Voltaire opens by saying that the recipient makes his heart bleed with the news that the Duc de Bourgogne is near death, and that the Duc de Berry is afflicted with the same illness. He adds that he does not want to believe it because the news is too distressing. Voltaire then turns to political concerns, discussing the Congress of Breda and negotiations of peace with England. He ends by saying that he has read Spartacus, leant to him by Mr. Saurin, writing that it is not touching but contains some beautiful moments.

~With thanks to Rumi Kitahara for her assistance in identifying this manuscript.

C. Stone opens with some personal remarks, then discusses the things he has been reading, namely Voltaire and Rousseau. He then turns to Harcourt’s lack of help for Lee, the Portugal scheme, Ireland, and news of old friends. The letter concludes with a discussion of Le Marchant’s book.

The letter opens with a discussion of Capt. FitzGerald and his matrimonal problems, before turning to the death of the Bishop of Clogher [Clayton]. He commends the King of Prussia’s letter to Voltaire as ‘an extreme pretty thing’ then discusses Pitt’s plan for Ireland.