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.

The manuscript is an autograph letter written in the hand of Philippe Antoine de Claris. It requests the addressee to provide an update on his current situation and that of Claris’s sister, while also outlining the symptoms of Claris’s latest physical ailment. According to T. D. N. Besterman, the manuscript’s foliation is 115. Additionally, T. D. N. Besterman remarks that ‘Caussy, p. 25, places this letter at the beginning of April 1775, ED1 tentatively in December 1773; the latter date is impossible since Florian was then a widower; a comparison with the references in D19248, D19311 to Cabanis and mme de Florian points to the date proposed above.’

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.

This letter is a response to D18234, which was sent by Frederick II of Prussia to Voltaire on 1 March 1773. Voltaire begins by praising his correspondent’s style and philosophical insights, while also mentioning his recent illness. He then discusses the Russo-Turkish War, involving Catherine II of Russia and Mustafa III of the Ottoman Empire, and refers to his book Les Loix de Minos, which his correspondent received by 4 April 1773. According to T. D. N. Besterman, the foliation is 38.

The author, hindered by age-related ailments, expresses gratitude to the sovereign for a letter filled with beautiful verses, acknowledging his inability to reciprocate in kind. He praises the young officer Morival, who has made remarkable progress in his military skills and continues to serve with dedication. The author argues that Morival’s case, unjustly handled in his absence, should be reviewed rather than seeking a pardon, as this would imply guilt. The letter concludes by commending the sovereign for protecting an innocent man and expressing the author’s deep respect and attachment as he nears the end of his life.

The author expresses deep gratitude for the letter received from the Royal Highness, noting the continued support for the arts and the appreciation of the French despite past conflicts. He acknowledges the talents of a young writer, M. Mainieux, brought to his attention by a Scottish general, but notes his inability to engage deeply with Mainieux’s work due to his failing health. While recognising the challenges of writing on moral and political issues at a young age, the author expresses hope for Mainieux’s success, especially if he can think and express himself as admirably as the Royal Highness.

The writer expresses regret over not having met the recipient and reflects on the virtues of simple, traditional cuisine compared to modern, elaborate dishes. They describe their preferences for modest and wholesome food, criticising overly complicated or pretentious dishes and dining customs. The letter also touches on their current illness and diminished appetite, while noting the appreciation of a shared acquaintance for the recipient’s memory. The writer closes by requesting continued goodwill despite their inability to host the recipient in person.

The writer has been unable to write properly for the past fifteen days due to severe physical ailments, though their spirit remains youthful and engaged with their past interests, including the academy. They express regret at their limited communication with Mr. Dalembert and others due to their condition and concerns about misunderstandings. The writer also mentions the hope of meeting the recipient on their way to visit their mother and expresses a strong emotional connection despite their current limitations.

The writer expresses long-overdue gratitude to the recipient, delayed by a prolonged illness. They commend the recipient’s translation work, particularly of German poets, and humourously lament the extended life of biblical figures, suggesting a preference for more enjoyable translations. The writer also encourages the recipient to focus on their own writing rather than translating tragedies and extends compliments to the recipient and their pupil, expressing regret at the departure of Madame Dalbertas from their region.

The writer apologises for the delay in responding to a letter received late due to illness and old age, noting their current health issues at 77 years old. They express concern that a letter from François de Voltaire might cause complications in the recipient’s household, potentially troubling their spouse. The writer mourns the recent deaths of several notable individuals and offers their own academic position to Mr de Pezai as a gesture of goodwill. They conclude by acknowledging the honour bestowed upon them and advising the recipient to enjoy life, as they themselves are near the end and not greatly troubled by it.