Ludwig van Beethoven, Brief an Johann van Beethoven in Gneixendorf, Baden, 19. August 1823, Autograph

Beethoven writes to his brother that he his happy to hear he is in better health. He is still suffering from an eye infection. He blames his housekeeper and the maid for his other health problems.

Beethoven's brother might possibly have offered the publisher Steiner some of the works which Beethoven had given him as payment for his debts (Ludwig had borrowed money from Johann). Beethoven is unhappy about this and suggests at least selling part of them in Paris.

Beethoven asks his brother to no longer send letters through Schindler as he is a "despicable" "contemptible" person and a "miserable blackguard". (Schindler had worked as Beethoven's unpaid secretary in the previous months. In Beethoven's last months in particular he took on this position once again with great devotion and sacrifice.) Beethoven also insults Johann's wife Therese and her illegitimate child, calling them the "trash fat lump and bastard. Beethoven hated his sister-in-law and was afraid that she would mistreat his brother.

Furthermore Beethoven asks his brother to send him the autograph manuscripts of op. 113 because he needs them as a model for another work.

Finally Beethoven excuses himself from visiting his brother as he does not want to lower himself through the company of his relations (he is referring to Johann's wife and daughter). He will gladly come if a meeting with them can be avoided.