in London, Maiden lane14 [25 n. s.] december [1727], at the White perruke, Coventgarden
Sir,
You will be surprised in receiving an English essay from a french traveller. Pray, forgive an admirer of you, who ows to yr writings, the love he bears to yr language, which has betray'd him into the rash attempt of writing in english.
You will see by the advertisement that j have some designs upon you, and that j must mention you for the honour of yr country, and for the improvement of mine. Do not forbid me to grace my relation with yr name. Let me indulge the satisfaction of talking of you as posterity will do.
In the mean time can j make bold to intreat you to make some use of yr interest in Ireland, about some subscriptions for the Henriade, which is almost ready and does not come out yet for want of little help. The subscriptions will be but one guinea in hand.
J am with the highest esteem, and the utmost gratitude
Sir
yr most humble and most obedient servant
Voltaire