Dear Friend,
A musical scribble that I had promised, and which I wished to finish here, and various little excursions in the neighborhood, have prevented me from answering your letter sooner.
The Prince [Of Hohenzollern-Hechingen] continues to show me the same amiable friendship as ever, so that it is hard to me to leave Lowenberg. Seifriz will write you word a couple of weeks beforehand to which concert your coming here would be most advantageous. The concert season does not begin till November, and, with the exception of the winter months, when the musical performances take place, a great proportion of the members of the orchestra is absent. His Highness adheres always firmly and faithfully to the endeavors of the "New German School," and is desirous of supporting it still further. On this account I think it would be desirable to elect Seifriz as a member of the Committee of the Allgemeane Deutsche Musikverein. I also vote especially for Stein (of Sondershausen), Eduard Liszt, Herbeck, Ambros, David—without a word against the rest of the names which you have proposed.
As regards the other points of your letter I write as follows:—
1. I believe that N.'s reliability and extensive influence in the affairs of the Mozart Society are a bit hypothetical. You find out more exactly what he is likely to accomplish.
2. I will undertake with pleasure the examination of the manuscripts and the decision as to what works shall be performed at the general assembly—but please do not give me the title of President, but simply the name of Reporter or Head of the musical section.
3. I entirely agree with the intention of distributing Pohl's ["On the Tonkunstler-Versammlung in Leipzig in 1859.">[ pamphlet gratis to the members of the Society.
Of course the two speeches by yourself and Draseke must be included in it. Should it be necessary, I will gladly contribute a few thalers towards the publication.
4. According to my opinion the Society should not be placed under the protection of the Grand Duke "until everything is ready." According to what he has said to me there is no doubt about his acceptance of it, but still it is indispensable that you should write to H.R.H. about it. Pohl and Gille will be the best to help you in composing the letter to the Grand Duke, and perhaps they will sign their names to it also. Later on we shall have to discuss in what form and fashion other German Princes are to be invited to give their countenance to the Society-or not.
5. Wagner's photograph has unfortunately been locked up in the Altenburg against my wish. I cannot therefore be of any help with it—and can only advise you to write to Wagner himself, in order to learn which of his likenesses would be the most suitable for publication in the Modenzeitung.