14 lines, in ink, written in Italian. On stampless lettersheet with integral address leaf.
The future pope, 31 years of age at the time, writes to Mr. and Mrs. Paulo Cotare and Mr. D. Abostino Cavirer, at the Rectory at St. Mark, Venice, about monetary compensation for doing the Lord's work, translated in part: ""According to your instruction, I began, in July 1795, to say four masses per month... Therefore, by now, I have said seventy masses and my credit is equal to one hundred eight lire... the Camerlengo Father of S. Michele... could have it delivered to me here in Rome. It would be for me a double charity, i.e. for the masses and for my own needs..." Mauro Capellari was created cardinal in 1826, and became pope in 1831, serving till his death in 1846.
