Box 1
Contains 20 Results:
Frederick the Great to Voltaire...1, 1742 March 23
In the letter, Frederick tells Voltaire about his battles with Austria-Hungary, his alliance with Poland, and other military observations. Also included in the folder are two transcriptions of the letter in French. The letter is signed by Frederick.
Frederick the Great to Voltaire...2, 1742 January 8-April 12
These three letters were difficult to read and translate so a detailed summary is not available. In the letter of January 8, Frederick mentions (and probably expands upon), varied topics such as Machiavellian tactics, marriage contracts, and Mexico. In the letter of February 3, he proposes devoting the century (the 18th century) to Louis le Grand and asks what Voltaire thinks of it. The letter of April 12 includes some lines of poetry. All three letters are signed by Frederick.
Frederick the Great to Voltaire...3, 1758 January 16
Frederick the Great to Voltaire...4, 1766 August 7
In this letter, Frederick the Great talks about how his nephew had the pleasure of listening to Voltaire. Frederick mentions that he is envious of his nephew. He also discusses Voltaire's idea of establishing a "colony of philosophers" in Clèves, and says that he does not oppose the idea. Towards the end of the letter, he compliments Voltaire on his genius, a theme that is common in many of Frederick's letters. The letter is signed with a large and elegant letter "F".
Frederick the Great to Voltaire...5, 1766 August 13-1766 September 3
The August letter in this folder discusses the injustice of the execution of Jean Calas because he was not a Catholic. Frederick complains about how Calas had no proof or evidence against him, and also did not have a witness. He writes how he thinks that the law should punish people in proportion to their faults, but that in the case of Calas, it didn't happen that way because the magistrates used their own judgment instead. The letters are signed with a large and elegant letter "F".
Frederick the Great to Voltaire...6, 1766 September 1
Frederick the Great to Voltaire...7, 1766 September 13
In this letter, Frederick talks of his own faith being "lukewarm", and cites that as the reason why he is able to tolerate the faiths of all others. He also discusses and expands upon his belief that "superstition is a weakness of the human spirit". The letter is signed with a large and elegant letter "F".