Autograph letter from Voltaire to Frederick II of Prussia, dated 16 August 1774 [D19080].
Identifiers
CMV:
CMV36691
Repository:
Shelfmark:
5-240 (VII, f.47-8), ‘Au roi de Prusse, 2 janvier 1774 (M. 9283)’
Title:
Autograph letter from Voltaire to Frederick II of Prussia, dated 16 August 1774 [D19080].
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Reproductions:
Content
People:
Incipit Diplomatic:
Sire, J’ay enfin proposé au chancelier de France de faire pour votre officier ce qu’il pourait.
Incipit Modernised:
Seigneur, J’ai enfin proposé au chancelier de France de faire pour votre officier ce qu’il pourrait.
Language(s):
In Voltaire’s Hand:
Yes
Brief Summary:
Autograph letter from Voltaire to Frederick II of Prussia, dated 16 August 1774.
Detailed Summary:
The letter discusses efforts to secure support for the officer Morival, highlighting his dedication and unwavering resolve to serve the sovereign. The author aligns his views with those of the sovereign, reflecting on the importance of strong defense and the broader impact of the decisions made by rulers. He also mentions the admiration expressed for the sovereign in the letters of Lord Chesterfield, noting their significance due to Chesterfield’s reputation for grace and sincerity. The letter concludes with the author expressing his enduring desire to please the sovereign, tempered by the humility that comes with age.
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Physical Description
Material(s):
Extent:
2 ff.
Format:
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Hands:
1
Watermark:
Countermark:
Binding:
The manuscript is bound with other documents in contemporary red morocco.
Additional Comments:
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History
Date:
16 August 1774
Ownership:
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Origin:
Provenance:
Bibliography
Bibliography:
Fernand Caussy, Inventaire des manuscrits de la bibliothèque de Voltaire conservée à la bibliothèque impériale publique de Saint-Pétersbourg (Geneva, Slatkine reprints, 1970)
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Record created on: