Post by Jeffrey T. Skrob

This letter by his patron Waldstein was written shortly before Beethoven's journey to Vienna commenced. The journey itself not an easy task by any means. The French army was already at the river Rhein and were a threat even to Bonn. Beethoven had to pay his coachman an extra "Taler" in order to take him onto the dangerous journey. "der Kerl uns mit Gefahr Prügel zu bekommen mitten durch die hessische Armee führte und wie ein Teufel fuhr." Freely translated: "we were in danger of being beaten up by the Hessian army and that guy (the coachman) led us through the midst of the Hessian Army and rode like the devil." "Dear Beethoven! You are now traveling to Vienna to fulfill your longed for wishes. Mozart's genius is still in mourning and weeping over the death of his pupil. With the inexhaustible Hayden he found refuge, but no occupation; through him he wishes to be united with someone else. Through uninterrupted diligence you receive: Mozart's spirit out of Hayden's hands. Bonn d. 29ten Oct. 1792 - Your true friend Waldstein" Within a few days Beethoven arrived in Vienna on November 10th, 1792.