To this reasonable letter Beethoven replies (in English):
"Vienna, Dec. 14th, 1816.
"Dear Sir,
I give you my word of honour that I have signed and delivered the
receipt to the house Fries and Co., some day last August, who, as
they say, have transmitted it to Messrs. Coutts and Co., where
you'll have the goodness to apply. Some error might have taken
place, that instead of Messrs. C. sending it to you they have been
directed to keep it till fetched. Excuse this irregularity, but it
is not my fault, nor had I ever the idea of withholding it from the
circumstance of the L5 not being included. Should the receipt not
come forth at Messrs. C., I am ready to sign any other, and you
shall have it directly with return of post.
If you find variations--in my style--too dear at L30, I will abate
for the sake of your friendship one third, and you have the offer
of such variations, as fixed in our former letters, for L20 each
air.... I anxiously hope your health is improving. Give me leave to
subscribe myself,
Dear Sir,
Your very obedient Servant,