Bottesini to Tito Ricordi (Genova, 24 Jun 1859)

Hotel della Lega Italiana Carissimo Tito, After fifteen days of hesitancy I have finally resolved to address myself to you so that I can free myself from the mess in which I find myself at the moment. You are the sole person to whom I may confide my present situation, and who I know is gifted with generous and artistic sentiments. The circumstances of the war have made matters bad and in consequence I find myself without money. I would like to leave but I am not able to. I thought I had found someone to accept a promissory note but he also found himself without funds or else he decided to use them differently. I beg you to free me from this situation however you wish, either with a loan of at least 1000 francs or allowing me whatever little credit you think I have for my opera. Make arrangements for me as you wish and count on my strongest gratitude. I beg you for a quick reply as I am scared to death and I can not leave. With the wish of seeing Milan free, imagine how I am with my wings clipped. Warm greetings to all your family, along with those of Madame Fiorentini who also begs of you the favour which I asked, e credimi sempre L'aff.mo tuo Gio. Bottesini

Italian Original

Source: Property of Editore Ricordi, Milan

Published in: Inzaghi: Giovanni Bottesini p121, carteggio 12