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.