Frederick writes that Voltaire’s cheekiness astonishes him. He threatens that after what Voltaire has done (printing the Diatribe) and his persistence in not confessing his guilt he may print everything because although his work might deserve status his conduct deserves chains. He concludes by writing that he has questioned the editor who has declared everything. Voltaire replies that he swears again on his life that this is all a frightful calumny. He urges Frederick to speak to more people and condemns him for judging him without a hearing. He concludes with a demand for justice and death.

A tracing of an autograph reply from Voltaire has been added beneath the letter [D5097].

In the letter from Frederick to Voltaire, Frederick writes that Voltaire’s cheekiness astonishes him. He threatens that after what Voltaire has done (printing the Diatribe) and his persistence in not confessing his guilt he may print everything because although his work might deserve status his conduct deserves chains. He concludes by writing that he has questioned the editor who has declared everything. Voltaire replies that he swears again on his life that this is all a frightful calumny. He urges Frederick to speak to more people and condemns him for judging him without a hearing. He concludes with a demand for justice and death.