J.M. Lappenberg in his collection of Briefe von und an Klopstock (Brunswick: Westermann, 1867) was able to include thirty-three unpublished letters to Klopstock through the generosity of Meta von Winthem, a descendent of the brother of the poet's second wife. The impression was given that these were all that she could supply, though it is now clear that she had made her selection solely from the letters of the more well-known literary figures. It was not until the 1920's that those interested in Klopstock became aware that other manuscript material was still to be found at this source, and the family was generous in acceding from time to time to specific requests from scholars. However, no general access to the originals was permitted. The full extent of Klopstock's literary remains only recently became apparent when the Hamburg Municipal Library acquired the whole collection by purchase.