The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-08-12
HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN.

THE CHRISTMAS PRESENT TO HIM OF THE
AMERICAN CHILDREN - PROBABLY HIS
LAST AMERICAN LETTER.
The New York Tribune publishes the fol-
lowing letter and PREDATORY remarks:-In
his own land Mr.. Andersen was greatly
honored in his old age. Twenty thousand
crowns were raised TO erect monument at
Copenhagen, and other marks OF popular
favor were accorded him. In this country
also his young friends remembered him
in his declining years. The Amer
lean cnildren's Christmas present made A
handsome little sum OF money, which was
transmitted to him by telegraph on
Christmas eve. A small part of it was re-
served for the purchase of what it was
thought he would value mOre-a character
istic book about this country. Pictures que
America" was selected, and the finest di-
ton was sent. There was some delay in its
delivery; but it's final receipt called out the
following letter-probably the
LAST PIECE OF HIS MANUSCRIPT
that found it's way into print in America:
"CnPENHAGEN, April Il, 1870
"DEAR SIR: During a long period 1t has
weighed on my mind to address you t. eX-
press my sincerest thanks for all the sympa-
thy you have shown me, but my illness has
pressed me down during this severe winter
so that have had, and still have, great diff
ficulty in writing. IL afforded me great
pleasure to receive the volumes about Amer
ic, with their beautiful illustrations, after
your having so heartily interpreted my
utterances about the subscription aised
in my favor, when the dear chill
dren broke their savings boxes in order
to support their tale teller, whom they be-
lieved in want. Christmas morning l re-
ceived the advice by telegraph. / expected
the books ere long, and mad then decided
ipar cd f.,lx 70 M nv
patnizing friend, a letter in reply. In the
meantime weeks and months passed away
therefore wrote to my hoDored friend
Gen. Christensen, New York, in order to
get information whether the books were ly.
ing with some bookseller, or perhaps al
the bottom of the sea. About simultaneously
with his friendly reply got advice that the
| steamer had arrived and exactly on my 10th
birthday received the books. L rejoiced al
| this gift, the dearest that could be
granted to me, from the powerful country
where am happy TO have SO many friends
young and old. Now, do not only read
about, but have before my eyes this beauti
| full country, where my age and delicate
state of health will never allow me to come
How charming If it could have been done
next year, to the great feast; but this IL
quite out OF the question. l have, however
reached greater happiness than millions
of others. My seventeen birth day was {
day of sunshine and bliss-from my native
country and from abroad, far away came
beau iful gifts, letters and tlsgrams, and
the charming present from America rive 4
I have to thank the Lord for such inf.
mite grace. Yes, / am child of fortune
My lite is the most beautiful tale. But
felt myself overpowered; my delicate health
could not bear it. Daring the fortnight af
ter the birthday have been suffering, and
unable to write this letter, which / have
been very anxious to send you. Be content
pray, with my poor words, and give my
thanks in richer and better expressions to
young and old. The precious work epic
turesque America" is to ms a dear present
and will be preserved after me as a memory
of the American youths love of their old
tale teller.
''HANs CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN.
"Whitelaw Reid, ESQ, Editor of the New
York Tribune, New York."