Beethoven thanks his friend Wegeler and his wife Eleonore (née von Breuning) for their letters (Beethoven-Haus, NE 55, BGA 2100 and NE 56, BGA 2101). He apologizes for his late reply (the letters had been written at the end of 1825). Unfortunately he is often not able to put his feelings into words. He had already written a reply in his head, but had not been able to formulate it. As he is ill, this letter will also only concentrate on what is necessary. (At the time of writing the letter, which he dictated to his nephew, Beethoven was already on his sick-bed and never left it again.)
Beethoven refers to Wegeler's question whether he knows of the publication in which he is said to be the illegitimate son of the King of Prussia. He confirms this, adding, "But I have made it a principle never to write anything about myself, nor to reply to anything which has been written about me". He leaves it up to Wegeler to correct any false information and to "make the true details of my parents, in particular those of my mother, known to the world", as Wegeler had offered in his letter.
If Wegeler's son (Julius Stephan) really does come to Vienna, Beethoven promises to take him in as his own. Beethoven then lists decorations he has received to date and proudly draws his attention to the medal which the King of France had sent him on the occasion of his subscription to the Missa solemnis (op. 123). He also mentions the dedication of the Ninth Symphony to the King of Prussia, expressing his hope that he will receive a decoration from the King for this.
Although he is in a poor state of health, Beethoven hopes to still be able to write a few great works. He has commissioned the publisher Schott to send some music to Wegeler. In addition he is sending an engraving (by F. Dürck) after the portrait by Stieler with a personal dedication (W 26).
