Tone – what voice do you hear in this letter – is he satirical? Somber? Introspective? Etc. Give a brief explanation of the tone. The first use I must make of my liberty is to write and thank you for having given it to me. I can only prove my gratitude by being worthy of the kindness you have done me, and of your protection. I believe I have profited by my misfortunes and can assure you that I am not less grateful to the Regent for my captivity than for my freedom. I have committed many faults, but I beg you, sir, to assure his Royal Highness that I never was so wicked nor so foolish as to have written anything against him. I have never spoken of him but in terms of admiration for his genius: and I should have expressed myself as warmly had he been a private person. I have always respected him the more because I know that he dislikes flattery as much as he deserves it. I know that in this respect you are like him, but still I cannot refrain from telling you how fortunate I think myself to be in your power, and how sure I am that you will use it to my advantage.
With the profoundest respect, I am, sir, your most humble, obedient servant