Beethoven thanks the head of the school which his nephew Karl attends for his letter. Beethoven had given notice for the end of the year, citing financial reasons. Giannattasio del Rio had apparently come up with a compromise. Beethoven now asks for time to think this over. He explains that he places a great deal of value on giving Karl a good education, but cannot be sure that he has the necessary means.
In addition Beethoven asks Giannattasio to have Leopold von Schmerling inform his brother Joseph von Schmerling that he will soon visit to discuss financial matters concerning the guardianship. Joseph von Schmerling advised Beethoven in matters concerning the guardianship. Beethoven expresses his dissatisfaction with Dr. Adlersburg. Adlersburg had drawn up the contract in which Johanna van Beethoven was to hand over half of her widow's pension towards Karl's upkeep.
