The writer expresses profound gratitude and admiration for the recipient’s eloquence and patriotism, praising his contributions to the academy and his efforts against fanatical oppression. He reflects on enduring issues in church and legal systems, lamenting the slow pace of reform. He commends the recipient’s rising prominence and hopes he will receive further recognition.

In this letter, Voltaire expresses deep gratitude for the recipient’s kindness and praises his eloquence, patriotism, and potential to challenge fanatical oppression. He laments the persistence of contradictions and outdated practices in both church and legal systems, and hopes the recipient will continue his reform efforts. The writer also reflects on shortcomings in French law and administration.

Voltaire writes that he received Rolt’s letter yesterday, despite it being dated December, detailing two mistakes which meant that the book that accompanied the letter had not reached Voltaire for some time. He adds that he had read Rolt’s ‘curious history’ with great pleasure, noting that he is a good patriot and a faithful historian. He ends by saying that he hopes Rolt has received due praise in England for the work.