The manuscript is an autograph letter containing a poem ‘l’Arbre et l’Oiseau’. The poem, counting 61 lines, engages with the themes of protection, shelter, respite and help. This thematic motif concerning the solace in protection resonates throughout the body of the letter. Here, the sender emphasises his gratitude for Voltaire’s protection, offering editorial assistance in return by proposing to correct Les épreuves de votre Brutus (Mort de César). Remuneration for this editorial service was meant to be issued by Nicolas Claude Thieriot (see D951). According to T. D. N. Besterman, the manuscript’s foliation is 96.

The author, hindered by age-related ailments, expresses gratitude to the sovereign for a letter filled with beautiful verses, acknowledging his inability to reciprocate in kind. He praises the young officer Morival, who has made remarkable progress in his military skills and continues to serve with dedication. The author argues that Morival’s case, unjustly handled in his absence, should be reviewed rather than seeking a pardon, as this would imply guilt. The letter concludes by commending the sovereign for protecting an innocent man and expressing the author’s deep respect and attachment as he nears the end of his life.

The appeal notes that Sédillot, now aged 90, managed for nearly sixty years the job of receiver of the salt granary in Gex. It goes on to note that Sédillot’s son has worked with his father for the past twenty years, and that they are both gentlemen. The appeal concludes that both men easily sacrificed their interests and lost their place for the good of the province. They therefore implore the Controlleur Général to protect them.

Voltaire informs the Duc de Richelieu that an English gentleman named Mr. Makartney who is very young but very wise, highly educated but modest, and very rich but very simple who will soon shout in parliament better than any other denied that he had any kindness for Voltaire. Voltaire notes that he boasted of de Choiseul’s protection but that Makartney did not believe him and challenged him to write to de Choiseul to prove he was telling the truth. Voltaire adds that he couldn’t contain himself and begs the pardon of de Choiseul for his zeal.

The collection includes a copy of a letter from Voltaire to Albrecht von Haller, baron Haller dated 13 February 1759. In the letter, Voltaire sends a certificate [wanting] to introduce Grasset who wishes for recipient’s protection. He then discusses a text printed at Lausanne which represents an abominable libel against the Moors, religion etc. He adds that he thinks recipient should refuse a protection to such a rascal, noting that the author of the libel is a man named Verlecke or Leveche, formerly teacher of M. Constant, and is minister of a village near Lausanne

Voltaire begins by saying that he is no longer in London, but that the kindness and protection he received from Lady Sundon remains with him. He adds that he has just arrived in Paris and hopes to go to Versailles.

Voltaire asks Luise Dorothea, Herzogin von Sachsen-Gotha-Altenburg to permit him to write to her on such a small piece of paper because he fears that a larger package for ‘him’ passing through Franfurt will give ‘temptations to the curious.’ He therefore says that he takes the liberty of passing through her hands ‘things which are surely not worth the trouble but they may acquire some price when your serene highness has condescended to transmit them in his envelope.’ He calls her both a confidant and a protector and says that she will probably send him the answer, as ‘There are cruel things happening in this world. There are also some fun ones.’ He concludes by noting that all he can say with certainty to ‘V.A.S.’ is that the French have used their money badly.