me in surmounting the greatest difficulties.  I found my mother indeed still alive, but in the most deplorable state; her disease was consumption, and about seven weeks ago, after much pain and suffering, she died [July 17].  She was indeed a kind, loving mother to me, and my best friend.  Ah! who was happier than I, when I could still utter the sweet name of mother, and it was heard?  But to whom can I now say it?  Only to the silent form resembling her, evoked by the power of imagination.  I have passed very few pleasant hours since my arrival here, having during the whole time been suffering from asthma, which may, I fear, eventually turn to consumption; to this is added melancholy,—­almost as great an evil as my malady itself.  Imagine yourself in my place, and then I shall hope to receive your forgiveness for my long silence.  You showed me extreme kindness and friendship by lending me three Carolins in Augsburg, but I must entreat your indulgence for a time.  My journey cost me a great deal, and I have not the smallest hopes of earning anything here.  Fate is not propitious to me in Bonn.  Pardon my intruding on you so long with my affairs, but all that I have said was necessary for my own justification.

I do entreat you not to deprive me of your valuable friendship; nothing do I wish so much as in any degree to become worthy of your regard.  I am, with all esteem, your obedient servant and friend,

L. V. Beethoven,

Cologne Court Organist.

[Footnote 1:  On his return from Vienna, whither Max Franz had sent him for the further cultivation of his talents.]

3.

To the elector Maximilian Francis.[1]

1793.

Most illustrious and gracious prince,—­

Some years ago your Highness was pleased to grant a pension to my father, the Court tenor Van Beethoven, and further graciously to decree that 100 R. Thalers of his salary should be allotted to me, for the purpose of maintaining, clothing, and educating my two younger brothers, and also defraying the debts incurred by our father.  It was my intention to present this decree to your Highness’s treasurer, but my father earnestly implored me to desist from doing so, that he might not be thus publicly proclaimed incapable himself of supporting his family, adding that he would engage to pay me the 25 R.T. quarterly, which he punctually did.  After his death, however (in December last), wishing to reap the benefit of your Highness’s gracious boon, by presenting the decree, I was startled to find that my father had destroyed it.

I therefore, with all dutiful respect, entreat your Highness to renew this decree, and to order the paymaster of your Highness’s treasury to grant me the last quarter of this benevolent addition to my salary (due the beginning of February).  I have the honor to remain,

Your Highness’s most obedient and faithful servant,