Ludwig van Beethoven, Billet an Karl von Smetana, Wien, wohl 6. August 1826, Autograph

For several years Beethoven had been involved in court battles with his nephew Karl's mother concerning the guardianship of the boy. Karl suffered greatly under his uncle. Beethoven projected hopes of affection and love onto the child, describing himself as the boy's father, and expected the feelings to be reciprocated. Beethoven's jealousy, his strictness and his possessive behaviour eventually led to a disaster. On 6 August 1826 Karl attempted suicide, although unsuccessfully. This letter was written immediately afterwards. Beethoven asks the doctor Smetana for urgent help for his nephew, who had shot himself in the head.