I was unable, my dear friend, to reply at once to your esteemed letter and at the same time to thank you again for your present. I see that you insist on constantly putting me to shame and making me your debtor –– I trust that your health has improved. I was greatly concerned about you at Baden; and, as my own circumstances prevented me, I was unable to show you outwardly as much sympathy as I was feeling and still feel in my innermost heart for such an excellent person as yourself –– You will soon receive some news about a piano for your daughter. As I should like to provide you with a very good one, this cannot be done in a thrice. But you will soon have full particulars and perhaps some satisfaction as well on this score ––
One of my brothers is sick; and since most people in his condition usually have their fads, he having heard of my acquaintance with you has asked me to send you this enclosure [Anderson footnote: “Evidently a request from Caspar Carl, who died nine months later. In his will, dated November 14th, he stated that he kept a carriage, a horse, a goat, some peacocks and several plants, all of which were henceforth to belong to his wife.”] perhaps our good Ursulines could help in the matter –– Forgive me for bothering you with this. If without much effort you could lay your hands on the animals that are described, please send me the information immediately. I will be responsible for all the expenses incurred, providing this is going to give him some pleasure. As I have already stated, he is sick and relies on amusements of this time.
in haste, your friend who sincerely esteems you
Ludwig van Beethoven