if his egraver could undertake a dozen prints, before concluding by saying that de La Marche has awakened his old passion for him and thus implores de La Marche to write to him.

Voltaire thanks d’Açarq for the first part of his grammar and apologises that it cost d’Açarq letter postage to know that Voltaire esteems him very much. Voltaire notes that there is much to be learned from d’Açarq’s grammar, and wishes that it were as easy to serve d’Açarq as it was to read his work. He ends the letter by sending his applause.