In any other situation than the one in which I am placed it might well seem more than odd for a man entirely unknown to you personally to approach you quite without forewarning upon a matter of no little importance. I introduce myself as one of the Wagners of Leipzig, a family with which I have reason to believe you have some acquaintance. I am a composer, and a year ago I gave up the career of music director, which I had pursued for six years, in order to promote my earnest desire to distinguish myself, if possible, as a composer in Paris.
As I am entirely without means, I soon saw that I had a huge undertaking before me, for although it is true that fame can only be won in Paris nowadays, it is also indisputable that nowhere else are there greater obstacles to be met. These difficulties can only be overcome with time, and that is the crucial point for one who has no resources on which he can rely. I have now been a year in Paris. I soon recognised that I had endless difficulties to encounter and would certainly have left the place within the first few months had I not found a great friend and protector in Meyerbeer. Unluckily he has been obliged to spend almost the whole of this period abroad, and nothing but personal influence is any use in Paris in cases of this sort.
Added to this, the Theatre de la Renaissance, at which I had got an opera accepted by Meyerbeer's help, went bankrupt. During his last short stay in Paris, Meyerbeer again helped my affairs forward, so that I now have a secure arrangement with the administration of the Grand Opera which I hope will eventually lead me to my goal. But I have now come to the end of my resources and cannot leave Paris. Only some special help can save me now. I therefore unblushingly ask you for a sum of 1,500 francs as a loan to carry me through this decisive enterprise.
Richard Wagner
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Volume 1, ed. Altmann/Hull (London: Dent, 1927), No. 48