In the poem, the commanding eagle hovers in long circuits high in the sky. He sees himself as the king of nature, claiming that victory has placed its laurels in his claws. The eagle lands on an oak tree at the centre of the forest and begins talking about his glory and royalty. The eagle’s neighbour, however, a nightingale, sings in a sheltered, leafy elm tree.

Sent from Stocken. Lisbon earthquake. Further reports on dress. Ticket for the opera. Riots at the playhouse. Madame Sevigne’s Letters, and Voltaire’s history of the last war.

Sent from Stocken. Books, including ‘Joe’s pamphlet’. Does not like Voltaire’s history as well as his Siecle de Louis 14. Madame de Sevigne: read the other 6 volumes… admire them more then ever; there is a goodness of heart… that is delightful.

The collection includes:

• p.9: A satirical poem about Voltaire, 20 June 1778
• p.30-32: Articles on Voltaire (anti) and Dr. Johnson (pro), 1784

Thomas Robinson notes that he received Fritz’s letters numbered 61, 69 and 72, adding that post is frequently delayed on its way to Lisbon. He then states that he is glad Fritz received his letter numbered 34 which they thought had been lost. He says that Pozzi’s book is a compilation of advice for the education of novices, almost all of which is stolen from the likes of Voltaire, Rousseau, and Bilfield. Robinson then notes that he was sorry to hear that Mr. Parker’s illness (‘gravel’: kidney stones) is so severe, adding that Waddilove, fearing a return of the complaint, drank tea and honey yesterday and took multiple baths, whilst Grantham will bring, when he can, some Uva Ursi. Robinson next discusses some plays that he has seen, and expresses his surprise at Fritz not having been to the ‘Westminster Play’. The letter concludes with a series of domestic concerns, including news of visiting acquaintances, the sending of a pattern for a satin gown, and financial concerns.

Rain. Route from Tunbridge to Richmond. Lady M Forbes well and repeats former invitations. My Lord’s note for Lord Polwarth. Last brochure sent to Richmond for your use to initiate you again into the art or at least the practice of reading before you come to Wimpole; including Voltaire.

Porteus discusses Edward Gibbons’ The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (London, 1776-1789), noting that it would have deserved great praise if last two chapters were omitted or ‘rendered more comfortable to Truth’ with regards their representation of the progress of Christianity. He states that the chapters are ‘unfair & indecent & will do great harm’ because Gibbons ‘has adopted the grave Irony of Hume & Voltaire on such subjects and is not inferior to his masters’.

Yorke encloses two essays. One refers to the merchants trading in the East, and their decision to petition the King regarding the Turkish taxes, ‘avanias’, which have been imposed upon them. The second praises recent British naval operations. Also enclosed is a copy of his letter to Hockersan, in which he requests information regarding an adultery case, between a merchant and his wife. He asks the Academy’s impression of the inscription when they publish a new book of their memoirs, and if Hockersan has access to ‘any manuscripts of note’, particularly a copy of the essays of Voltaire.

[…] Rejoices at his [Gray’s] judicious strictness on Hume, Voltaire, Shaftesbury etc. Does not agree with his opinion of Rousseau. Also differs on Herne’s[?] sermons etc… ‘where will you see more Imagination & warmth of Expression than in Barrow Tillotson, Atterbury, Sherlock?, etc’.