To: Sigmund Anton Steiner
Vienna, 1815

Most Honoured L[ieutenan]t G[enera]l!

       I still need your final advice about the agreement which I mentioned to you.  Meanwhile I cannot go out today; and yhet we should like to see the question settled.  Would it not be possible for my esteemed Primus of the G[enera]l Staff to invade my premises today, or perhaps tomorrow morning, so that I could discuss the matter with him?  I beg him most earnestly to do this.  In return for this favour, as often as the L[ieutenan]t G[enera]l is in need, I shall make a note. [Anderson footnote: “One of Beethoven’s favourite puns, i.e. ‘Not’ which means ‘need’, and ‘Note’ which means ‘note’.”]

                                        Your
                                              Contra Ut [Anderson footnote: “Bass C”]

       NB. But the discussion would have to last a short half hour.

       The Adjutant’s disgraceful behavior has been registered, (but not in the organ register, for, if that were done, what a horrid sound would then be heard!