Nikolaus Simrock, Brief an Franz Gerhard Wegeler in Koblenz, Dezember 1827, Autograph, Fragment

Responding to a request from Leipzig regarding Beethoven's biography (we do not know which one), Nikolaus Simrock says that he has already passed on what he knows about Beethoven's life in Bonn. He asks Wegeler to tell him about any possible additions.

In September 1827 a "Message to Ludwig van Beethoven's patrons, friends and admirers" had appeared in Vienna, requesting material and news for a Beethoven biography. The advertisement was placed by Jacob Hotschevar; the editor and writer of the planned biography remained anonymous. Simrock and Wegeler were also asked to get involved - it was hoped that they would provide details of Beethoven's childhood in Bonn in particular. Due to a lack of public interest the planned biography was, however, never actually written.