Ferney is now again the property of the same family from whom it was purchased by Voltaire; that it has once, since his death, belonged to an Englishman, or rather been rented by one, is recorded in Monsieur de Laborde’s journey to Switzerland. He mentions, that in the year 1781 he went to the château of Ferney; he was an enthusiastic admirer of Voltaire, and the following are his own words:—
“I descended from my carriage; I approached, impatient to exist in the same place where the great man lived. I rang—the gate opened—I rushed in—I was pushed back, and entrance refused me, because the master had given orders to admit no one.
“‘What do you mean?’ I exclaimed hastily. ‘What kind of a master is this who refuses to see Frenchmen? Is the château no longer the property of Monsieur de la Villette?’
“‘Sir, he has let it.’
“‘Let it! let the remains of Voltaire?’
“‘Only for a year.’
“‘And who is the successor of our great genius?’
“‘An Englishman.’
“‘Robertson, no doubt.’
“‘No, a London shopkeeper with one leg, one arm, and one eye.’