Most Honoured Councillor and Mine-Owner and also
Despot of Burgundy and Ofen!
Kindly inform me how the matter stands, for this very afternoon, at latest, I should like to make use of the solution of our question, namely, if today I give the servant a fortnight’s notice (he will receive his monthly wages as usual at the end of this month), must I then pay him for a whole half month when he leaves at the end of the fortnight? – To be sure, we have again been very unfortunate with this fellow; and only my patience has enabled me to put up with him. As he used to be a valet, he complains about everything; and every day he makes greater demands and does less and less work. Hence I should like to cancel the arrangement. To a certain extent he is giving me notice for the second time, although on this occasion simply in order to be paid higher wages, a request which, however, I absolutely refuse to grant –– Please, therefore, be sure to answer my question today, for I want to give him his final notice today – This time I will apply to the police for a servant, seeing that I have had no luck with all the servants I took on in that way – I am very busy, but I will visit you tomorrow or the day after.
As always yours
L. v. Beethoven
Perhaps you can do something with your fellow-countrymen for your friend and fellow –countryman?