Letter of introduction from Rossini to the Contessa Salvi di Vicenza. Remembering the countess's great kindness, the composer asks that she receive a young lady he refers to as E Merlin prima donna della nuova compagnia.

Rossini is writing on behalf of the Comtesse Merlin, a Parisian socialite of Cuban birth. She studied singing with Manuel Garcia, the noted tenor who performed in several of Rossini's opera premieres, and was praised for her vocal abilities. Rossini attended Merlin's parties in Paris.