Dato: Marts 1857
Fra: H.C. Andersen   Til: Charles Dickens
Sprog: dansk, engelsk.

Copenhagen the 1st March 1857.

My highly valued, dearly beloved Dickens,

... How often you and your dear wife are in my thoughts and how I long for you, you will see from the fact that, God willing, I intend to visit you in England next summer, be with you for a little while; and I beg you to let me know by a couple of words, not later than April, whether you will be in London next summer, and how early or late I can be sure of finding you there for about a week; for, if you are not in London, I shall not go to England; my visit is intended for you alone, so you must send me a word or two, or your wife will be so amiable as to write; for without this reply I shall go to Switzerland and wait till another year, when you will be in England.

I am so entirely engrossed in "Little Dorrit"; I would and must admire you for this book alone, even if you had not given us the previous glorious compositions "David Copperfield", "Nelly" etc. When I was last in England twelve years ago, saw and talked to you, and, if possible, grew to like you still more, you gave me the published works; they are a treasure to me. I have the later ones, but of "Little Dorrit" you must give me a copy when we meet; it will hardly come to any more loving, admiring reader than myself. Would that my "T0 be or not to be" may raise me as an author a step higher than before in your opinion; but above all, always leave me a small comer in your heart. Greet your dear wife and children, whom I recollect as little ones all of them, and now they are of course big, twelve years older. God give you joy and bless you, you who give joy to us all.

Your faithful

H. C. Andersen.

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