220.

TO BARONESS DOROTHEA VON ERTMANN.[1]

Feb. 23, 1817.

MY DEAR AND VALUED DOROTHEA CECILIA,—­

You have no doubt often misjudged me, from my apparently forbidding manner; much of this arose from circumstances, especially in earlier days, when my nature was less understood than at present.  You know the manifestations of those self-elected apostles who promote their interests by means very different from those of the true Gospel.  I did not wish to be included in that number.  Receive now what has been long intended for you,[2] and may it serve as a proof of my admiration of your artistic talent, and likewise of yourself!  My not having heard you recently at Cz——­ [Czerny’s] was owing to indisposition, which at last appears to be giving way to returning health.

I hope soon to hear how you get on at St. Polten [where her husband’s regiment was at that time quartered], and whether you still think of your admirer and friend,

L. VAN BEETHOVEN.

My kindest regards to your excellent husband.

[Footnote 1:  It was admitted that she played Beethoven’s compositions with the most admirable taste and feeling.  Mendelssohn thought so in 1830 at Milan, and mentions it in his Letters from Italy and Switzerland.]

[Footnote 2:  Undoubtedly the Sonata dedicated to her, Op. 101.]

221.

TO ZMESKALL.

DEAR Z.,—­

I introduce to your notice the bearer of this, young Bocklet, who is a very clever violin-player.  If you can be of any service to him through your acquaintances, do your best for him, especially as he is warmly recommended to me from Prague.[1]

As ever, your true friend,

BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1:  Carl Maria Bocklet, a well-known and distinguished pianist in Vienna.  He told me himself that he came for the first time to Vienna in 1817, where he stayed six weeks.  On April 8th he gave a violin concert in the Kleine Redoutensaale.  He brought a letter of introduction to Beethoven, from his friend Dr. Berger in Prague.]

222.

TO STEINER & CO.

The Lieutenant-General is desired to afford all aid and help to the young artist Bocklet from Prague.  He is the bearer of this note, and a virtuoso on the violin.  We hope that our command will be obeyed, especially as we subscribe ourselves, with the most vehement regard, your

GENERALISSIMUS.

223.

TO G. DEL RIO.

I only yesterday read your letter attentively at home.  I am prepared to give up Carl to you at any moment, although I think it best not to do so till after the examination on Monday; but I will send him sooner if you wish it.  At all events it would be advisable afterwards to remove him from here, and to send him to Moelk, or some place where he will neither see nor hear anything more of his abominable mother.  When he is in the midst of strangers, he will meet with less support, and find that he can only gain the love and esteem of others by his own merits.