Letter from Voltaire to Frederick II of Prussia, dated 21 June 1775 [D19520]
Identifiers
CMV:
CMV36701
Repository:
Shelfmark:
5-240 (VII, f.63-4), ’21 juin 1775 (M. 9412)’
Title:
Letter from Voltaire to Frederick II of Prussia, dated 21 June 1775 [D19520]
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Related record(s):
No related manuscripts found.
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Content
People:
Incipit Diplomatic:
Sire,Tandis que votre majesté fait probablement manœuvrer trente ou quarante mille guerriers, je crois ne pouvoir mieux prendre mon temps pour lui présenter la bataille de Rosbac dessinée par d’Etalonde.
Incipit Modernised:
Seigneur, Tandis que votre majesté fait probablement manœuvrer trente ou quarante mille guerriers, je crois ne pouvoir mieux prendre mon temps pour lui présenter la bataille de Rosbac dessinée par d’Etalonde.
Language(s):
In Voltaire’s Hand:
No
Brief Summary:
Letter from Voltaire to Frederick II of Prussia, dated 21 June 1775.
Detailed Summary:
The author presents to the King a drawing of the Battle of Rossbach by D’Étalonde, emphasising the deep admiration and devotion of an officer eager to serve in such campaigns. He expresses gratitude for the King’s support, noting its effect on strengthening the officer’s loyalty, and observes that the latter is more intent on serving under the King than seeking favour in France.
He further commends the King’s ability to combine attention to major affairs with personal consideration, and contrasts this with the recently less impressive French coronation, underscoring instead the King’s multifaceted and exemplary leadership.
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Physical Description
Material(s):
Extent:
2 ff.
Format:
Dimensions:
Hands:
1
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Binding:
The manuscript is bound with other documents in contemporary red morocco.
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History
Date:
21 June 1775
Ownership:
After Voltaire’s death, the MS passed into the ownership of Catherine II and remained in the imperial and then national collection thereafter.
Origin (transcript):
Origin:
Provenance:
This MS was probably taken to St Petersburg by Wagnière in the summer of 1779 along with the rest of Voltaire’s library.
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)
OCV Reference:
vol.126, p.68–69
OCV Manuscript Reference:
vol.126, ‘MS1’, p.69
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