Ludwig van Beethoven, Brief an Joseph Karl Bernard in Wien, Mödling, 19. Juli 1819, Autograph

Beethoven sends his friend Bernard a letter to the Magistratconcerning the guardianship of his nephew Karl. Bernard is to read this letter before he passes it on. In addition he has enclosed a letter from Giannattasio del Rio, to whose boarding school Karl had been sent for a time. Giannattasio had refused to accept Karl as a pupil again.

Beethoven then briefly tells him of the problems with the maintenance payments and with his sister-in-law Johanna, Karl's mother, and with payment of the inheritance. He also shows his disappointment that the child opposes him - "he has not written a single letter [of the alphabet]". Beethoven often complains of his nephew's lack of affection and ingratitude, which he feels is partly shown by the fact that the child does not write him any or very few letters.

Finally Beethoven tells Bernard to ensure that his brother Johann is not allowed to see Karl, as the former wants to persuade the child to live with him. The mother should also no longer be allowed access to Karl. This will show the child what a bad influence his mother has over him.

Between 1816 and 1820 Beethoven fought intense legal battles with his sister-in-law Johanna van Beethoven over the son of his dead brother as both of them wanted guardianship. The argumentation in this letter is characteristic of the conflict and Beethoven's conduct: the mother is corrupt and so her child must be taken away from her. The second brother is no help and should not get involved. The child in question is ungrateful and stubborn and refuses to recognize and accept his uncle's love and charity. Beethoven himself is a good, selfless person who is ready to make sacrifices. Yet he is misjudged disregarded by all - the world is against him.