Dear Minna,
I am going to Leipzig tomorrow on account of Weissheimer's concert, which does not take place, however, till the 2nd of November. Should the rehearsals permit me (which I much doubt, tho'), I shall run across to you before; but I have a good many other things to do at Leipzig, especially with publisher affairs, and am afraid of splitting up my time; wherefore I beg you not to expect me till after the concert. Unfortunately I can only remain 2 days at the outside with you even then, as I can't go direct from Dresden to Vienna (where, on the other hand, they're urgently expecting me), but — am compelled to return to Biebrich first. It was impossible to beat up any money, and so I'm leaving sundry bills unsettled here; for which reason I have had to represent my coming Leipzig journey to the parties interested as a mere flying trip, from which I should return in a few days. To have taken my luggage for the winter with me would therefore have produced a bad impression, and I'm only coming with my travelling-bag and the bare necessaries for a week in it.
God grant I may be luckier at Leipzig than I have been anywhere else! Such a persistent quandary I really have never experienced in all my life, and I feel depressed in the extreme — nay — more than that! It is therefore high time to make serious provision for the rest of my life, and that provision is my chief concern now. I have hopes still of a favourable issue at Vienna; notwithstanding my being wretchedly off with the Tristan there, I am pleased to see by many tokens that the Metternichs have been of great use to me lately, and true good-will is entertained towards me in high quarters there. This — to be able to tell you something cheering as well!
I shall put up at Ottilie's (15 Poststrasse). Should you want to come to the concert on Sunday, you will be welcome!
If Klare is with you, give her my love; I shall soon see you again — if only en passant — and convince myself of your condition, also no doubt bring a little assistance.
So, to a good meeting!
Thy Richard.
Source: Richard to Minna Wagner: Letters to His First Wife, trans. William Ashton Ellis, Vol. 2 (Charles Scribner's Sons, 1909), No. 259