[...] So much has happened to me this summer and, in particular, I have suffered so much through my wife's painful illness, that I have been incapacitated for most things and especially, unfortunately, for work. To give you a brief idea of my outward circumstances so that you may be able to judge my inner life, I will simply tell you that I have left Zurich and my refuge there for ever! [...] Your letter was forwarded to me here. As I [...] need money and yet more money I am ready to accept your offer of friendly assistance. Listen then! I firmly believed that I should have Tristan ready for next winter season and accordingly engaged Härtel's to begin printing the score at once while I worked on. The first act is, therefore, actually in print, but there the matter ends for the moment! With the spring so many sufferings and calamities came upon me that it was only with difficulty that I could, in brighter intervals, make a rough draft of the second act. But I have got no farther and there can be no question of Tristan for the theatre before the winter of next year. Therefore—cordial thanks for your offer. [...]
Rienzi should be revived in Dresden one of these days. I do not think I can give any better advice to theatres friendly to me than to set about appropriating the opera with all speed. I have recently cut it drastically. Fischer of Dresden already has the scores and I ask you in all seriousness to be one of the first to render this child of my youth. Do not hesitate long. [...]
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Vol. 2, selected and ed. Wilhelm Altmann, trans. M. M. Bozman (J. M. Dent & Sons, 1927), No. 363