In this letter Beethoven endeavours to sort out some misunderstandings with his brother. He is concerned that Johann might have fallen out with the publisher Steiner and might now not be able to take the lead in the negotiations which Beethoven wishes to have. He is also worried that his brother is annoyed because of his unsettled debt (Beethoven had borrowed 200 florins from his brother Johann in August, which he had wanted to repay in September). This is why he has offered the publisher Simrock the Mass op. 123 for 1,000 florins C.M. However he is now prepared to leave the mass up to his brother Johann if he can get a better offer.
Beethoven asks his brother to come to visit him in Baden so that they can discuss other things in person. He also points out that the settlement of Steiner's debt (Beethoven owed Steiner 3,000 florins which he wanted to settle by giving him two works) has not been completely cleared up.
Finally Beethoven tells him aside from the treatment his doctor has prescribed, he is composing for the Josephstadt Theatre (WoO 98, op. 114 and op. 124) "which is very difficult for me while I am taking the waters and bathing". He asks his brother to let him know when he will visit.
