[Evelyn Beatrice Hall, biographer of Voltaire.] Autograph Letter Signed ('E. Beatrice Hall') to 'Dr. Chepmell' [Edward Charles Chepmell], regarding her article on Galiani, his superior knowledge of the eighteenth century, and Vauvenargues.

In The Friends of Voltaire (1906), Hall penned the rallying cry for the freedom of speech 'I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it', which is often misattributed to Voltaire himself. 4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. In an attempt to place a quotation for Chepmell she has consulted her 'note books on Galiani', to no avail. 'I have, I find, jotted down the words – in French, I cannot read Italian I am sorry to say – but as if the expression was his own, not a quotation from Dante or anyone else.' She has also 'looked through Sainte Beuve's Essay to see if there is any allusion', but fears that she is 'of no use'. She will send him her 'article on Galiani when it appears – I do not quite know when that will be'. She hopes he will be 'merciful to my many shortcomings & ignorances in dealing with him'. She considers her 'knowledge of the eighteenth century […] a very superficial thing compared with yours'. 'It would really be an education to me, as well as a great pleasure, if you would allow me to “Saunter” there with you for an hour or so next time I come to Hurst.' She thanks him for a recommendation, regarding which she has 'asked the London Library to send […] a few volumes'. She ends with a reference to Vauvenargues: 'He greatly fascinates me both as a writer & a human being.'