[...] I thought matters over very exhaustively in the stage-coach with the result that I am now staking everything on the Riga engagement.
My dear, dear friend, once more I beg you most earnestly to do your utmost to get me the contract with Holtei as soon as possible. It is of the greatest importance to me. Once again—(my wife need not be taken into consideration at all in this matter)—1000 silver roubles—a two to three years' contract, and if you can get anything more for me out of it, let it be this:—I must necessarily be in Riga in advance for rehearsals, so I have pledged myself to be there by the middle of July, claiming on this account the sum of 100 thalers for travelling expenses (inclusive of my earlier stay at Riga), and I want this money in advance. See what you can do about it—this is certainly not an unreasonable claim. And also give me news of how things go as soon as you can, addressed to me poste restante at Dresden. You cannot imagine what a great thing it will mean to me if your letter contains a favourable answer from Holtei. In that event I shall come by way of Berlin before this month is out and personally give you my heartiest thanks for this fresh act of friendship on your part and again pass a few pleasant days in your company, my dear fellow! [...]
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Vol. 1, selected and ed. Wilhelm Altmann, trans. M. M. Bozman (J. M. Dent & Sons, 1927), No. 40