Writing to his brother, Lamennais discusses the revue for which he wanted to write an article outlining his new theory of spiritual power, though he acknowledges that the said revue does not work. He goes on to discuss a contribution by Louis de Bonald and an article by Antoine Eugène Genoud concerning Voltaire, Helvétius, and Rousseau that could not be published and would therefore need to be replaced.

The writer recalls previous correspondence with the recipient regarding a work on the Italian language and informs them of a recent publication in Amsterdam that has misrepresented his letters, particularly one dated 24 January 1761. This publication contains serious distortions, including defamatory remarks about a respected general and falsified excerpts from the writer’s original letter. He requests the recipient’s assistance in affirming the inaccuracies and falsehoods in the publication, emphasising the potential harm to both his own reputation and that of the general. He expresses deep gratitude for any support in clarifying these issues and upholding the truth.