MASSILLON Jean-Baptiste (1663-1742) preacher, bishop of Clermont (French Academy). L.A.S. "J. B. Eveq. de Clermont", to a Reverend Father; 2 pages in-4 (portrait attached). He is delighted that his long and arduous labors leave him the strength and courage to still give works so useful for the Republic of Letters. "The project that you have done me the honor of addressing to me must be of public taste. It is a work that we lack, and that I consider necessary for the understanding of our history. [] It is quite right that after having made us aware of the customs of the Greeks and Romans, we should also know how our fathers lived.