Dresden 10 Aug: 1851.
Dear Sir!
It is truly kind and friendly in you to write to me and invite me to come to London. Let me tell you, how happy I feel to look upon you as a friend, how I should rejoice to press your hand and thank you verbally; but I am sorry to say, it will be impossible this summer, as I am on my way to Vienna, and must return to Copenhagen in September. I received your kind letter in Dresden - via Copenhagen - and it is from hence I send you my best compliments and sincere thank.
Ever yours most truly obliged
Hans Christian Andersen.
To Hubert Smith Esq. /
[udskrift:] Hubert Smith Esq
St Leonards Bridgnorth Shropshire England