Most Honoured Friend!
Since I know you take an interest in me I write in the joy of my heart to tell you that I yesterday achieved a triumphant success with my opera, The Flying Dutchman, of which I am prouder than of the success of Rienzi, because in this new opera I strike out a way markedly different from anything to which the public is at present accustomed. I and all my friends foretold a marked success for the opera when once the public had had time to get to know it, but all our expectations were exceeded by the immediate acclamation of this first performance. After the second and third acts I received wildly enthusiastic calls with the singers. Devrient in her part achieved what is perhaps her most original piece of work. Her success was tremendous, the audience turning hot and cold by turns in sympathy. [...]
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Vol. 1, selected and ed. Wilhelm Altmann, trans. M. M. Bozman (J. M. Dent & Sons, 1927), No. 79