From the Hans Christian Andersen biography "The Life of Hans Christian Andersen. Day By Day", written by DPhil Johan de Mylius:
1857
19 October
Returns to Copenhagen.
4 December
The gas lighting is turned on for the first time in Copenhagen. The story "Gudfaders Billdedbog" (Godfather's Picture Book) is a series of depictions from the history of Copenhagen, from darkness to enlightened times - both literally and ideologically. The book describes the transition from the use of oil to gas for street-lighting as confirmation that a new age of enlightenment and humanity had begun.
5 December
Opening performance at the rebuilt Royal Theatre with a prologue by HCA.
18 December
Travels to Sorø, continuing on 20th to Basnæs Estate.
31 December
HCA's assets amount to 6,462 rdl. (of which 5,000 are "solid" assets, consisting e.g. of 2,500 on loan to Edvard Collin at 4% interest, the rest being available assets).