Voltaire writes that the comte de Tressan must think him an ungrateful and lazy person but suggests that he is neither and is rather a sick man whose mind is quick and whose flesh is very weak. He adds that he has been overwhelmed by a violent illness for a month and references a tragedy he was forced to perform for Madame la Dauphine who died the day he finished the play. Voltaire thanks the comte de Tressan for defending Montaigne from those who claimed he only commented on the ancients. Voltaire praises the comte de Tressan’s defence, claiming that he will cherish the copy that the comte had sent him. He ends by asking forgiveness for the delay in replying to him and offering his tender thanks. He adds that Madame du Châtelet sends her sincere compliments, remarking that she is satisfied with his defence of Montaigne and that that is saying a great deal.

Grandey begins by saying that he would have written earlier but they had had company at Rufford and Shireoaks, adding that he is glad to hear that Achard is well. He informs Achard that he has been greatly troubled by rheumatic pain but that the sun has been shining all day which is supposed to be good for that ailment. He then notes that a week last Thursday Sir George [Savile, 8th Baronet] and Mr and Mrs Thornhagh went to Welbeck, and that he does not expect to see Achard until near Christmas. He adds that he can’t stop reading Montaigne, and that he does not think the Voltaire verses are actually by him, noting that he would like to read his tragedy ‘Serimamis’. Grandey ends by sending best wishes from his brother and sister, adding that Sir George has gone fox hunting and continues to work on the gardens at Rufford.