![Null VOLTAIRE (François-Marie Arouet, dit) [Paris, 1694 - id., 1778], French wri…](https://cdn.drouot.com/d/image/lot?size=fullHD&path=85/116794/76a507f18a35daf3c441f71be82abdcf)
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VOLTAIRE (François-Marie Arouet, dit) [Paris, 1694 - id., 1778], French writer. Autograph letter signed "Voltaire". Ferney, April 16, 1765; 4 pages in-4°. "Mr. Marquis de Villette, sir, having told me that he was your relative, and that you were informed of all his affairs, I thought you would forgive me the liberty I am taking to write you about his present situation. He inspires in me a real interest in everything that concerns him. He is amiable, full of spirit; I believe him to have an excellent heart, and I have seen with a very sensitive satisfaction that he respects and loves his father as much as he should. He is made to be his consolation. The more he feels the faults into which he may have fallen, the more he also feels the necessity and the honest pleasure of repairing them. The kindness of his character has sometimes emboldened me to observe with him how dangerous are often the liaisons with young people of good looks, what a void is found in their society, and that our parents are our true friends. It is especially the way in which he spoke to me about you, sir, that determined me to open my heart to you. He does me the honor of looking upon my little hermitage as his home, and when we lose him, he will leave us many regrets. I foresee that before returning to Paris, he will spend some time with you. He will be dearer to his father, and will deserve his friendship more. It will be you, sir, to whom he owes this complete reconciliation. I would like to be able to accompany him when he goes to see you; my age and the illnesses with which I am burdened will probably deprive me of this advantage. But they do not make me any less sensitive to your merit and the kindnesses you have always shown me. It is especially from these kindnesses that I expect some indulgence from you for this letter. It is not for me to stir up your feelings for Monsieur de Villette; allow me only to add mine to yours, and to renew to you all the sentiments with which I have the honor of being, sir, your very humble and obedient servant. Voltaire." With variants in Garnier (OEuvres complètes de Voltaire, vol. 43, pp. 530-531).
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VOLTAIRE (François-Marie Arouet, dit) [Paris, 1694 - id., 1778], French writer. Autograph letter signed "Voltaire". Ferney, April 16, 1765; 4 pages in-4°. "Mr. Marquis de Villette, sir, having told me that he was your relative, and that you were informed of all his affairs, I thought you would forgive me the liberty I am taking to write you about his present situation. He inspires in me a real interest in everything that concerns him. He is amiable, full of spirit; I believe him to have an excellent heart, and I have seen with a very sensitive satisfaction that he respects and loves his father as much as he should. He is made to be his consolation. The more he feels the faults into which he may have fallen, the more he also feels the necessity and the honest pleasure of repairing them. The kindness of his character has sometimes emboldened me to observe with him how dangerous are often the liaisons with young people of good looks, what a void is found in their society, and that our parents are our true friends. It is especially the way in which he spoke to me about you, sir, that determined me to open my heart to you. He does me the honor of looking upon my little hermitage as his home, and when we lose him, he will leave us many regrets. I foresee that before returning to Paris, he will spend some time with you. He will be dearer to his father, and will deserve his friendship more. It will be you, sir, to whom he owes this complete reconciliation. I would like to be able to accompany him when he goes to see you; my age and the illnesses with which I am burdened will probably deprive me of this advantage. But they do not make me any less sensitive to your merit and the kindnesses you have always shown me. It is especially from these kindnesses that I expect some indulgence from you for this letter. It is not for me to stir up your feelings for Monsieur de Villette; allow me only to add mine to yours, and to renew to you all the sentiments with which I have the honor of being, sir, your very humble and obedient servant. Voltaire." With variants in Garnier (OEuvres complètes de Voltaire, vol. 43, pp. 530-531).
