Beethoven writes to his friend Zmeskall about organizing a piano. Beethoven would like to buy one of Anton Walter's pianos and asks Zmeskall to once again negotiate the price with Walter. He says that in the past few days several Viennese piano makers have offered to provide him with an instrument free-of-charge. The composer Anton Reicha has also told him of an offer from his piano maker.
Yet Beethoven would prefer Walter's instrument, but instructs Zmeskall not to pay any more than 30 ducats for it. For this price he also stipulates the condition "that it has to be made of mahogany, and I also want a left pedal". Should Walter not agree to this, Beethoven will commission another piano maker to do so and will also recommend the latter to Haydn.
Finally Beethoven tells him that a Frenchman (not identified) is coming to visit with whom he is going to try out a piano at Jakesch's. He invites Zmeskall to accompany them and to eat with them afterwards.
