Most Beloved Friend!
Having heard that you are in touch with Geymüller I am therefore enclosing the testimonial – Indeed the receipts are rightly described as such – I am sorry that in spite of all your generosity to me you have to experience this as well – Truly our situation has again become very distressing owing to these wretched financial arrangements, the end of which is not yet in sight – There is another matter which I must tell you about. It’s about a pipe-bowl! A pipe-bowl? – Among the individuals (the number of which is infinite) who are now suffering, there is also my brother, who on account of his poor health has had to retire on a pension. His position at the moment is very difficult. I am doing all I can to help him, but it is not enough. – He possesses a pipe-bowl which he believes he could dispose of most advantageously at Frankfurt. In his weak state of health it is difficult to refuse him anything. So on that account I am taking the liberty of asking you to let him send you this pipe-bowl. So many people are constantly calling at your house that perhaps you could manage to sell it – My brother thinks that you might possibly get ten louis d’or for it – I leave that to you to decide – He needs a lot of money, he has to keep a carriage and horse in order to be able to live (for his life is very precious to him, though indeed I would gladly relinquish mine ! !) All good wishes, my beloved friend. My heartfelt greetings to Franz; and I wish him the happiest and most joyful life. My greetings also to your dear children.
Your true admirer and friend
Beethoven