Dear Sir!
I am sending you herewith a score for piano, two hands, of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, which you had last year and sent back to me on account of having too many manuscripts. I am again putting it at your disposal to use as you may see fit, at any time. I ask no fee, but if you would make me a gift of music in return, I should be grateful. May I therefore request through Herr William Härtel, Beethoven's 1) Missa Solemnis (D major) orchestra and piano score, 2) Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 full score, 3) idem: 2 quartets, score, and 4) Beethoven's Symphonies arranged by Hummel? The sooner you could fill this request, the happier I should be.
Your faithful servant
Richard Wagner
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner: The Burrell Collection, ed. John N. Burk (Macmillan, 1950), No. 1