Leipzig, 7 June, 1837. My dear, dear friend, once more I beg you most earnestly to do your utmost to get me the contract with Holtei as soon as possible. It is of the greatest importance to me. I need a two to three years' contract and, in addition, I must necessarily be in Riga in advance for rehearsals, so I have pledged myself to be there by the middle of July and want 100 thalers in advance for travelling expenses. See what you can do about it; this is certainly not an unreasonable claim. If you can get me any better terms, so much the better, but the money is indispensable.
Please give me news as soon as you can, addressed to me poste restante at Dresden. You cannot imagine what a great thing it will mean to me if your letter contains a favourable answer from Holtei. In that event I shall come by way of Berlin before this month is out and personally give you my heartiest thanks for this fresh act of friendship on your part.
Richard Wagner
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Volume 1, ed. Altmann/Hull (London: Dent, 1927), No. 40