Notes from 1833 refer to article by Mr Everett on Tocqueville’s work on American penal system and articles from North American Review comparing prison regimes. Discusses in detail experiments by Mr Lawes in using sewerage as fertilizer to increase crop production; refers to letter in family’s possession from Voltaire to Samuel Estwick which has been dated by Macaulay and compared with Voltaire’s writing; letter copied on f 11v; refers to price of land at sales; includes notes in French on Thiers’ ‘Historie de l’Empire Vol 8’ from 1853; refers to trustees and arrangements for family trusts. Comments on parliamentary affairs during sessions of 1850-51 including vote on Greek Question 1850; refers to case in Court of Common Pleas; discusses workings of specific committees including those on gevernment finances; refers to resignation and reappointment of Government.

Os D 12/1/1 found enclosed.

P. Grandey thanks Achard for the parcel and discusses Achard’s view on both a poem attributed to Voltaire and political news from at home and abroad. He enquires after Achard’s health in view of his recent cold and the time of year, and notes that Sir George [Savile, 8th Baronet] is talking of going to London after Christmas, but the newlyweds [Mr and Mrs John Thornhagh] have all they need for happiness at Shireoakes. Grandey reports that the Duchess of Norfolk arrived ‘at the Mannor’ on Friday, and that he is amusing himself by reading letters from Mr Locke to Mr Molineux and ‘Limborch’ and his posthumous works. He asks Achard’s opinion on a poem in Latin called ‘On Molly B– wedding night’, beginning ‘Hic Jacet…’, and remarks that he is worried about his brother’s and sister’s silence. He concludes by writing that it froze hard but did not last, and that Rev. Sutton lent them a French book called ‘les Memoires Tures.’

Charlotte Sophia expresses her initial alarm, and later amusement, at Sophie’s questions about Rousseau [Sophie’s godfather] and discusses at length her own and her friend Voltaire’s views of him and his philosophies. She comments on his influence, especially on the Princess of Anhalt-Zerbst, remarks on his books and their importance, observes that an author cannot be directly responsible for the abuse of his ideas, and urges Sophie not to try to resemble the Sophie of ‘Emile’ after whom she was named. She repeats her warning about the ill effects of drink and questions how wise decisions can be reached after banquets, remarking on the loss of respect suffered by ministers or officers who are intoxicated.

Grandey begins by saying that he suspects Achard is ill because of his long silence, adding that he himself has had a bad cold for a few days and is treating it by keeping warm and having lots of rest. He goes on to note that Madame Piaget’s son died of fever in Flanders, and that he has been told that the Bishop of St Asaph is tasked with selling Piaget’s books, curiosities and mathematical instruments. Grandey then queries the meaning of the ‘mot Cabagnole’ in the Voltaire verse Achard sent him previously, before going on to say that ‘the people from here’ went to Rufford after spending eight days at Welbeck. He adds that Sir George [Savile, 8th Baronet] continues to work on the garden improvements and has not mentioned going to London, and that Colonel DeJean is expected in London imminently. He ends by transcribing a French verse beginning: ‘Louis, dit on, fût fort surpris…’ and exhorting the king to bring peace to France.

Denison opens the letter with a description of being kept awake by street seller, and states that a change in weather means wearing his ‘old French trousers’. He refers to Voltaire’s letter to [Samuel] Estwick [grandfather of Denison] which he thinks should be published in next edition of his works. He then goes on to describe a local fair and circus, and comments on improvement in his language skills which have allowed him to buy many books as result of cheap French currency. He refers to strong French feelings of liberty and equality and mentions both the land bills passing through parliament and the debate on law of entails. In the concluding part of his letter, he refers to debate concerning Catholic Question and discusses current French political situation. In particular, he references Charles Drury’s ‘disappointments’ at Ossington.

Thomas begins by noting his sadness at Jack’s ill health but adds that he is optimistic about his recovery. He goes on to say that he will probably not go to Wales because of the weather but will travel to Kent soon. He then relates news of his acquaintances, stating that the Bishop of Norwich is not well after catching a cold at Welbeck Abbey and commenting on the upcoming marriage of Philip Yorke and Jemima Campbell, explaining that she will receive her title from her grandfather, who is also very ill. Thomas praises the engaged couple and comments that they are very suitable for each other, before concluding by noting that he has copied out some lines of a Voltaire poem and sent them to William.

De Crousaz replies to the two queries that Achard sent to his wife, noting that they have not visited Geneva and that they have not seen Voltaire in the theatre. Through a military analogy, he remarks that according to his friends Voltaire is a better playwright than actor and was not good in the role of Lusignan in the play Zaïre. He goes on to note that the Duke of Randau’s politics mean that he and his Lord [Weymouth?] are to remain in Besançon for three weeks, adding that his Lord wants to go to Italy via Germany but that he [De Crousaz] is against the idea as he does not like Italy. He adds that his wife told him that Achard is angry at him for stopping in Besançon but replies that they were forced to stop by the Lord’s illness in Dijon. He discusses his relationship with his Lord, stating that he is not paid by the Lord (whose money is transferred through Mr Foley in Paris) and has little power, though he listens to Achard’s advice. De Crousaz then turns to health matters, noting that his gout has passed; and that he is sending Achard bottles of virtuous water for his health.

Grandey begins by saying that he would have written earlier but they had had company at Rufford and Shireoaks, adding that he is glad to hear that Achard is well. He informs Achard that he has been greatly troubled by rheumatic pain but that the sun has been shining all day which is supposed to be good for that ailment. He then notes that a week last Thursday Sir George [Savile, 8th Baronet] and Mr and Mrs Thornhagh went to Welbeck, and that he does not expect to see Achard until near Christmas. He adds that he can’t stop reading Montaigne, and that he does not think the Voltaire verses are actually by him, noting that he would like to read his tragedy ‘Serimamis’. Grandey ends by sending best wishes from his brother and sister, adding that Sir George has gone fox hunting and continues to work on the gardens at Rufford.

The text consists of a single couplet preceded by a comment by Edward Harley, 2nd Earl of Oxford (1689-1741), ‘On Voltaire by Dr Young talking in a profligate manner on[e] evening’. ‘Thou’rt so Ingenious, Profligate and Thin, / Thy self art Milton & his Death & Sin.’