P. Grandey thanks Achard for the parcel and discusses Achard’s view on both a poem attributed to Voltaire and political news from at home and abroad. He enquires after Achard’s health in view of his recent cold and the time of year, and notes that Sir George [Savile, 8th Baronet] is talking of going to London after Christmas, but the newlyweds [Mr and Mrs John Thornhagh] have all they need for happiness at Shireoakes. Grandey reports that the Duchess of Norfolk arrived ‘at the Mannor’ on Friday, and that he is amusing himself by reading letters from Mr Locke to Mr Molineux and ‘Limborch’ and his posthumous works. He asks Achard’s opinion on a poem in Latin called ‘On Molly B– wedding night’, beginning ‘Hic Jacet…’, and remarks that he is worried about his brother’s and sister’s silence. He concludes by writing that it froze hard but did not last, and that Rev. Sutton lent them a French book called ‘les Memoires Tures.’

Grandey begins by saying that he suspects Achard is ill because of his long silence, adding that he himself has had a bad cold for a few days and is treating it by keeping warm and having lots of rest. He goes on to note that Madame Piaget’s son died of fever in Flanders, and that he has been told that the Bishop of St Asaph is tasked with selling Piaget’s books, curiosities and mathematical instruments. Grandey then queries the meaning of the ‘mot Cabagnole’ in the Voltaire verse Achard sent him previously, before going on to say that ‘the people from here’ went to Rufford after spending eight days at Welbeck. He adds that Sir George [Savile, 8th Baronet] continues to work on the garden improvements and has not mentioned going to London, and that Colonel DeJean is expected in London imminently. He ends by transcribing a French verse beginning: ‘Louis, dit on, fût fort surpris…’ and exhorting the king to bring peace to France.