Voltaire is in Senones undertaking research in the library for his universal history (Essai sur les mœurs). Villaume writes a bibliographic reference at the top of the letter, to which Voltaire appends a quote in Latin, both of which are omitted from published versions of this letter. Voltaire is asking Dupont for information relating to this reference.

Writing to his brother, Lamennais discusses the revue for which he wanted to write an article outlining his new theory of spiritual power, though he acknowledges that the said revue does not work. He goes on to discuss a contribution by Louis de Bonald and an article by Antoine Eugène Genoud concerning Voltaire, Helvétius, and Rousseau that could not be published and would therefore need to be replaced.

Voltaire has added a postscript in his own hand.

The note reads:

L’empereur 100
l’impératrice 100.
mr de caunits 6
mr de voronsof 10
mr de la balle 4

The letter opens with nineteen lines of verse known as ‘Épître à Monsieur le Président Hénault’. The final seven words of the letter have been added in Voltaire’s hand.

The fragment gives l.16-27 of Act II Scene 2 only.