Dear Anna!
Have Herr Mathieu open for you the big desk in my study downstairs: then with the enclosed key you will open the upper drawer on the right or perhaps the one in the middle; in one of those there should lie another little key; you will take out that one. Then have the bookcase opened for you; there you will open the top drawer on the left with the key previously found; you will find there a music portfolio which is filled with music (both written and blank music sheets); this portfolio consists of a volume of music and a bookbinding of dark-blue morocco leather; on the back is written: "das Rheingold." Should this portfolio not be in the left drawer, then it will be in the one to the right; you will find the proper key in the left drawer. Should the portfolio not be in there either, then it must be in one of the inner lower drawers; you will find the key for those also in the upper left-hand drawer: there you will open both doors and pull out the left-hand drawer. Should the portfolio not be found there either, then someone must have taken it! Now try whether you can find the thing!
Franz and Vreneli send their best regards: on New Year's Eve we drank to your health and to that of your children. I hope that you will soon join us, at any rate before Easter; right now you should be glad to stay in peace and comfort with the children.
Farewell, and try to manage it all nicely. If Herr Porges is still there, have him help you in your search. But don't tell the Frau Baronin of this request to you.
Adieu and good health!
Your
R. Wagner
Have Herr Mathieu pack the portfolio and send it to me at the following address: Richard Wagner, Campagne des Artichauts, Geneva.
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner: The Burrell Collection, ed. John N. Burk (Macmillan, 1950), No. 283