Ludwig van Beethoven, Brief an Johanna van Beethoven, Wien, 8. Januar 1824, Autograph

Beethoven sends his sister-in-law Johanna belated New Year's Greetings. The letter is apparently in response to a letter from her (no longer surviving) in which she tells him of her financial need and asks for support. Beethoven turns down her request - at the moment he does not have the financial leeway to lend her money, but stresses that he would generally always be prepared to do so. In addition he draws her attention to the fact that he has already taken over her debts with his publisher Steiner and that she does not have to pay any interest at the moment.

He also says that she can herself keep the maintenance for her child Karl (half of her widow's pension) till further notice. Beethoven had already considered doing without this money the year before but had not spoken of it because his nephew and brother Johann had requested him to remain silent.

In the last paragraph Beethoven confirms payments to his sister-in-law in the past two months and informs her that the money for the current month will be paid at its end. On account of her large debts Johanna did not have any pension herself as it had been pawned. Finally Beethoven adds that he will get in contact with his legal advisor Dr. Bach regarding the court case (probably a civil case against Johanna van Beethoven due to her debts).