[K.]

[Footnote 1:  Old Kraft was a clever violoncello-player who had an appointment in Prince Lobkowitz’s band, but when the financial crisis occurred in the Prince’s affairs he lost his situation, and was obliged to give up his lodging.]

158.

WRITTEN IN ENGLISH TO MR. BIRCHALL, MUSIC PUBLISHER, LONDON.

Mr. Beethoven send word to Mr. Birchall that it is severall days past that he has sent for London Wellington’s Battel Sinphonie and that Mr. B[irchall] may send for it at Thomas Coutts.  Mr. Beethoven wish Mr. B. would make ingrave the sayd Sinphonie so soon as possible and send him word in time the day it will be published that he may prevend in time the Publisher in Vienna.

In regard the 3.  Sonata which Mr. Birchall receive afterwerths there is not wanted such a g’t hurry and Mr. B. will take the liberty to fixe the day when the are to be published.

Mr. B[irchall] sayd that Mr. Salomon has a good many tings to say concerning the Synphonie in G [?  A].

Mr. B[eethoven] wish for a answer so soon as possible concerning the days of the publication.

159.

TO ZMESKALL.

October 16, 1815.

I only wish to let you know that I am here, and not elsewhere, and wish in return to hear if you are elsewhere or here.  I should be glad to speak to you for a few minutes when I know that you are at home and alone. Farewell—­but not too well—­sublime Commandant Pacha of various mouldering fortresses!!!

In haste, your friend,

BEETHOVEN.

160.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Nov. 16, 1815.

Since yesterday afternoon I have been lying in a state of exhaustion, owing to my great distress of mind caused by the sudden death of my unhappy brother.  It was impossible for me to send an answer to Y.R.H. yesterday, and I trust you will graciously receive my present explanation.  I expect, however, certainly to wait on Y.R.H. to-morrow.

[K.]

161.

TO THE MESSRS.  BIRCHALL,—­LONDON.

Vienna, Nov. 22, 1815.

You will herewith receive the pianoforte arrangement of the Symphony in A.  “Wellington’s Battle Symphony,” and “Victory at Vittoria” were sent a month since, through Herr Neumann, to the care of Messrs. Coutts; so you have no doubt received them long ere this.

In the course of a fortnight you shall have the Trio and Sonata, when you are requested to pay into the hands of Messrs. Coutts the sum of 130 gold ducats.  I beg you will make no delay in bringing out these works, and likewise let me know on what day the “Wellington Symphony” is to appear, so that I may take my measures here accordingly.  I am, with esteem,

Your obedient

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

162.

TO RIES.

Vienna, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 1815.

MY DEAR RIES,—­