Sebastian Rau, Brief an Ignaz Moscheles in London, Wien, 15. Februar 1828, Autograph

Sebastian Rau writes that he has been told by the court to give them a statement regarding the 1,000 florins C.M. donated to Beethoven by the Philharmonic Society. As he has not received any instructions from London to date as to whether the money should be repaid, or whether the Philharmonic Society will waive repayment, he has asked for more time and is now waiting further instructions from London.

Rau suggests - after consulting his legal advisor Dr. Eltz and their mutual friend Eskeles - waiving repayment as a court case would probably cost more. In particular providing evidence that this sum really was a present from the Philharmonic Society has been made increasingly difficult by the death of Stephan von Breuning (he died at the beginning of June 1827, only a few months after Beethoven; as guardian of Beethoven's nephew Karl he had been involved in the settling of Beethoven's estate). (FG)