Letter from Voltaire to Christoph Heinrich von Ammon, dated 15 April 1768 [D14949]
Identifiers
CMV:
CMV36749
Repository:
Shelfmark:
5-240 (VII, f.145), ‘A M. d’Hamon, chambellan du roi de Prusse, du 15 avril 1768 (M. 7239)’
Title:
Letter from Voltaire to Christoph Heinrich von Ammon, dated 15 April 1768 [D14949]
Collection(s):
Related record(s):
No related manuscripts found.
Link to Digital Resource:
Link to Archive Catalogue:
OCLC Number:
Reproductions:
The Besterman Collection, Geneva, photocopy
Content
People:
Incipit Diplomatic:
Je suis plus étonné, Monsieur, du souvenir dont vous m’honorez, que de vous voir entreprendre un ouvrage utile.
Incipit Modernised:
Je suis plus étonné, Monsieur, du souvenir dont vous m’honorez, que de vous voir entreprendre un ouvrage utile.
Language(s):
In Voltaire’s Hand:
Partly
Brief Summary:
Letter from Voltaire to Christoph Heinrich von Ammon, dated 15 April 1768.
Detailed Summary:
The writer expresses surprise and admiration for the recipient’s undertaking of a useful project, despite their own advanced age and inability to contribute directly. They comment on the complexity and scale of the genealogical work described, noting a discrepancy in the count of ancestors across generations. Additionally, the writer corrects a historical inaccuracy regarding the role of secretaries of state and muses on the differing genealogical traditions across cultures. They conclude with respectful regards and acknowledge the recipient’s dedication to both history and faith.
Keyword(s):
Genre(s):
Status:
Physical Description
Material(s):
Extent:
1 f.
Format:
Dimensions:
Hands:
2
Watermark:
Countermark:
Binding:
The manuscript is bound with other documents in contemporary red morocco.
Additional Comments:
Materiality Keywords:
Decorations:
Additions:
The manuscript carries a few autograph additions.
Marginalia Keywords:
Inclusions:
History
Date:
15 April 1768
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:
117, p. 281–282
OCV Manuscript Reference:
117, ‘MS1’, p. 282
Record created by:
Record created on: