The letter opens with a discussion of Voltaire and mentions several other French writers. The sender admits to not having read Charles Morice’s book yet, then discusses cathedrals and religion. The letter was removed from Petit Journal xii.

The majority of the letter is a copy of Voltaire’s Epitre. LXXXI A Monsieur le Cardinal Quirini which the author of the letter notes is written by an author that Longchamps has tender respects for.

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.

Schlegel thanks Goethe for sending him sonnets by Guarini which he says remind him of Petrarch. He adds that he is reading de Parny’s La guerre desieux anciens et modernes in comparison with Voltaire’s La Pucelle d’Orleans. He goes on to discuss literary and theatrical works.

Katharina talks of the Frankfurt accident, and the French occupation of the city. She talks of the burning of the Judengasse, and reports on the state of the roads and their former home, Frieburger gaße which was also burned down. The situation is, she notes, fatal and threatening. She concludes by saying that almost all of her friends have emigrated so she is usually at home, playing the piano or reading. She notes that she is especially enjoying Voltaire’s Essai sur les mœeurs et l’esprit des nations.

Martin begins by outlining the similarities between their lives, touching upon their pets and learning. He then refers to a character from Charles Dickens’ Nicholas Nickleby who keeps a single flower in his room before quoting from Voltaire’s Candide, writing: ‘mais il faut cultiver notre jardin.’ He explores this quotation and its meaning, before adding that he will soon have to return to London.

Dunlop apologises for how long it has been since she last wrote to Burns, and notes that the books he sent her have not arrived and that she does not know where to enquire about them. She discusses her recent deafness, notes that she has a copy of the new editions of his poems, and expresses her worry over her daughter Susan’s son because of the French Revolution. She informs Burns that she has been reading the correspondence between Voltaire and Frederick II of Prussia, as well as books by Dugald Stewart, noting that John Moore’s journal should arrive tomorrow.

Frederick remarks upon how busy he is, claiming that many matters require his attention at present. He goes on to note that he will no longer be shocked after what he has witnessed during this monstrous century, writing that his books from Berlin are his only consolation. Frederick then mentions the works he has been reading, notably Charles Batteux’s Les Beaux-arts réduites à un même principe (1746), before discussing a series of literary figures including Nicolas Boileau, Virgil, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Jean Racine, Homer, Pierre Corneille, Joseph de La Grange Chancel, Claude-Prosper Jolyot de Crébillon, and Voltaire.

Frederick begins by confirming that he has arrived in Silesia, and that the situation seems to be much the same as it had been the previous year. He notes that he is reading to distract himself, and states that he has particularly been reading the works of Lucian, Voltaire, and Racine. He concludes by recounting a story of a page who was sent home to his parents after having taken leave of his senses.

Frederick begins the letter with a discussion of England, France, and Prussia, and the political situation between them. He adds that he plans to attend the congress at Augsburg, but concedes that he has no faith in it. Frederick then turns to Voltaire’s new work, adding that it does little to assuage his worries, and concludes the letter by providing an account of his ill health.