Ludwig van Beethoven, Brief an Johann Nepomuk Kanka in Prag, Baden, 14. September 1814, Autograph

Beethoven asks his legal advisor Kanka in Prague whether the preceding letter and the piano reduction of Fidelio (op. 72) have arrived, as he had not had the complete address. Beethoven hopes that the lawsuit with Kinsky will soon be settled. He eloquently beseeches Kanka in a long-winded manner to do everything to ensure that the terrible dispute is resolved positively. As a way of showing thanks Beethoven promises to dedicate a composition to him. Although the lawsuit was resolved in his favour, he never actually fulfilled this promise.

He asks whether the lawyer Dr. Wolf needs any other documents. He is also prepared to come to Prague if necessary.

Following the death of Beethoven's patron Prince Kinsky in 1812, the heirs at first refused to continue paying Kinsky's part of Beethoven's annuity. Nor did they want to pay the sums which Kinsky had not paid when he was alive. For several years Beethoven negotiated and fought for his money in court. He finally reached a settlement with the heirs in January 1815.

After this they continued payment, albeit a reduced sum. The music lover Johann Nepomuk Kanka was the guardian of Joseph Kinsky, who was a minor. He advised Beethoven on the matter of the annuity.