On May 2, 1747, Johann Ries became Court Trumpeter with a salary of 192 thalers. This is the first representative we have met of a name which afterwards rose to great distinction, not only in the orchestra of the Elector but also in the world at large. On March 5, 1754, he was formally appointed Court Musician (violinist) having set forth in his petition that instead of confining himself to the trumpet he had made himself serviceable in the chapel by singing and playing other instruments. Later he took ill and was sent to Cologne. We shall presently meet his two daughters and his son Franz Ries, the last of whom will figure prominently in the life-history of Beethoven. Under date March 27, 1756, occur several papers which have a double interest. They relate to the Beethoven family and are so complete as to exhibit the entire process of appointment to membership in the electoral chapel. The original documents are not calculated to give the reader a very exalted idea of the orthographical knowledge of the petitioner or the Chamber Music Director Gottwaldt; but that fault gives us the clue to the correct pronunciation of the name Beethoven--the English “Beet-garden.” JOHANN VAN BEETHOVEN BECOMES “ACCESSIST” To His Electoral Serenity of Cologne, etc. My most Gracious Lord the humble petition and prayer of Joan van Biethoffen. Most Reverend, most Serene Elector, Most Gracious Lord, Lord, etc. May it please your Electoral Serenity graciously to hear the humble representations how in the absence of voices in Your Highness’s Court Chapel my insignificant self took part in the music for at least four years without the good fortune of having allotted by Your Serene Electoral Highness a small _salario_. I therefore pray Your Serene Electoral Highness most humbly that it graciously please you (in consideration of my father’s faithful service for 23 years) to rejoice me with a decree as court musician, which high grace will infuse me with zeal to serve Your Serene Highness with the greatest fidelity and zealousness. Your Serene Electoral Highness’s Most humble-obedient-faithful servant, Joan van Biethoffen. To the Music Director Gottwaldt for a report of his humble judgment. Attestation by the most gracious sign manual and seal of the privy chancellary. Bonn, March 19, 1756. (Signed) Clemens August (L.S.) Most reverend, most serene Elector, Most gracious Lord, Lord, etc.