Autograph letter from Françoise d’Issembourg d’Happoncourt, mme de Graffigny to François Antoine Devaux, written from Cirey and dated 19/20 December 1738
MA 3936.8, ‘Autograph letter : [Cirey, near Joinville], to François Antoine Devaux, [1738 Dec. 19 or 20].’
Title:
Autograph letter from Françoise d’Issembourg d’Happoncourt, mme de Graffigny to François Antoine Devaux, written from Cirey and dated 19/20 December 1738
Autograph letter from Françoise d’Issembourg d’Happoncourt, mme de Graffigny to François Antoine Devaux, written from Cirey and dated 19/20 December 1738.
Detailed Summary:
Madame de Graffigny describes Émilie du Châtelet’s personality, before turning to matters concerning Voltaire. She gives her opinion on his Le Petit Boursoufle, and gives an update on Voltaire’s health. She further discusses the Abbé Desfontaines and Jean-Baptiste Rousseau, especially with reference to Voltaire. The letter is incomplete; Devaux was tasked with returning the letter to Cirey so that Madame de Graffigny could burn the first pages, which it appears that she did.