in Maiden lane at the white wigg Covent garden [c. 1 January 1728]

My Lord,

Tho j am a traveller unknown to y^r Lordship, the name of Harlay has been for many centuries, so glorious among us french, and the branch of y^r house, settled in France, is so proud of the honour of being nearly related to y^r that you must forgive the liberty of this letter.

J have written, and printed here a book called the Henriade in which one Harlay of y^r house acts the most noble part, and such a one, as you should be acquainted with.

For my part having been in some measure educated in the house of the late Achilles de Harlay the oracle and the first president of our parliament, j should be wanting to my duty if j durst not trouble y^r lordship, about it, and beg of the favour of waiting upon you before the book comes out.

J expect to know when j may wait upon your lordship.

J am with much respect

mylord

y^r Lordship's

most humble most obedient faithfull servant

Voltaire