Voltaire opens by saying that he has sent a money order for 2400 lt, going on to state that nobody pays him and so he instead use a loans system. He adds that without the assistance of the recipient he would not have sufficient funds to cover his household expenses, though he acknowledges that the recipient is weary of the arrangement and therefore expresses his hopes to be able to repay their advances soon. Voltaire concludes by discussing Berlin’s desire for peace with Russia, something he claims the press and Vienna deny, and ends by asserting that we will soon be enlightened.

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.