Voltaire opens the letter by saying that his taste agrees with that of the recipient; he likes mysteries to remain secret. He says that he does not know whether or not the recipient has used the thoughts on public administration in the story of the twelfth wolf [lupus duodecimus], adding that if not he will weave them into the patchwork. Voltaire goes on to say that with one hand he is preparing this repetition whilst with the other the continuation of the general jumble of history, adding that if he had a third hand it would be put to the service of the lovely pair of brothers [par amabile fratrum].

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.

Voltaire states that Perronet gave him a great desire to take the coach to see the Neuilly bridge, adding that he would leave immediately if his age and continual illness did not prevent him from doing so. He notes that it is sad to die without having seen the monuments which make one’s homeland illustrious and thanks Perronet for having had the goodness to have had the drawing of the bridge shown to him. Voltaire goes on to say that he does not doubt that the King will use Perronet’s rare talents for new masterpieces which will immortalise his century and his reign. He ends by saying that he hopes Perronet will include him amongst his large number of admirers.

Voltaire begins by saying that the Count de Rochefort, and the old woman of nineteen years old, left Macon. According to the letter written by the trio, Voltaire adds that he expects that the travellers will soon be either in Paris or Vandoeuvre. He advises the travellers that they will not see ‘Les Lois de Minos’ because they will be in their quarters when it will be presented and begs them not to show the ‘Lois’ to anyone other than D’Alembert. Voltaire goes on to say that he doesn’t think it necessary to make even the slightest reasonable allusion; but one must always expect the worst from frivolous, troubled and mean spirits. What’s more, he adds, the copy that they have is incorrect and it two pages need to be redone. Voltaire concedes that such ‘bagatelles’ are not deserving of much attention but as there are people in the world who seek to take every opportunity to harm, he asks that the recipients do not give them this opportunity. He ends by stating that Madame Denis very respectfully thanks ‘Madame dix neuf ans’ and that he himself does the same for the third person to whom he has the honour to address his letter. The closing of the letter is added in Voltaire’s own hand. Here, he states that he throws himself at the feet of the old lady.

The letter concerns Voltaire’s death on 30 May 1778 and discusses the difficulties his servants faced in finding a burial place for him after they removed his body from Paris.

Voltaire notes that the recipient had asked him for documents concerning the Pays de Gex whilst he was at Tourney and that he is sending now all that he has been able to find. He adds that he does not believe a tax on the nobility will be levied this year, though it seems that the controleur général is committed to the operation. He ends the letter by saying that he awaits the recipient’s orders as to whether to press ahead or postpone the matter kindly entrusted to him, adding that the recipient can count on his unwavering devotion.