Gabriel-Henri Gaillard humbly thanks the recipient for the case of Mr. de Voltaire, adding that he has no doubt that they will not receive Voltaire’s thanks also because it seems to him that ‘what you have the kindness to answer me is precisely what he asks.’ Also included is a receipt for the deliveries of volumes 46 to 60 of the Encyclopedia dated 26 January 1797.

Voltaire writes that he has received Walther’s letters which crossed the last one he sent to Walther in Lunéville. He apologises for the haste he has had in presenting to Walther the engagements he is disposed to fulfill with ‘such exactness and asks Walther to forgive a man who lpves peace and fears his work being destroyed. Voltaire adds that he counts on Walther’s word and, even if he can only give half the stipulated sum at Easter, he will find with the contractors all the facilities that his probity and sincere desire to acquit himself deserves. He notes that he has no doubt that the second half will follow swiftly and claims that he hopes to give it all away at Easter so as to get rid of ‘this unfortunate affair which so cruelly troubled two respectable houses. Voltaire says that Walther can send him any papers, bills of exchange, or powers of attorney that he thinks necessary and Voltaire will put them in order and send valid receipts and discharges. For security purposes, Voltaire asks that Walther addresses his post for Voltaire to Mr. de La Reinière, fermier général des Postes de France à Paris. He adds that for the same reason, he will address his post for Walther to the intendant of their army in Flanders.