died in 1822.]


303.

ADDRESS UNKNOWN.

Baden, Sept. 27, 1821.

I hope, sir, that you will forgive the liberty I take in thus intruding on
you. The bearer of this, H. v. ----, has been commissioned by me to
exchange or sell a bank-note. Being ignorant of everything connected with
these matters, I beg you will be so good as to communicate your views and
advice to the bearer. The two illnesses I had last winter and summer rather
deranged all my calculations. I have been here since the 7th of September,
and must remain till the end of October. All this costs a great deal of
money, and prevents my earning it as usual. I indeed expect shortly to
receive money from abroad, but as bank-notes stand so high at present, I
consider this the easiest resource, and intend subsequently to purchase a
new bank-note in its place.

Immediate--in haste.

Your friend,

BEETHOVEN.

[This unsealed letter was enclosed in an envelope on which was written:]

You will at once see what kind of commercial genius I am. After writing the