I can't write "Dear Kietz" to such a barbarian. After my urgent inquiry about Lehrs, after my strong pleas to be notified at once about him, his health, and other matters, you keep me waiting two months for an answer? And this after having written in your last letter: "I'm not telling you anything about Lehrs; it is too sad." I insist upon full information.
You may know that I have become a Kapellmeister with 1,500 thaler for the present—in the next few years I am to get more. I am paying more and more debts now: when I get to the debts of honor at last, there'll be no end to it.
Laube published my biography in the Elegante Zeitung and included a small lithograph which you drew of me. We shall keep a large reproduction of it. Hanfstängl is to execute it. Write me how you want it done.
Have 100 copies of my "Two Grenadiers" struck off after all: show these lines as authorization to Herr Schlesinger (to whom I send best regards). Have the copies sent here quickly by Avenarius.
Ask Cäcilie to greet the Kühnes from me and Minna: how does it stand about the beds? If they are not yet sold, we should like to take them back on repayment of the money they lent us for them. Greet everyone! Write instantly! I don't want to know anything about you, only about Lehrs. How is Anders?
God be with you, you rascal!
Your
Richard Wagner
The costs for the 100 copies can be paid out by Avenarius; he will get the sum repaid, when and how he wants it.
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner: The Burrell Collection, ed. John N. Burk (Macmillan, 1950), No. 47