The poem which originally featured at the start of the letter is missing from this copy.

The letter seems to have originally accompanied a ‘tabatière’ sent on the orders of the queen, containing two portraits of unidentified subjects. Jordan asks that in return for the portraits, Voltaire send him one of his tragedies titled Zulime. He then thanks Voltaire for a ring that he had sent him and adds that he will wear it forever. He concludes by asking Voltaire where he is living. In the catalogue entry for this letter in McGill University Library, this letter has been misattributed to Voltaire.

Formey’s letter contains a number of figures relating to the distribution of a publication by the Berlin Academy. He goes on to mention Voltaire.

Algarotti begins by stating that it has been two months since he last heard from Vannucchi, adding that he is waiting for more sonnets from this great philosopher and poet. He then notes that he will be going to Potsdam the following day to meet with Frederick II of Prussia and present him with some of his verses as Frederick had stated that Vannucchi’s muse was ‘quasi celeste’. Algarotti then turns to Voltaire and Samuel Formey, remarking that the both share his enthusiasm for th translations of the Iliad produced by Paolo Brazzolo, before going on to discuss Frederick’s moods and literary interests. He ends with a mention of his friend, Scipione Maffei. In a postscript appended to the letter, Algarotti sends greetings from Voltaire and thanks Vannucchi for his learned essay on dreams and appatitions.