Dear Brother:
An event of most disgusting significance makes me turn to you quickly for information. Though I had to grieve my poor wife, I did not want to offend her by my attitude nor by any of my actions. Nevertheless I fear that she has been brutally subjected to an intentional and infamous deception about myself and the reasons of my separation from her.
In order to obtain full certainty about the matter and consequently—not so much for my own justification as to be able to take the necessary steps for the consolation of my sorely tried wife—I have asked Karl Ritter to go to Zürich immediately to see you. He will inform you about all the incidents of my recent past: may you on the other hand take the opportunity to tell him faithfully and in detail what in the meantime has happened to my wife. I have reason to believe that she has been hurt, and I consider it my holiest duty—as soon as I know everything—to enlighten her for the purpose of reestablishing her honor!
This in haste! Farewell and always believe me honorable!
Your brother
Richard
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner: The Burrell Collection, ed. John N. Burk (Macmillan, 1950), No. 95