My dear Herr Wilhelmj!
Upon my largest sheet of writing paper, I confirm your appointment as Concert-Master of the Orchestra for the performance of the Ring of the Nibelung in Bayreuth. As I see that your delightful offer to stand by me in the capacity of concert-master was not made jestingly, it is only fitting that I should also take the matter very seriously, as you will see from the above.
With the greatest seriousness, my friend, let us from to-day pledge ourselves to think solicitously of the formation of our orchestra, above all, of an orchestra free from the traditional evil habits; to exchange opinions on the subject, and at all times to take such steps as will insure an organisation of great excellence.
You undoubtedly wish and desire this as much as I do; this I recognised in you, who at such an early age have become so celebrated a master of your instrument.
Let us then, from now on, be united in this extraordinary work, and permit me, in addition to all the other arrangements which will be made to your satisfaction, to proclaim you as my valued Master of Musicians, as which you will participate in all the success which will not be denied our work.
With the most cordial greetings from me and my wife, I remain
Yours faithfully,
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. 81