3 Ralkin Street, Grosvenor Place, London. 4 Nov., 1863.
My dear Mr. Andersen,
Immediately on receiving your letter from Copenhagen, I went to Mr. Bentley, and told him, and his son, Mr. George Bentley, how much annoyed you were at his having asked leave to dedicate "The Ice Maiden" to the Princess of Wales, without first obtaining your permission. I shewed them, that the original was already dedicated to the poet Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson.
They said they were very sorry they had not consulted you previously to making the application to the Princess; but they did it for the best. I have, as you permitted, made a slight alteration in your dedication, and I hope you will approve of it. I enc1ose you a copy of it.
I think "The Ice Maiden" a most fanciful, beautiful, and charming story; and is it not admired as it deserves to be, the fault will be in the bad taste of the English Public.
I reminded Mr. Bentley of the copies you wish sent over to you. Can you tell me who is the translator of the American edition? And do you think it can be got in London? I have neverseen it, or heard of it, nor has Mr. Bentley. My translation of your "Eventyr etc:" was ready quite in time for last Christmas - but the Artist, who was to do the illustrations, became ill - and could not finish them, that caused the delay.
I shall be happy to translate your work "I Spanien". Will it be in 1, 2, or 3 volumes? I never saw your work "I Sverrig"; that must be very interesting, I think.
Will you do me the great favour to send me, when. next you write to me, 5 - or 6 of your signatures, or Autographs, with the dates? I am constantiy besieged for your Autograph, and have had to cut your signature off all your letters to me. I have, by request, sent your Autographs even as far as Washington in America, and British Columbia, near the shores of the Pacific Ocean.
My family all unite with me in kindest regards to you, and believe me, dear Mr. Andersen,
Yours most sincerely,
A. S. Bushby
