Oct^r26 [1776]

Dear Madam,

I congratulate all your friends & myself among that honourable happy number for your safe return to us.

M^rs Garrick did herself the honour of calling upon you to return her thanks in Person for the great care you have taken, & the trouble you have had, with the friendly favour of m^rs Necker to her. I heard w^th pleasure of y^r being at the french Academy when Voltaire exhibited his malevolent Nonsense (for which too among other Obligations I thank you) upon our belov'd & immortal Shakespeare: could any thing possibly add to my Admiration of m^rs Montagu it was the Expression of contempt & astonishm^t which, I hear, You put on, at the hearing of the weak and impotent roarings of age, Envy, hatred & malice. It rejoices me much to hear, that this unchristian attack upon Genius had not a favourable reception Even from his own friends.

I doubt not, but you have converted Numbers to the faith not w^th sword as Mahomet did, but by those emanations of Genius, which you have caught from the divinity you have so powerfully, & justly protected & admir'd. This attack of Voltaire, I hope, is not to pass unnotic'd. If the Champions will not mount with the regulars, the Light horse & hussars must begin a Skirmish. I most devoutly wish for the honour of a little conversation, which I should immediately have Endeavor'd to enjoy in Hill Street, had not a small attack of y^e Gout ob[liged me to] stay at home for a day or t[wo]. May I not hope for that, [ . . . ] favour, as soon as the more imp[ortant] matters have had their first dues, & with our little demands may present ourselves with all Love, & humilyty?

I am

D^r mad^m

Y^r most devoted serv^t

D. Garrick