To: Count Moritz Lichnowsky, Vienna
Baden, September 21, 1814

Dear and Esteemed Count
     And Friend,

       Unfortunately I did not receive your letter until yesterday – My heartfelt thanks for remembering me and also my best greetings to the honoured Princess Christiane – Yesterday I took a delightful walk with a friend of mine to the Brühl and during our friendly conversations you especially were mentioned, and, lo and behold! When I got home in the evening there was your charming letter – I see that you are always showing kindnesses upon me.  As I should not like you to think that a step which I had taken was prompted by a new interest or, in general, by something of that nature, I am now telling you that a sonata of mine will soon appear and that it is dedicated to you.  I wanted to give you a surprise, although indeed this dedication has been intended for you for a very long time.  But your letter yesterday has made me disclose this to you now. It needed no fresh motive to express to you in public my feelings for your friendship and goodwill – but if you were to reply with anything resembling a present, you would hurt me. For then you would completely misjudge my intention; and my instinct is to refuse anything of that kind –

       I kiss the Princess’s hands in gratitude for her remembrance of and goodwill towards me.  I have never forgotten how much I owe you in general, although an unfortunate event produced conditions which prevented me from proving my gratitude as much as I should have liked –

       In regard to what you tell me about Lord Castlereagh, I think that the matter has been set going in the best way.  If I were asked for my opinion I would say that it would be best for Lord Castlereagh not to write about this work on Wellington until the said lord has heard it here – I shall soon go into town and then we can discuss everything about a grand concert – Nothing can be done with the Court.  I made an offer – but

                                             

       Accept my best wishes, my beloved friend, and always regard me as worthy of your goodwill –

                                                                           Your
                                                                               Beethoven
 
       I kiss the hands of our beloved Prince C[hristiane] a thousand times.