Ludwig van Beethoven, Brief an Joseph Reger in Prag, Wien, 18. Dezember 1813, Autograph

Beethoven informs the Landesadvokaten (lawyer) Joseph Reger in Prague of the current state of affairs regarding his endeavours concerning the continued payment of his annuity. His lawyer Wolf had advised taking the case to court, whereas Beethoven would first of all prefer to petition the Landrechte(kind of tribunal). He asks Reger's opinion. (Following the death of his patron Prince Kinsky in November 1812, Beethoven had fought for the continued payment of the annuity which Princes Kinsky and Lobkowitz and Archduke Rudolph had guaranteed in writing in March 1809.)

Beethoven also briefly mentions the conflict with his brother, who also owes him money and has not repaid it. He wishes he could have Reger as his lawyer instead of Dr. Wolf, yet this would only cause new problems. He asks Reger to support him to the best of his ability.