After Frederick II of Prussia ordered Voltaire to return a contract that he could not find, Voltaire instead wrote this declaration. The declaration was sent to Lord Marischal by Madame Denis on 11 June 1753.

Katharina talks of the Frankfurt accident, and the French occupation of the city. She talks of the burning of the Judengasse, and reports on the state of the roads and their former home, Frieburger gaße which was also burned down. The situation is, she notes, fatal and threatening. She concludes by saying that almost all of her friends have emigrated so she is usually at home, playing the piano or reading. She notes that she is especially enjoying Voltaire’s Essai sur les mœeurs et l’esprit des nations.

The MS is dated 1753, however Besterman instead suggests that the date should be 1757.