This poem would later feature in a letter from Voltaire to Cideville (D2512) and was published in the 1745 edition of his works (Tome VI, in Stances à madame du Châtelet) published in Amsterdam by Etienne Ledet. An expanded version was printed in Tome V of the 1746 London edition.

Voltaire’s candidature was supported by six individuals between 1 April and 10 October 1743. His supporters were:

• George Parker, 2nd Earl of Macclesfield
• James Jurin
• Martin Folkes
• Shallett Turner
• William Jones
• James Bradley

His election was confirmed by Charles Lennox, 2nd Duke of Richmond and Aubigny on 3 November that year.

A second, unknown hand has added additional text to the end of the letter. A provenance note, also added in the same hand, explains what this additional text is: ‘‘Réponse de l’abbé de voisenon; m. favart m’a prié de l’insérer au bas de cette lettre, en forme de note.’