Most honoured sir and friend! I recently read in your Zeitschrift fur Musik a notice about myself which struck me very much. In it you yourself expressed surprise at seeing mention of an opera of mine shortly to be produced at Dresden in the Parisian Courier Musical. This interested me greatly because it showed me anew how nothing in the world, particularly in matters of journalistic advertisement, happens of itself, but that everyone who cares at all for his own interests must himself look after those interests. I really supposed that the preparations for the production of an opera by a Saxon at the Dresden Court Theatre would arouse a certain degree of interest, or at least that here and there someone would let fall a word about it, but I see now that from henceforth I must really take care myself to inform you, my excellent benefactor, of any project of mine the success of which means much to me, and ask for your kindly support.
At the same time I send you a trifle for your paper. I have not the slightest reason to conceal my name and signature in Germany, but certain considerations force me to do so in Paris. If you like I will soon send you something further.
Richard Wagner
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Volume 1, ed. Altmann/Hull (London: Dent, 1927), No. 62