The text of this MS is close to the clandestine editions of the text produced in 1784. Marginal notes restore the text to the original version (CMV37555). The MS is part of a bound collection known to have been used by the Kehl editors.

A leaf containing notes about Madame de Boufflers, attributed to Saint-Lambert, has been inserted between p.76 and p.77.

The letter begins with a poem known as ‘À monsieur le maréchal duc de Richelieu’. The verse is in Collini’s hand. The prose and date line are in Voltaire’s hand.

Voltaire begins by saying that Keate’s friend is about to set out on his journey to England. He adds that he regrets the company of the friend, and that he will regret Keate all his life, before noting that they are in the middle of acting a tragedy [Sémiramis] in which he plays a ghost [Ninus]. Voltaire concludes by saying that he will act very well for he is but a shadow.