Ludwig van Beethoven, Billet an Tobias Haslinger, Wien, nach dem 9. und vor dem 23. Januar 1817, Autograph

The letter was written after Beethoven had read through the proofs of op. 101 (see BGA). Beethoven asks the publisher's assistant Haslinger to indicate chords with the letters of the notes in a particular passage in the last movement. In op. 101 Beethoven used very low notes with a great many ledger lines which could only be played on modern pianos. He hoped that the introduction of letters would ensure that the unusual notes were easier to read.

The manner in which Beethoven addresses Haslinger, "Bester A[djutan]t 2ter l[umpe]n k[er]l des Reiches" is neither unusual nor meant disrespectfully, but reflects the joking tone which he uses when talking to Haslinger.