in Paris, and deals in English wares.  Before getting into the carriage we exchanged a few words, and from that moment we remained together.  We did not take our meals with the other passengers, but in our own room, where we also slept.  I was glad to meet this man, for, being a great traveller, he understands it well.  He also was very much disgusted with our carriage; so we proceed to-morrow by a good conveyance, which does not cost us much, to Strassburg.  You must excuse my not writing more, but when I am in a town where I know no one, I am never in a good humor; though I believe that if I had friends here I should like to remain, for the town is indeed charming—­handsome houses, spacious streets, and superb squares.

I have one request to make, which is to give me a large chest in my room that I may have all my things within my reach.  I should like also to have the little piano that Fischietti and Rust had, beside my writing-table, as it suits me better than the small one of Stein.  I don’t bring many new things of my own with me, for I have not composed much.  I have not yet got the three quartets and the flute concerto I wrote for M. de Jean; for when he went to Paris he packed them in the wrong trunk, so they are left at Mannheim.  I can therefore bring nothing finished with me except my sonatas [with violin]; M. Le Gros purchased the two overtures from me and the sinfonie concertante, which he thinks exclusively his own; but this is not the case, for I have it still fresh in my head, and mean to write it out again as soon as I am at home.

The Munich company of comedians are, I conclude, now acting? [in Salzburg.] Do they give satisfaction?  Do people go to see them?  I suppose that, as for the operettas, the “Fischermadchen” ("La Pescatrice” of Piccini), or “Das Bauernmadchen bei Hof” ("La Contadina in Corte,” by Sacchini), will be given first?  The prima donna is, no doubt, Madlle.  Keiserin, whom I wrote to you about from Munich.  I have heard her, but do not know her.  At that time it was only her third appearance on any stage, and she had only learned music three weeks [see No. 62].  Now farewell!  I shall not have a moment’s peace till I once more see those I love.

115.

Strassburg, Oct. 15, 1778.

I got your three letters safely, but could not possibly answer them sooner.  What you write about M. Grimm, I, of course, know better than you can do.  That he was all courtesy and civility I do not deny; indeed, had this not been the case, I would not have stood on such ceremony with him.  All that I owe M. Grimm is fifteen louis-d’or, and he has only himself to blame for their not being repaid, and this I told him.  But what avails any discussion?  We can talk it over at Salzburg.  I am very much obliged to you for having put my case so strongly before Father Martini, and also for having written about me to M. Raaff.  I never doubted your doing so, for I am well aware that it rejoices you to see your