My dear Klindworth,
I am to go to New York for 5 months next winter. German elite opera. Performances of my operas. They seem to want to pay well. I am gradually taking a more serious view of the matter, and have submitted my conditions, one of the chief of which is that apart from me - who will conduct only my own operas - you yourself are to be appointed as second conductor on 10,000 francs = 2000 dollars for the five months.
Think it over and let me know whether you would accept if they agree. The crossing - 1st class - is free, and one month’s salary will be paid in advance in Europe. For the rest of our wages, I shall insist upon their being deposited with a firm with which I am on friendly terms in New York. You could save at least 5 to 6000 francs; but, in addition to that, you could establish a position for yourself which would at least be more profitable than the one you have in London.
I should enjoy working together with you; and even the journey would be more tolerable. If this central issue can be settled, I shall genuinely look forward to accepting the business.
Write soon.
Keep the orchestral sketches to Siegfried for the time being. I am leaving Venice at the end of this month. I shall tell you beforehand exactly where I am going and shall then ask for the sketches to be sent on to me. Give me a good excuse for writing to you by letting me have an affirmative answer.
Best wishes from
Your very letter-weary
Rich. Wagner.
Source: Selected Letters of Richard Wagner, trans. and ed. Stewart Spencer and Barry Millington (W. W. Norton & Company, 1988), No. 236