Paris 8 Sept. n. s. [1746]
My ever honourable and dear friend, are you my friend enough to excuse the Liberty j take? nay, to approve of it, and to do the good action j propose to yr noble heart?
The marquis d'Eguille is really in very good company if he enjoys yr, but as j suppose you have not much time to spare with him, j guess he wants some sort of comfort. J dare intreat you earnestly to interpose yr good offices to obtain him the liberty to make a little journey to France. J whish j could in the mean come over to you and be his ostage. J long to visit England again and my dearest sr Evrard Falkener. Since j run upon you for favours be so kind as to send me the best printed mémoirs upon the late insurrection in Scotland and the glorious exploits of yr Duke, with the life of Lord Lovat. You can easily order all this to be directed to Rotterdam at mr Paillaret, merchant over against the exchange. He has sure means to send'em safely. Paillaret is a diminutivo of paillard, and paillard is a noble name. It signifies whoremaster, would to god j could be worthy of such a title, but sure j deserve that of yr sincere, and true friend.
Voltaire