Autograph letter from Voltaire to Frederick II of Prussia, written from château de Ferney and dated 17 November 1774 [D19190].
Identifiers
CMV:
CMV36693
Repository:
Shelfmark:
5-240 (VII, f.50-1), ’17 novembre 1773, à Ferney (M. 9220)’
Title:
Autograph letter from Voltaire to Frederick II of Prussia, written from château de Ferney and dated 17 November 1774 [D19190].
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Content
People:
Incipit Diplomatic:
Sire, Quelques petits avantcoureurs que la nature envoye quelques fois aux gens de quatrevingt et un ans ne m’ont pas permis de vous remercier plustôt d’une lettre charmante remplie des plus jolis vers que vous ayez jamais faits.
Incipit Modernised:
Seigneur, Quelques petits avant-coureurs que la nature envoyée quelques fois aux gens de quatre-vingt et un an ne m’ont pas permis de vous remercier plutôt d’une lettre charmante remplie des plus jolis vers que vous ayez jamais faits.
Language(s):
In Voltaire’s Hand:
Yes
Brief Summary:
Autograph letter from Voltaire to Frederick II of Prussia, written from château de Ferney and dated 17 November 1774.
Detailed Summary:
The author, hindered by age-related ailments, expresses gratitude to the sovereign for a letter filled with beautiful verses, acknowledging his inability to reciprocate in kind. He praises the young officer Morival, who has made remarkable progress in his military skills and continues to serve with dedication. The author argues that Morival’s case, unjustly handled in his absence, should be reviewed rather than seeking a pardon, as this would imply guilt. The letter concludes by commending the sovereign for protecting an innocent man and expressing the author’s deep respect and attachment as he nears the end of his life.
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Physical Description
Material(s):
Extent:
2 ff.
Format:
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Hands:
1
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Binding:
The manuscript is bound with other documents in contemporary red morocco.
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History
Date:
17 November 1774
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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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