Honoured Herr Doctor:
In the affair against Kapellmeister Wagner, I have made some progress. Hiebendahl's deed of renunciation is executed and at hand. Herr Stiftssekretär Tietz has called on me and tells me that his claim amounts to 800 thalers, with interest on this unpaid since last Easter. He has turned over the document regarding this to Attorney Kolzschütter for collection. I have requested a copy of this from the latter. At last Attorney Stavenhagen has replied. He preferred to have the settlement for Meser's heirs sent directly to Kapellmeister Wagner, partly because it appears that he does not yet recognize you and Herr Kriete as successors to the title, and partly in order that Kapellmeister Wagner may have opportunity to express himself regarding the Tietz matter. Therefore, I have asked him for an immediate transcript of the bill. Should you have opportunity and occasion to write to Kapellmeister Wagner, you might make mention of this point also and request him to send the statement to me and especially to refrain from any direct correspondence with Attorney Stavenhagen in this matter, which now, because of the deed of assignment, is no longer his concern. Or do you wish me to communicate directly with Kapellmeister Wagner in this matter?
Very respectfully yours,
Attny. Franz Adolf Schmidt
Innere Pirnaische Gasse 14, I.
Source: The Letters of Richard Wagner to Anton Pusinelli, trans. and ed. Elbert Lenrow (Alfred A. Knopf, 1932), No. 102