Most Excellent Sir!
I have duly received your letter of August 17th. Meanwhile I flatter myself that you will have learnt from a letter I sent you that I cannot carry out your order for ariettas with instrumental accompaniment for less than four gold zucchini apiece; and this statement I am now repeating in this letter. As for the arias in fugal form I shall be satisfied with six zucchini for each one. In regard to my musical compositions I must inform you that I have decided not to publish anything, although my desk contains various unpublished works. In view of our long-standing acquaintanceship, however, I offer you a work of mine on Wellington’s triumph at the battle of Vittoria [Opus 91]. It consists of two parts, the first part being the battle, the second part the triumphal symphony. The work is written for a large orchestra. Here it evoked general applause and by popular request it is now going to be performed during the sojourn in Vienna of the allied Sovereigns. If you would like it, you may have it in score and also in a pianoforte arrangement which I myself have made for the occasion. You need only give me due and timely warning so that I may take the necessary steps. This composition is dedicated to the Prince Regent of England; and since it deals with a subject which so greatly interests your country, it cannot fail to win success. I am waiting to hear what you are prepared to give me for such a work – but once more I ask you to do so as quickly as possible, for if you don’t, the work will no longer be at my disposal.
I await a speedy and acceptable reply and I have the honour to describe myself
As your most devoted and grateful servant
Ludwig van Beethoven