26 To Maurice Schlesinger, Editor of the Gazette Musicale in Paris
[Given by L. Ramann, “Franz Liszt,” vol. ii., i.]
Sir,
Allow me to protest against an inexact assertion in your last number but one:—
“Messieurs Liszt and Cramer have asked for the Legion of Honor,” etc.
I do not know if M. Cramer (who has just been nominated) has obtained the cross.
In any case I think that you, like every one else, will approve of a nomination so perfectly legitimate.
As to myself, if it be true that my name has figured in the list of candidates, this can only have occurred entirely without my knowledge. It has always seemed to me that distinctions of this sort could only be accepted, but never “asked for.”
I am, sir, etc.,
F. Liszt
London, May 14th, 1840