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, sent by Frederick II of Prussia to Voltaire on 1 March 1773. Voltaire begins by praising his correspondent’s style and philosophical insights. He then discusses the Russo-Turkish War, involving Catherine II of Russia and Mustafa III, and refers to his work Les Lois de Minos, which had been received by his correspondent 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 respond 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 pardoned, as a pardon would imply guilt. The letter concludes by commending the sovereign for protecting an innocent man and by 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 sovereign, 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 sovereign himself.

The writer expresses regret at not having met the recipient and reflects on the virtues of simple, traditional cuisine in contrast to modern, elaborate dishes and the pretentious customs of contemporary dining. The letter also mentions the writer’s current illness and reduced appetite, while noting a shared acquaintance’s appreciation of the recipient’s memory.

For the past fifteen days, the writer has been prevented from writing properly by severe physical ailments. He laments the infrequency of his correspondence with Mr d’Alembert and the others, and hopes to meet the recipient in the near future.

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. Voltaire 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.