Voltaire states that it is of the utmost importance to clear Corneille’s name and to protect the public. He adds that he includes a certificate from Madame Denis and the power of attorney from Monsieur Lécluse. He goes on to say that this surgeon is entitled to seek justice for an insult that may bring him into disrepute in the practice of his profession and that he would gladly pay all the costs of the proceedings. Voltaire concludes by saying that the wretched Fréron is not worthy of hearing the recipient’s fine verses, advising them to let Fréron feel the force of their prose and the arm of justice. He adds that good old Corneille, guided by the recipient, will crush the monster.

The note reads:

L’empereur 100
l’impératrice 100.
mr de caunits 6
mr de voronsof 10
mr de la balle 4

The MS consists of five fascicules bound together and was submitted to the censor, Crébillon by the comédiens in 1761. His official approval is noted on the verso of the final leaf: ‘Jay lu par ordre de Monsieur le Lieutenant Général de Police l’Ecueil du Sage et je crois que l’on peut en permettre la représentation. Ce 26 9bre 1761. Crébillon. Vû L’aprobation Permis de representer ce 28 9bre 1761. de Sartine.’

The letter contains a poem known as ‘A Monsieur D[es] M[ahis]’.

This MS played a part in the production of the edition of Mérope published by Prault fils in 1758. The play was first performed at the Comédie-Française on Wednesday 20 February 1743 at the Jeu de Paume de l’Etoile.