Voltaire writes that the comte de Tressan must think him an ungrateful and lazy person but suggests that he is neither and is rather a sick man whose mind is quick and whose flesh is very weak. He adds that he has been overwhelmed by a violent illness for a month and references a tragedy he was forced to perform for Madame la Dauphine who died the day he finished the play. Voltaire thanks the comte de Tressan for defending Montaigne from those who claimed he only commented on the ancients. Voltaire praises the comte de Tressan’s defence, claiming that he will cherish the copy that the comte had sent him. He ends by asking forgiveness for the delay in replying to him and offering his tender thanks. He adds that Madame du Châtelet sends her sincere compliments, remarking that she is satisfied with his defence of Montaigne and that that is saying a great deal.

Notes on philosophy, including a discussion of Voltaire.

Hannah More writes that she has not been able to go downstaires for two years sue to her illness, but that her health is better than it was and she received lots of visitors. She addes that she knits to raise money fro the Barley Wood School in Ceylon, and provides fulminations against Voltaire. She concludes by discussing her high regard fro Elizabeth Fry.

Rousseau comments on matrimony (Vernes is about to marry) and sends Vernes his good wishes. He writes that he hopes to see a copy of the Genevan edition of his article, ‘Economie politique’ from the ‘Encyclopédie’, promoted by Vernes, and adds that Voltaire has not written to acknowledge Rousseau’s ‘Lettre à d’Alembert’. Roussea goes on to say that Tronchin’s letter contained judicious criticisms of his work, and that he has not forgotten Vernes’ request but has little time for writing due to poor health and has to both reply to thousands of letters and entertain visitors. He notes that he hopes to send Vernes his text, ‘De l’imitation théâtrale’, soon.