On November 17, 1769, Johann van Beethoven submits a petition in which he exhibits anew his genius for devising methods for varying the spelling of his own name. That he could no longer live on 100 th. salary is evident when it is remembered that he has now been married two years; but as there were several applicants for the salary which had fallen to the disposal of the Elector, it was divided among the four most needy. Beethoven’s memorial contains a fact or two in regard to his duties as Court Musician which are new:
To
His Electoral Grace
of Cologne, etc., etc.
The Humble Supplication
and Prayer
of
Johann Bethof, Court Musician.
Most Reverend Archbishop and Elector,
Most Gracious Lord, Lord.
May Your Most Reverend Electoral Grace, graciously permit the presentation of this humble supplicando, how for many years I have served Your Highness faithfully and industriously on the “Duc saahl” and the theatre, and also have given instruction in various supjecta concerning the aforesaid service to the entire satisfaction of Your Electoral Grace, and am engaged now in study to perfect myself to this end.
My father also joins in this supplic in his humble capacity of the theatri and will participate in the gladness should Your Electoral Grace graciously grant the favor; as it is impossible for me to live on the salary of 100 th. graciously allowed me, I pray Your Electoral Grace to bestow upon me the 100 th. left at Your gracious disposal by the death of Your court musician Philip Haveck; to merit this high grace by faithful and diligent service shall be my greatest striving.
Your Electoral Grace’s
most humble
Joannes Bethof,
Court Musician.
In answer to this there came the following decree:
Whereas we, Max. Frid. p. on the death of Court Musician Philipp Haveck and the submissive petition of our court musician Philipp Salomon bestowed upon him the grace of adding 50 fl. for his two daughters to the salary which he already enjoys out of the salary of the above mentioned Haveck per year; we confirm the act hereby; wherefore we have graciously issued, this decree, which our Electoral Court Exchequer will humbly observe and make all necessary provisions.
Attest, p. Münster, 17th 9bris 1769.