Most excellent friend,
I am giving you the most extraordinary proof of my confidence by sending with this letter a large package of valuable manuscript, namely, the opening chapters of the dictated copy of my autobiography. This is done with a twofold intention: first of all, I wish you to read this part of the manuscript so that we can take up the reading at this point when you come to Tribschen for what, I hope, will be a long visit. In the second place, I wish very much that you may be able to have about sixteen pages printed before Christmas, as I wish to present it to our revered friend. I shall be guided entirely by your judgment in the matter. The chief thing is that the manuscript shall be given to the printers exactly as it is. I have already gone through it, after a fashion, in getting it ready for our friend (Frau von Bülow) to make a copy for the king, but all further polishing-off must wait until the proof-sheets are ready, as it will then be easier for me to indicate any desired changes. On the other hand, I reserve the right of inserting dates or even paragraphic notes in the proof-sheets. Marginal notes, such as dates or dates of dictation, are naturally to be omitted. Roman print, everything "noble," as they say in Berlin. That is to be taken for granted.
Five copies to be printed on the best vellum paper; ten additional ones on a good quality of writing paper. More than that will not be necessary at present. You will see that the printer receives only so much of the manuscript as is needed at one time.
What do you think of the beginning?
Shall we not see you again before Christmas?
It is snowing today and the effect is very good. On the whole, I am not good for much; catarrhal and abdominal pains frequently interrupt my Norns at their weaving. And then again, I feel very well and am unalterable in my resolve to live to a high old age. This would mean terrifying printer's bills for me.
Most cordial greetings.
Source: The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence, ed. Elizabeth Foerster-Nietzsche, trans. Caroline V. Kerr (Boni and Liveright, 1921), No. 4