So
far as I can see, the parcel which I sent off to you has not yet
arrived - In it you will find the symphony [Opus 55] and two sonatas
[ Opus 53, Opus 54]; the rest will follow as soon as is humanly
possible - It is solely due to a lack of good copyists - that
all these works have been, and others must be, delayed - As I
have only two copyists, of whom one, moreover, is a very indifferent
worker, and the other has just fallen ill - I have truly many
difficulties to face - Moreover, in the winter my health is generally
weaker than usual, so that I can take on extra work less easily
than in summer - And checking - is - often a real effort and is
far less enjoyable than just composing - Well, in the parcel I
sent you I have added a little song [WoO 130] - how and why -
you will learn from my letter - which is enclosed with the music
- Prince Lichnowsky will write to you shortly about my oratorio
[Opus 85] - He is really - what is surely a rare specimen in the
class to which he belongs - one of my most loyal friends and promoters
of my art -
All good
wishes. With sincere esteem
I
remain your most devoted servant
L.
v. Beethoven