Beethoven asks his friend Karl Holz to deliver a letter to Franz Michael Reisser. At the time Reisser was co-guardian of his nephew Karl. Beethoven also asks Holz to be reserved towards Reisser on the subject of Karl. His nephew was apparently in difficulties again and Beethoven wanted to play down the conflict in front of Reisser.
Beethoven also tells him of the problem with his housekeeper, who has left him without giving notice. Beethoven feels himself to be innocent, although he does admit that he has now and then been "too fiery". Luckily a case like this is not dealt with in court. He mentions Castelli's collection of anecdotes "Bären", saying that this story would certainly fit in well.
In addition he asks Holz to go to the music society's offices and to get two tickets for the coming concert (in which his third symphony will also be performed).
Beethoven closes the letter asking to be told about the conversation with Reisser as soon as possible. In a postscript Beethoven's mistrust of Karl becomes very clear, as he accuses him of lying to him and not telling him of what he really does every day. (Beethoven wanted to know about everything Karl did, which the nineteen-year-old understandably tried to prevent).
