The Oberstburggraf answered both the Duke and myself immediately.  In the letter to me he said “that I was to present a petition to the Provincial Court of Justice in Prague, along with all the proofs, whence it would be forwarded to him, and that he would do his utmost to further my cause.”  He also wrote in the most polite terms to the Archduke; indeed, he expressly said “that he was thoroughly cognizant of the late Prince Kinsky’s intentions with regard to me and this affair, and that I might present a petition,” &c.  The Archduke instantly sent for me, and desired me to prepare the document and to show it to him; he also thought that I ought to solicit payment in Einloesung Schein, as there was ample proof, if not in strictly legal form, of the intentions of the Prince, and no one could doubt that if he had survived he would have adhered to his promise.  If he [the Archduke] were this day the heir, he would demand no other proofs than those already furnished.  I sent this paper to Baron Pasqualati, who is kindly to present it himself to the Court.  Not till after the affair had gone so far did Dr. Adlersburg receive a letter from Dr. Wolf, in which he mentioned that he had made a claim for 1500 florins.  As we have come so far as 1500 florins with the Oberstburggraf, we may possibly get on to 1800 florins.  I do not esteem this any favor, for the late Prince was one of those who urged me most to refuse a salary of 600 gold ducats per annum, offered to me from Westphalia; and he said at the time “that he was resolved I should have no chance of eating hams in Westphalia.”  Another summons to Naples somewhat later I equally declined, and I am entitled to demand a fair compensation for the loss I incurred.  If the salary were to be paid in bank-notes, what should I get?  Not 400 florins in Conventionsgeld!!! in lieu of such a salary as 600 ducats!  There are ample proofs for those who wish to act justly; and what does the Einloesung Schein now amount to??!!!  It is even at this moment no equivalent for what I refused.  This affair was pompously announced in all the newspapers while I was nearly reduced to beggary.  The intentions of the Prince are evident, and in my opinion the family are bound to act in accordance with them unless they wish to be disgraced.  Besides, the revenues have rather increased than diminished by the death of the Prince; so there is no sufficient ground for curtailing my salary.

I received your friendly letter yesterday, but am too weary at this moment to write all that I feel towards you.  I can only commend my case to your sagacity.  It appears that the Oberstburggraf is the chief person; so what he wrote to the Archduke must be kept a profound secret, for it might not be advisable that any one should know of it but you and Pasqualati.  You have sufficient cause on looking through the papers to show how improperly Dr. Wolf has conducted the affair, and that another course of action is necessary.  I rely on your friendship to act as you think best for my interests.