Frederick begins by discussing the works he has been reading, including those by Pythagoras, Lucian, Timaeus, Johann Jakob Scheffmacher, and Voltaire. He then notes that they are encamped for the winter and that arrangements are being made to see the Marquis in Leipzig.

Frederick begins by confirming that he has arrived in Silesia, and that the situation seems to be much the same as it had been the previous year. He notes that he is reading to distract himself, and states that he has particularly been reading the works of Lucian, Voltaire, and Racine. He concludes by recounting a story of a page who was sent home to his parents after having taken leave of his senses.

Voltaire writes to Dr John Carr to thank him for his gift of a copy of his translation of the Select Dialogues of Lucian, noting that Carr had successfully captured the spirit of Lucian.