The father's plan to go to Italy, there to lay the foundation of a
European reputation for his son, was realized in the beginning of
December, 1769, and during the journey, the boy, who was at that time
just entering his fifteenth year, subjoined to his father's reports
scraps of his own writing, in which, in true boyish fashion, he had
recourse to all kinds of languages and witticisms, but always exhibiting
in his opinions on music the closest observation, the gravest thought,
and the most acute judgment.
2.
Verona, Jan. 1770.