The manuscript comprises a draft of a “lettre en vers,” adorned with two poems framing the main body of the letter. While the poetry, adhering to the customary style of the 18th century, extends compliments and praise to the recipient, the letter’s substance delves into Voltaire’s work Siècle de Louis XIV (1751) and the tumultuous events unfolding in Paris, spurred by Joseph Omer Joly de Fleury. It also references D2632, an autograph letter from Frederick II, king of Prussia (the Great), to Voltaire (François Marie Arouet), penned from Potsdam on Tuesday, 7 August 1742. Moreover, in MS1, Voltaire inadvertently omitted a verb in a sentence, which should have read ‘Je vais pendant les trois ou 4 jours que je.’

Leslie begins by thanking d’Adhemar’s brother for sending him a copy of Voltaire’s Siècle de Louis XIV. He then laments the fate of Voltaire who, after his star shone in Europe for so long, can now hardly find asylum there.

Sent from Stocken. Books, including ‘Joe’s pamphlet’. Does not like Voltaire’s history as well as his Siecle de Louis 14. Madame de Sevigne: read the other 6 volumes… admire them more then ever; there is a goodness of heart… that is delightful.

Shiffner’s notes refer to:

• Voltaire’s Siècle de Louis XIV and Précis du siècle de Louis XV
• Copies of French verse
• Dr Goldsmith’s Life of … Bolingbroke
• Russian history in the eighteenth century
• The ice-house at Coombe
• The landing of émigres at Quiberon Bay
• The Franco-Spanish peace, 1795
• Various anecdotes

The notes run to three volumes.

Frederick includes lines of poetry, and discusses the idea of peace.

Voltaire begins by thanking Thiériot for his letter, before adding that Charles d’Orléans de Rothelin would like Thiériot to send him a collection of books. He adds that de Rothelin does not understand English and so is asking for the books on behalf of his friend who is a master of the language. Voltaire briefly discusses a meeting with Thiériot’s brother, Bernard, and Miss Salé, enclosing some verse he was inspired to write by the latter. He then turns to Eriphile, saying that it has not had great success and so he will not give it to the printers until he has corrected it. He asks how he might send Thiériot his La Mort de César because he does not have the right copy, before saying that he never leaves the house and receives no visitors, adding that he hopes this solitude will give him time to work on Eriphile, Lettres sur les Anglais, and Siècle de Louis XIV. Voltaire reminds Thiériot not to forget his plates (illustrations for La Henriade), and asks him to give his regards to any in England who think of him. He mentions a compliment given by Dufresne that Bernard has already conveyed to Thiériot, and concludes by mentioning a new opera supposedly written by Bernard.

Voltaire writes that Marie-Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise Du Deffand’s memory and kindness give him many regrets, adding that he is like an enchanted knight reminded of their country in the Palace of Alcine. Voltaire then discusses his leaving Paris, noting that his life now is happy as he free to think, write, and say what he pleases in Potsdam. He adds that he is fortunate to eat strawberries, peaches, grapes, and pineapples in January. Voltaire then notes that he misses du Deffand, d’Alembert, and President Henaut, and asks du Deffand not to show this letter to anyone but the two aforementioned men. He briefly discusses the opinions of the Sorbonne towards Buffon.

Voltaire discusses an invitation he received from the Prussian envoy Ammon to travel, adding that he has promised to stay with him briefly until September. He speaks highly of Frederick II of Prussia, noting that he has never seen such a hard-working man. Voltaire then turns to some publications of his works, adding that one should only write about kings what is worthy of posterity, and that he thinks the Paris edition is better than that of Rouen. Voltaire notes that he continues work on the Siècle de Louis XIV. He ends by advising du Deffand not to eat too much and not to be disgusted with life.

Voltaire writes that the Duc de Choiseuil was kind enough to send him the documents he needed, adding that he hardly needs anything anymore as the whole military and political history of Louis XIV is printed and that all that remains in Jansenism and Quietism, two topics he notes as being deserving of ridicule. He continues by saying that he wrote to the Duc de Choiseuil to ask him for two or three letters from an Italian man named Giori written from Rome to M. de Torsi in January/February 1699 against the Cardinal de Bouillon, his benefactor.

Voltaire begins by saying that since he saw the new edition by Etienne Ledet he is more determined than ever to provide Prault with a copy that will be useful and honourable to him. He adds that Prault can depend on the protection of d’Argenson, and on his own zeal, noting that he would be angry if only foreigners benefitted from his works and if the Paris bookseller whom he esteems the most has only useless offers of service from him. Voltaire then discusses his essay on Molière, before asking if it is true that his epistles and the beginning of his Siècle de Louis XIV have been published. He notes that he would like to be sent copies if this is the case.