Voltaire thanks the recipient for acquainting him with a letter that he wrote to Frederick II of Prussia. He states that it has been two years since he wrote to Frederick, and adds that as their relationship caused much comment it is not unreasonable to assume that the letter is from him. Voltaire notes that everyone in Geneva has advised him to repudiate the letter in the public papers. He asks the recipient to allow him to send him a letter on this matter that he sent to the Duke of Grafton. He concludes by musing on the English press, noting that the liberty of the press is extended a little too far.

Voltaire thanks Villette for publically acknowledging their friendship. He then praises Jean-François de La Harpe and his wife who are living with him at Ferney, noting that they are talented individuals.

The poem muses on death and the transitory nature of life.

Reichardt opens by noting that he has sent Goethe copies of various works including Winkelman’s letters and J.E. Biester’s letter. He goes on to discuss the judgements of Duke Friedrich von Braunschweig-Oels about the princess who, he notes, is like Frederick II of Prussia, Voltaire, and Maupertuis in that she is now the subject of conversation. He suggests staging Claudine von Villabella for her birthday on the 15th. He then goes on to give an account of the current political situation, discussing various political figures including Napoleon and the Prussian king, as well as the kidnapping of an English businessman, Sir G. B. Rumbold.

Reinhard apologies for his delayed response and thanks Goethe for sending some of his writings. He praises Goethe’s biography and talks of having devoured it, before reflecting on the past. He suggests that today’s youth have it harder in the face of the destroyed values, if they want to settle at home on the barrier-free realm full of rubble, on desecrated ground. Reinhard goes on to speak of his literary studies in youth, noting that he read Voltaire’s writings as well as the excerpt from the general world history; his mother forbade him to read novels and other “bad” books. He then turns to German readers, who for some time, he remarks, have become such a shasty, grumpy, attitudeless and shapeless monster. He goes on to discuss literary and political matters, and especially about the growing tensions between England and France.

Marie-Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise Du Deffand begins the letter by stating that she has neither Voltaire’s erudition, nor his clarity, but that her opinions are nevertheless in line with his. She then discusses shared public opinions, and states that if common prejudices were taken from people, they would have nothing left. The Marquise then turns to the question of faith, and states that faith is firmly believing in what you do not understand. She notes that for Voltaire the search for truth is a universal medicine, as it is for her, but that they differ in that Voltaire believes he has found it and she believes it cannot be found. Speaking of modern philosophers, the Marquise remarks that they have never been less philosophical or tolerant men who would crush all who do not bow before them. She concludes by turning to her correspondence with Voltaire, saying that his letters honour her infinitely but that she does not have the vanity to make them a trophy. She notes that she had once read a letter, which was then memorised and printed without her consent and so now keeps her letters from Voltaire private. She additionally remarks on the letter Voltaire sent to the president, which she says he was very happy with.

Voltaire begins by saying that he is appreciative of the mark of confidence that de Graffigny has given him. He then discusses the public, depicting them as a stormy sea which sometimes delivers you to the port and other times smashes you against a reef. He adds that this judgement of the public is random, and that men should not be subjected to their judgement or make their happiness dependent upon their way of thinking, noting that he has tried this ‘abominable slavery’ before. Voltaire goes on to say that one should live amongst one’s society, for to live for the world is to live in a constant state of war. He concludes by saying that he does not dare ask de Graffigny to send him her Greek, but adds that the letters of the mother make him keen to see the daughter.