Dear Minna,
I may assume that at the same time as I'm writing these lines the Frommann is remitting you the value of my latest tantième from Berlin: how high it runs, I haven't been informed yet: only I know that Tannhäuser has actually been given twice, whilst Lohengrin was to have been given in September. Alwine tells me she has already placed a small sum at your disposal out of her own pocket. Now, if what you obtain in this way is not sufficient to cover your expenses for the current month, I beg you to make use of the enclosed two letters — according to need, and to which is the less disagreeable to you. In those lines I am asking both Luise and Pusinelli to hand you 100 thaler on my behalf at once; I pledge myself, to the one as to the other, to refund them their money on a personal visit to Dresden in the first days of November. So make what use you think fit — according to need — either of the one or of the other letter, — or even, should it be necessary, of both.
The present catastrophe is pulling me uncommonly down; this latest experience has determined me to think of serious means of guarding against its like in future. —
After a mere flying visit to Dresden, this time, I must be off to Vienna! —
God grant I may soon receive comforting news of the end of your dilemma!
With love.
Thy Richard.
Source: Richard to Minna Wagner: Letters to His First Wife, trans. William Ashton Ellis, Vol. 2 (Charles Scribner's Sons, 1909), No. 256