You are aware that for various reasons I allowed myself to be misled into publishing three of my operas at my own charges. Probably I should not now be lamenting my decision if the capital employed had been my own, for I have got back far more than the interest and that at a time when my operas have scarcely got farther than Dresden. Even Berlin cannot have affected the proceeds much, for the performance of my Rienzi there was unfortunate for special reasons and so failed to make the necessary impression. The important thing, however, is that Vienna, which has hitherto been closed to me by the censorship, will henceforth be open to me and, following it, practically all the good theatres which have not as yet tried their fortunes with my operas. This, which I mention in passing, is what now inclines me to get rid of the burden of this affair. Moreover, being originally without capital, I have neither time nor patience to wait for a happier turn of events, and since my creditors are asking for their capital, I am anxious to settle the matter and so get some of the peace of mind necessary for the pursuance of my art. I therefore offer you the chance of buying up this concern, namely the three operas Rienzi, The Flying Dutchman and Tannhäuser. If you agree to take over all the unsold copies, Herr Meser of Dresden, who has hitherto acted as agent for the publication, will give you an exact account of the capital expended. The profits already made would be deducted therefrom and the remainder, without any honorarium for the author, would represent the sum for which you would acquire ownership of the enterprise. As from previous correspondence with you I have reason to believe that you would have been willing to undertake publication of my operas if I had required no honorarium, I feel tolerably confident that you will have no serious objection to such an arrangement as this. Although by this step I abandon once for all all profits on my works, the sacrifice seems small to me in return for the orderly settlement of my business affairs which I so earnestly desire, and I therefore heartily hope that you will accede to my proposal with all possible speed.
Richard Wagner
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Volume 1, ed. Altmann/Hull (London: Dent, 1927), No. 139