The writer expresses deep personal loyalty to the monarch and comments on reports that Cosinski and other conspirators swore a religious oath to the Virgin Mary before attempting their crime. He notes with irony that many infamous assassins were also deeply religious. He suggests that the monarch’s presence, virtues, and humanity may have stirred natural feelings of compassion in the would-be assassin, countering the influence of religious fanaticism. The writer believes this horrific event will ultimately strengthen the monarch’s position and make rebellion shameful. He requests a brief reply, to be sent to Geneva, and closes with renewed expressions of respect and devotion.

A wide selection of classical and French authors is represented, including Voltaire and Rousseau. The first two volumes contain general lessons on virtues, moral philosophy, and manners; the third volume covers social classes and the responsilibities of their members, and proceeds to a discussion of political offices and functions. The final two volumes are addressed specifically to “princes,” and contain moral and political lessons appropriate to them, including “de l’importance de la religion pour un État;” “de la politesse,” and “de la consideration publique.”

A letter sent from Voltaire to Alessandro Gregorio Capponi (1683-1746), originally accompanied by a printed copy of La Poeme de Fontenoy [Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, R.G.Lett.Est.IV.71]. Voltaire writes that Capponi is prized by all the literati and that, because of his ‘courteous humanity’, he has no doubts about presenting to him the poem. He notes that the ‘most Christian King’ allowed the poem to be printed in his palace so that Voltaire might have the honour of offering it to Capponi. Voltaire writes that he has always admired Italian poetry and has aspired to have the honour of obtaining the protection of the nation which, he notes, was for many centuries the first and only cultivator of every virtue and science.