Voltaire notes that he arrived at his destination very unwell, and only yesterday received his papers, meaning that he was unable to respond to Vernes’ letter sooner. He notes that he has always passionately loved letters and would therefore like to serve all those who cultivate them, especially a young gentleman such as Vernes who does him so much honour by writing to him. Voltaire goes on to say that he would like to be a part of Vernes’ project, likely the Choix littéraire, if he could find something to submit that was not unworthy of Vernes’ taste. He concludes by saying that poor health and a house to arrange does not leave much space for work, imploring Vernes to leave him in the present moment only the desire to respond to his letter.

Voltaire asks de Laleu to pay his account to the order of Messieurs Tronchin and Camp as soon as he can. The sum is fifty thousand lt, and Voltaire adds that he will be obliged to Laleu if he can do this for him. The letter has been written on the back of the document Voltaire received from Tronchin and Camp asking for payment. The document reads: ‘Nous vous prions Monsieur de payer La Somme de Cinquante Mille Livres mentionnée en L’autre part à L’ordre de messieurs Jean Cottin L’ainé & fils de Paris valeur en Compte avec Les dits sieurs. à Lyon le 9^e x^bre 1754. [signed:] J. R. Tronchin & Camp. Pour acquit Jean Cottin L’ainé’.’