However little I may deserve such a letter of introduction, particularly from you, or even lay claim to it in the remotest sense of the word, yet in accordance with your wishes I will don the garb of boldness and therefore deliver your letter –
Yesterday’s letter from O[liva] indicated that he was still at R[eichenberg]. It would afford me very great pleasure if I could surprise him there. If only I knew whether Reichenberg (which, according to his letter, is a half day’s journey from Teplitz) is beyond Teplitz or whether on my way from Prague to Teplitz I could take the mail coach to R[eichenberg], that is to say, if it lies this side of Teplitz – As I have no map at hand, perhaps you can give me some information. I know that your friendly relations with O[liva] make you gladly put up with a few vexations from a friend of his called B[eethoven] – Quite by chance it so happens that I am not leaving until this evening or tomorrow –
Your most devoted
Ludwig van Beethoven
Forgive me for not coming in person, but I have still a great deal to do –