The other side comes in view in the following piece of information with which Wessel’s successor, Mr. Edwin Ashdown, favoured me:—­“In 1847 Mr. Wessel got tired of buying Chopin’s works, which at that time had scarcely any sale, and discontinued the agreement, his last assignment from Chopin (of Op. 60, 61, and 62) being dated July 17, 1847.”  Wessel advertised these works on September 26, 1846.

Although in the first of the following letters the day, month, and year when it was written are not mentioned, and the second and third inform us only of the day and month, but not of the year, internal evidence shows that the first four letters form one group and belong to the year 1844.  Chopin places the date sometimes at the head, sometimes at the foot, and sometimes in the middle of his letters; to give it prominence I shall place it always at the head, but indicate where he places it in the middle.

Chateau de Nohant, near La Chatre, Indre [August 1, 1844].

Dearest [Cherissime],—­I send you [footnote:  In addressing Franchomme Chopin makes use of the pronoun of the second person singular.] the letter from Schlesinger and another for him.  Read them.  He wishes to delay the publication, and I cannot do so.  If he says no, give my manuscripts to Maho [footnote:  See next letter.] so that he may get M. Meissonnier [footnote:  A Paris music-publisher.  He brought out in the following year (1845) Chopin’s Op. 57, Berceuse, and Op. 58, Sonate (B minor).  The compositions spoken of in this and the next two letters are Op. 55, Deux Nocturnes, and Op. 56, Trois Mazurkas.] to take them for the same price, 600 francs, I believe that he (Schlesinger) will engrave them.  They must be published on the 20th.  But you know it is only necessary to register the title on that day.  I ask your pardon for troubling you with all these things.  I love you, and apply to you as I would to my brother.  Embrace your children.  My regards to Madame Franchomme.—­Your devoted friend,

       F. Chopin.

  A thousand compliments from Madame Sand.

  Chateau de Nohant, Indre, August 2 [1844].

Dearest,—­I was in great haste yesterday when I wrote to you to apply at Meissonnier’s through Maho if Schlesinger refuses my compositions.  I forgot that Henri Lemoine [footnote:  A Paris music-publisher.] paid Schlesinger a very high price for my studies, and that I had rather have Lemoine engrave my manuscripts than Meissonnier.  I give you much trouble, dear friend, but here is a letter for H. Lemoine, which I send to you.  Read it, and arrange with him.  He must either publish the compositions or register the titles on the 20th of this month (August); ask from him only 300 francs for each, which makes 600 francs for the two.  Tell him he need not pay me till my return to Paris if he likes.  Give him even the two for 500 francs if you think it necessary.