[Francois-Marie Arouet]. Voltaire Autograph Letter Signed "Voltaire." One page, 18.5" x 21.25", "aux délices", Geneva, Switzerland; May 1, 1763. Written in French and addressed to the Duc de Richelieu, regarding an encounter with an Englishman who denied Voltaire's relationship with the duke. The translation reads in full: "Permit me to inform you what has just happened to me with Mr. McCartney, an English gentleman, very young, and yet very wise; very well educated but modest; quite rich and quite unaffected and who will soon shout in parliament better than anyone. He denied that you had any friendship for me. I became angry. I boasted of your protection. He replied that if I spoke truly I would take the liberty of writing to you; he challenged me to it. Then I could not contain myself; I have strong passions. Therefore pardon, my Lord, the zeal, devotion, profound respect of the old mountaineer." Voltaire (1694-1778), a French Enlightenment philosopher and prolific writer, produced plays, novels, essays, and scientific and historical works. He influenced the leaders behind the American and French revolutions. "Les Délices" was Voltaire's home in Switzerland. After his death, the house was transformed into a museum. Armand de Vignerot du Plessis (1696-1788), 3rd Duke of Richelieu, met Voltaire in 1718 and had become close friends by 1722. With the help of Voltaire, Richelieu won the favor of his second wife, Elisabeth Sophie of Lorraine in 1734. Condition: Flattened mail folds with light toning and soiling throughout. HID03101242017