Racine begins by saying that he had received the verse attached to Heerkens’ letter, but that he has not yet received the beginning of the work which Heerkens had told him would be returned to him by one of his friends. He then goes on to discuss the “impertinent” article on Rousseau in Bayle’s supplement. He notes that Heerkens will find in Trévoux’s second brief of the month a letter from him in which he states that such slanders that hatred has dictated deserve only contempt. Racine then discusses a “violent fermentation” in the minds of the public, stating his hope for peace. He concedes, however, that given the King’s last response to the reprimands that this still seems very far away. He then comments on Damiens’ attempt to assassinate Louis XV of France the day before he wrote this letter on 5 January 1757. Racine notes that much is known of Damiens’ family and life story, but little of the plot itself, and quotes the King who remarked that if the blow is struck from abroad it is but a scratch, but if the blow comes from his people it is a deep wound. Racine concludes by discussing the seven octavo volumes that constitute Voltaire’s Histoire universelle, adding that Voltaire’s bold reflections and lively style encourage Racine to read all that he writes. He notes that Voltaire imposes on the ignorant, but will never impose on the savants who will not seek in him the truth of history.

The documents are part of a broader collection of letters.

The writer expresses deep gratitude for the comforting letter and verses received, highlighting the emotional balm they provided. They recount a painful experience with Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who, through manipulation and deceit, incited public opposition against them in Geneva, causing financial loss and personal distress. The writer underscores Rousseau’s hypocrisy and ingratitude, contrasting his actions with their own efforts and commitment to literary and personal integrity. They affirm their admiration for the recipient’s military and literary accomplishments, pledging lasting esteem and support.

The manuscript is an autograph letter written in the hand of an anonymous author. The manuscript details Rousseau’s conclusion of his retreat in Switzerland (Geneva) in response to the conspiracy orchestrated by David Hume. The letter discusses Rousseau’s correspondence with the Chancellors, wherein he seeks guidance and protection, as well as his missive to Mr. Louvray from Dover, requesting permission to relocate to a free country. Additionally, MS1 is endorsed “Copie”, and this is what it appears to be; but as the conjugate address is present it must be assumed that the letter was addressed to another, and this copy was sent to Voltaire. In line 7 of MS1, there is a missing word ‘semaines’ (following the word ‘Quelques’).

Frederick remarks upon how busy he is, claiming that many matters require his attention at present. He goes on to note that he will no longer be shocked after what he has witnessed during this monstrous century, writing that his books from Berlin are his only consolation. Frederick then mentions the works he has been reading, notably Charles Batteux’s Les Beaux-arts réduites à un même principe (1746), before discussing a series of literary figures including Nicolas Boileau, Virgil, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Jean Racine, Homer, Pierre Corneille, Joseph de La Grange Chancel, Claude-Prosper Jolyot de Crébillon, and Voltaire.

Dunlop begins by explaining why Burns’ last letter offended her, noting that some of his poems were unfair to women and left her feeling mortified and degraded. She adds that in writing in this manner, he has destroyed a scheme she had for his advancement because this scheme involved a number of respectable ladies. Dunlop then remarks that she had been told that Voltaire read all of his manuscripts to an elderly woman, and only printed that which she approved off, adding that she wished Burns had cast her in this role. She concludes by asking if there are still books for sale from the last print run, and quotes Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

The compilation is a collection of 122 épîtres, épigrammes, épitaphes, chansons, discours, répliques, and contes by a variety of authors. The works of Voltaire are especially prominent. The collection also includes a letter from Voltaire to Jean André Deluc, dating to February 1767 [D13961]. The texts range in date from 1747 to 1785, and some of the chants have staves of music drawn in to accompany them.

A note at the beginning of the commonplace book records that ‘The Collection was commenced at an early Age, and consequently in the first Pages many Things are inserted which might as well, and without any injury to the Book, have been omitted.’ There are headings used throughout, including: ‘Love’. ‘Mediocrity’, ‘Laugh’, ‘Deluge’, ‘Liberty’, ‘Sleep’, ‘Bees’, ‘East India Company’, ‘Gold’, ‘Women, ‘Wit and Humour’, and ‘Impeachment. Sources quoted in the commonplace book include Shakespeare, Addison, Burney, Pope, Johnson, and Rousseau. Much of the material was written during Owen’s time at Trinity College and so many of the quotations have a strong connection to Cambridge, including ‘Song Imitated from Voltaire by Mr Rough, Trin. Coll. Cant.’