The list was sent with a letter from Voltaire to Pierre Paul d’Ossun, marquis d’Ossun, written from Ferney and dated 16 July 1770 [D16527].

The verse was sent with a letter from Voltaire to Pierre Paul d’Ossun, marquis d’Ossun, written from Ferney and dated 16 July 1770 [D16527], and a price list for watches produced at a Ferney factory. One of the watches available was a repeating watch featuring a portrait of Pedro Pablo Abarca de Bolea y Jiménez de Urrea, 10th Count of Aranda. The verse mentions his triumph over the Jesuits, his suppression of superstition, and his masterful control of Spain.

The collection includes: XII, 227. Bevos, to Benjamin Franklin, 1778 December 21. A.L.S. 1p. Paris. Had the pleasure of sitting between Franklin and the poet Rocher at dinner, the day they celebrated the Apotheosis of Voltaire. Is deputed by the Chamber of Commerce, at Languedoc, to ascertain the products of the United States; desires an audience for this purpose. (In French.)
IX, 51. Dupont, to Benjamin Franklin, 1778 April 16. A.L.S. 3p. Colmar. Has not the honour of being known to Franklin, but M. Voltaire, the genius of France, is an old friend of his father and M. Gérard knows his family well; desires to enter the American army. (In French.)
LXII, 107. Desrivières, Ferdinand. to Benjamin Franklin, 1778 April 22. A.L.S. 4p. Paris. He tells of his offer to go to Canada with three or four hundred men; of his literary efforts and Voltaire’s criticism of them; asks to enter the American service. (In French.)
LI, 85. Unidentified, to Benjamin Franklin, [1778 June]. Verses. 1p. Lines on the refusal by the Church authorities to hold a religious service over Voltaire’s remains. (In French.)
XII, 127. Bérenger, M. (Jean-Pierre), 1740-1807 to Benjamin Franklin, 1778 November 12. A.L.S. 2p. Lausanne. Desire of five young Genevese to settle in America; requests Franklin to aid them in this project, though they are provided for in a pecuniary way; considers the feasibility of establishing a Genovese clock and watch factory at Boston or Philadelphia. Hopes his opinion of the “Histoire de Genève” will coincide with Voltaire’s which he quotes. (In French.)

Voltaire writes that he replied to M. de Salies at his address. He remarks that he has no doubt that Thieriot is familiar with the eulogy of Moukden in a verse by the King of China and that he will see in the answer the praise of France. He adds that it is the time to give Ninon and Gourville. He concludes by telling Thieriot that if he knows anyone who wants beautiful but inexpensive watches, he should contact the Ferney factory where Voltaire has welcomed the best artisans of Geneva, totalling thirty families.

Voltaire offers to lodge Lépine’s son and his pupils at Ferney where he notes that other craftsmen from Geneva and elsewhere have taken refuge under his patronage.