Lot n° 250
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voltaire (1694-1778). - Lot 250
voltaire (1694-1778).
L.A.S. "Voltaire gentilhomme de la chambre du roy de France," Potsdam Aug. 1, 1750, to Richard ROLT in London; 2 pages in-4, addressed with red wax seal (broken); in English.
Beautiful letter in English from Voltaire, praising the British Constitution, and defining his own work as a historian.
[Richard ROLT (1724-1770) wrote poems, opera librettos, and historical works, including An impartial Representation of the Conduct of the Several Powers of Europe engaged in the late general War... (London, 1749-1750), to which Voltaire refers here]. "I have received at Potsdam, the obligent letter you directed to Paris; but I have not yet received the favour of your book. The wisdom that shines in yr letter, raised in me, more and more, the desire to read that performance. I am confident you have been faithfull to yr Title, in writing impartially as an honest man, and a philosofer ought to do. [...] T'is yr duty to love, to praise, the form of the British Government; but do not believe we blame it in France. The situation of our country, the genius of our nation and many other reasons, have submitted us to the monarchik power, mitigated by the amiable mildness of our manners rather than by your laws. All wise men amongst us live happy under such a government, and admire that of Great Britain. As to the task of writing a true and complete history of the late war, tis a heavy burthen. I hope you are wel inform'd of all the transactions pass'd in yr contry. All the secrets of the back-stairs at yr court, are not secret in a few years. Each party spies, discovers and exagerates the intrigues and the fault of the opposite party, and from the shok of so many flints some flashes of truth may shoot and enlighten the mind of a wise historian, but in other countries state misterys lay hid under a curtain that few men are able to remove. My office of the crown's historian entitled me to the communication of all letters writ to ministers. Yet, I am not satisfied with so good materials, and I must hunt again after my favorite game, truth, in foreign countries. I travel like Polibus to see the different teaters of the war. I do consult both friends and ennemys. I doubt not yr book Sir will help me very much. Yr title which promises impartiality shall put me alwais in mind of my duty. History must be neither a satir nor an encomium, and I hope a Frenchman, and even a gentleman of the King's Chamber may tell open truth with security. A moderate man can no offend when he will not offend, and he may say harsh things if he never uses harsh words. I am at leisure, I'll publish my history as late as I can, but I'll read yr as soon as possible...
I have received in Potsdam the obliging letter addressed to Paris, but not yet the book. The wisdom that emanates from your letter has increased my desire to read this work. I am sure that you have been faithful to your title, writing with impartiality, as an honest man and a philosopher should. It is your duty to like and praise the British form of government; but do not think that we in France condemn it. The situation of our country, the genius of our nation, and many other reasons, have subjected us to monarchical power, tempered by the amiable gentleness of our morals more than by our laws. All the wise among us live happily under such a government, and admire that of Great Britain. As for your project of writing a true and complete history of the last war, it is a heavy task. I hope you are well informed about all the dealings that took place in your country. All the secrets behind the scenes of your court will not be secret in a few years. Each party spies, exposes and exaggerates the intrigues, as well as the faults of the opposite party. And from the clash of these many flints, a few sparks of truth may fly and enlighten the mind of a wise historian. But in other countries, state secrets are hidden behind a curtain that few men are able to push aside. My position as historian to the crown has given me access to all letters written to ministers. However, I am not satisfied with such an opportunity, and I still have to hunt down my favorite game, that is, the truth, in foreign countries. I travel like Polybius to see the different theaters of war. I consult both friends and enemies; I have no doubt that your book will be of great help to me. Your title promising impartiality will always remind me of my duty. History should be neither a satire nor a panegyric. And I hope that a Frenchman, and even a gentleman of the King's Chamber, can speak the truth openly and safely. A moderate man cannot offend when he does not wish to offend, and he can say harsh things, if he never uses harsh words. I have time before me, and I will publish my story as late as I can, but I will not be able to write it.
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