Dearest best Friend,
To the question, "How goes't with us?" there would be much to answer. The world, and in particular "Germania," grows more and more obnoxious to me!
Our anxieties are great, and I've come to the conclusion that it is raving madness to let the performances take place this year. Our Patronat-vouchers have reached 490; but, according to the latest computations, we need 1300 to pull us through. The originally projected undertaking is therefore, strictly speaking, wrecked. Now we must have the impudence to see what Curiosity will bring us. Even Feustel believes we may run the risk; only, we are faced with a dearth of money in June, when the bandsmen and singers arrive and will want hard cash. I have begged for an advance of 30,000 thlr. from the Kaiser. I shall see what can be done when I go to Berlin at the beginning of March, — to see again, in another light, how things stand there with "Tristan," neither in which do I quite believe as yet. For the rest, we keep a good appearance here. Everything is getting ready (on credit!); the artistic details of the execution are being worked out to the highest perfection. Brandt, as ever, first-rate, — my pillar of strength!
I have had no unpleasantness from any of the singers save X.: everyone seems to stick to the thing with dauntless courage. X. I shall be able to replace, — even if he doesn't come round at the last minute; it's not quite over with him yet. Otherwise little new.
Greet wife and friends sincerely from me and us!
If you can conjure up anything, I shall be delighted! Always, however, I remain
Your
most cordially devoted
Richard Wagner.
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner to Emil Heckel, with a Brief History of the Bayreuth Festivals, trans. William Ashton Ellis (Grant Richards, 1899), No. 67