My dear, good Friend!
With some concern I think of the last day we were together. The chief cause of our tacit anxiety is now removed; God knows what confusion there (Vienna) prevented timely explanation, but finally Kapka announces from Vienna that sixteen thousand florins will be ready for us within the next few weeks, and twenty thousand florins at Easter. Although the most cautious promises were made in this connection (I know for certain that already more has been collected), this will suffice to convince friend Muncker that he is justified in granting the necessary contracts. The further information which I had from him forms a new incentive for me to start on my travels as soon as possible, in order to be able to report the condition of our affairs upon the spot. I hope I shall have only good to report, and this all the more as I have resolved to work energetically everywhere in procuring the necessary funds.
Under these circumstances and with these intentions nothing remains for me to-day, on the eve of my departure, but to send you my most cordial greetings, and to repeat the assurance that your love and friendship count for very much with me, and that my gratitude for your assistance so active and effective in all directions will never be diminished.
From my whole heart,
Yours,
Richard Wagner.
Source: The Story of Bayreuth as Told in the Bayreuth Letters of Richard Wagner, trans. and ed. Caroline V. Kerr (Small, Maynard and Company, 1912), No. 36