Autograph letter written by the important pianist and composer, in German, dated February 17, 1868. Three pages on a single folded sheet of notepaper. The first and second pages are somewhat toned, the signature page clean; in a two-sided frame, with a portrait. Page size 6 x 4 inches (15 x 10 cm); framed to 19 x 13 inches (48 x 33 cm) inches. Translated in full:

"Dear Sirs, These lines will reach you later than would have been the case had I been able to answer your request with a 'yes.' But precisely because it is a 'Schumann Evening' for which you ask my participation prevents me from accepting your invitation. Under different circumstances I would surely not have said 'no,' but here in England where my husband has not as yet enjoyed the general acceptance as he does in Germany I am forced to decline. If I could talk to you personally (you will find me at home every Sunday until 1 o'clock, except this next one) I could explain myself more clearly - the pressures of time do not allow me a protracted correspondence. Yours respectfully, Clara Schumann"

Apparently written while in England (no location is given, but she was likely staying with Arthur Burnand and his sister, who hosted her when in London), Clara Schumann refuses a suggestion for a " Schumann evening" as she feels that the general acceptance of her husband's music in England is limited. She had first toured in April of 1856, while Robert was still living (though institutionalized), and the critics were at that time far from rapturous about his work. She eventually became something of a fixture in the London music world of the time.