Voltaire begins by thanking Thiériot for his letter, before adding that Charles d’Orléans de Rothelin would like Thiériot to send him a collection of books. He adds that de Rothelin does not understand English and so is asking for the books on behalf of his friend who is a master of the language. Voltaire briefly discusses a meeting with Thiériot’s brother, Bernard, and Miss Salé, enclosing some verse he was inspired to write by the latter. He then turns to Eriphile, saying that it has not had great success and so he will not give it to the printers until he has corrected it. He asks how he might send Thiériot his La Mort de César because he does not have the right copy, before saying that he never leaves the house and receives no visitors, adding that he hopes this solitude will give him time to work on Eriphile, Lettres sur les Anglais, and Siècle de Louis XIV. Voltaire reminds Thiériot not to forget his plates (illustrations for La Henriade), and asks him to give his regards to any in England who think of him. He mentions a compliment given by Dufresne that Bernard has already conveyed to Thiériot, and concludes by mentioning a new opera supposedly written by Bernard.

Voltaire writes that he is at the Château de Prangins with his niece and would come to visit the recipient immediately if her were not suffering from rheumatism and gout. He notes his intention to take the baths of Aix en Savoye and writes that he hopes to then be able to see the recipient after such a long time. He then remarks on the fact that Alaman has not been sold, before claiming that he is looking for philosophers rather than the view of Lake Lauzanne and would prefer the recipient’s company to that of all the big trouts.

Voltaire writes that he only received the Baron’s two letters yesterday, adding that it is true that Rousseau and two or three others in Paris have been slandering him. Voltaire notes that he thanks them as absurd, self-destructing lies only harm their authors. He then discusses the rumours, writing that Rousseau had claimed that he had come to Leiden to profess atheism and that he had had a very heated argument with Sgravesende. Voltaire notes that his friend and master Mr. Sgravesende was so indignant about this that he publicly worte: ‘je déclare qu’un mensonge si impudent n’a point été imaginé par un Hollandois. C’est ce que je soutiens pour l’honneur de notre nation.’ Voltaire then turns to his works, noting that a very fine edition has been begun, and that they will contain nothing that is unworthy of an honest man. He ends the letter by stating that he is leaving for England but will return to Leiden in June.

Voltaire begins with some poetry, before writing that he awaits a copy of Shaftesbury’s English theology (possibly a work by Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 3rd Earl of Shaftesbury), upon the arrival of which he will send a copy of another work to Capacelli. He then sends his compliments to Algaroti, adding that if a new play is performed at Tourney he will send a copy to the recipient in Bologna.

The margrave talks of Voltaire’s pennance, noting that will be forgiven and that he will be welcome in Bayreuth where friends are eager to oblige him. She questions the fulfilment of his promises, asking if the ‘German climate’ was able to reform the ‘French Lightness’ in such a short space of time. She notes that she hopes to see Voltaire again soon before recounting a visit to see his ‘feaux Profête’, remarking on the actors and the reception of Voltaire’s work. She concludes by discussing her correspondence with Mr de Folard, and begging Voltaire to complete his work soon.