Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe, page 290
Where is rest forever more.
Yours forever,
Thos. H. Chivers.
E. A. Poe, Esq.
P. S. — I do not intend this for a letter, but write to let you know that New York is not the place to live in happiness. I have lived there, and know allabout it. Come to the South. The stage is coming.
Farewell ! T. H. C.
THOMAS H. CHIVERS TO EDGAR ALLAN POE — APRIL 4, 1847
Washington, Ga., April 4, 1847.
My Dear Friend, — I wrote you a kind letter some time ago, but have received no answer to it up to this time. What is the matter? Where are you? Are you in the Cave of Trophonius, or where, that I cannot get the mere scratch of a pen from you? I long to hear from you. What shall I say to induce you to answer my letters? I have been thinking of late that you have never received it. Is it so? If not, why not answer it, and tell me where you are, what you are doing, and what you intend to do?
I had the Home-Journal-Article republished in the “Atlanta Enterprise,” and ordered Dr. Fouerden to direct the paper to you. He is a fine fellow and a good Poet — a man of fine talents — and wishes to become acquainted with you. From what I have said to him of you, he is determined to write to you. If he does so, speak to him kindly, as I know you will, for he is a man of real talents, and my sincere friend. You must not mind my half sheets of paper. I am not in a City now, and write with the first thing I can get hold of. I know you know my heart, and why should I get thin French paper to tell you how I am, and how I wish you to be ? What I feel ought to be engraved on brass with an iron pen. You will have seen before this, perhaps, an account of my newly-invented Throwstring Mill for spinning, doubling and twisting silk, about which I wrote you some time ago. I am spinning silk on the one I invented now. I received a letter from Charles J. Peterson today in regard to communications for his “National Magazine.” Did you ever see a Poem of mine in Graham, entitled “Agnus, or, the Little Pet Lamb? “ If you ever have, tell me what you think of it. You will see a poem on you in the next No. of the “Atlanta Enterprise,” which will show you what I think of you. I wrote you to send “The Return from the Dead “ to Bartlett of the Luminary; but if you have not sent it to him, send it to Dr. Wm. Henry Fouerden, of the “Atlanta Enterprise “ — as he has written to me for something for his paper. I have made you an ocean of friends since I saw you last. Write me immediately upon the reception of this. How would you like to come to the South and establish a paper here? Write to me.
“Awake! Arise ! or be forever fallen!”
I consider Charles J. Peterson a perfect gentleman in every sense of the term. Do you know him ? Write me word how you pronounce this name — Melpomene ? Mark the accents. Also Calliope. There has been a dispute here about the true pronunciation of them. Don’t fail to do so; if you should, you would disappoint many. I know you know, and therefore, will abide by what you say. If you can get hold of the “Literary World” Send me a No., as I will not take it until I see a No. of it.
I will not tell you that I wish you well. I will be in New York the first of May: and if you don’t write to me before then, you may expect to be passed in the street without ever being recognized by me. Remember! I give you warning; and if it should be the case, you can’t blame me — for it’s your own doings. In great haste,
Yours forever,
Thos. H. Chivers.
E. A. Poe, Esqr.
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO THOMAS H. CHIVERS — JULY 14, 1848
Fordham — Westchester Co — July 13. (14) 48.
My Dear Friend,
I have just returned from an excursion to Lowell: — this is the reason why I have not been to see you. My mother will leave this note at your hotel in the event of your not being in when she calls. I am veryanxious to see you — as I propose going on to Richmond on Monday. Can you not come out to Fordham & spend tomorrow & Sunday with me? We can talk over matters, then, at leisure. The cars for Fordham leave the depot at the City Hall almost every hour — distance 14 miles[.]
Truly Yours
Poe.
CIST, LEWIS JACOB
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO LEWIS J. CIST — DECEMBER 30, 1840
Philadelphia, Dec. 30. 1840.
My Dear Sir,
Your letter of the 7th found me labouring under a severe illness, which has confined me to bed for the last month, and from which I am now only slowly recovering.
The worst result of this illness is that I am forced to postpone the issue of the first number of the Mag. until the first of March next, when it will certainly appear, and I trust under the best auspices.
“Bachelor Philosophy”, I am sorry to say, cannot appear until the second number, as at the time of its reception, all the poetry for the first number was already in type.
Would you be kind enough to mention the delay in the issue to your friend Mr Boyd, and if possible to procure me the insertion of this announcement in some one of your city papers.
“THE PENN MAGAZINE” Owing to the severe and continued illness of Mr Poe the issue of the first number of this journal is postponed until the first of March next.
I am very truly & respectfully
Yr. ob. St
Edgar A Poe
L. J. Cist Esqr
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO LEWIS J. CIST — SEPTEMBER 18, 1841
Philadelphia — Sep: 18 — 41.
My Dear Sir,
I have only this moment received your letter of the 30th ult. having been absent from the city for some time. I feel that I have been guilty of a sad neglect in the matter of your poem; but my conscience absolves me of any intentional disrespect or discourtesy. The facts stand thus. Upon abandoning the design of “The Penn Magazine”, and joining Mr Graham in his own, I handed over to Mr Peterson (the then editor of that journal and who hereafter was to act as my associate; his especial duty being that of revising MSS for press and attending to the general arrangement of the matter) — I handed over to this gentleman your “Bachelor Philosophy” together with a large bundle of other articles — sent me for “The Penn.” — I assumed no right of transferring articles in this manner; and my intention was (as soon as I could steal a moment’s leisure from the world of business which just at that period overwhelmed me) to communicate by letter with each of my correspondents, requesting permission for such transfer. In many cases I lid write, and succeeded in obtaining the requisite permission. My impression was that I had secured your consent with that of others — your consent, I mean, for publishing the poem in Graham’s Magazine. It remained, therefore, with the rest, in M’ Peterson’s hands — but only for the purpose specified. Mr. Peterson, however, (who has a third interest in the “Saturday Evening Post” and superintends the “getting up” of that paper also) has taken the unwarrantable liberty, it seems, of using the poem to suit his own views — leaving out of question my positive understanding and intention on the subject. I seldom look at the paper, except occasionally at a proof of some of my own articles in it, and the publication of your verses did not meet my eye: otherwise I should have written you at once in explanation and apology. You will not be surprised that I failed to miss your article in the Magazine, or to make inquiry respecting it — if you comprehend the nature of the confusion attendant upon the joint issue of a paper and Magazine — especially when you consider that the disposition of the MSS — the drudgery of the business — does not fall to my share. I merely write the Reviews, with a tale monthly, and read the last proofs. As to the insertion of your poem in the “Saturday Evening Post” with the words — “written for The Post” — it is a downright falsehood on the part of Mr P. which nothing can extenuate — a falsehood wilfully perpetrated — of a kind which he is in the habit of perpetrating, and which have before involved me most disagreeably. Not long ago wishing to procure a printed copy of a poem of my own called “A Ballad”, and originally published in the “S. L. Mess.” I handed it to Mr P. for re-publication in the “Post” with the heading “From the South. L. Messenger”; and you may imagine my chagrin at seeing it appear with the same caption as your “Bachelor Philosophy.”
I make no scruple in thus indicating to you plainly the origin of the contre-temps which has so justly annoyed you. I must absolve myself, at all hazards, from suspicion of falsehood — let the charge fall upon whom it may. Of intentional discourtesy you will, of course, acquit me. To the accusation of neglect I plead guilty, offering only in extenuation, the press of business which has lately harassed and confused me.
With the highest respect
I am Yr Ob St.
Edgar A Poe
L. J. Cist Esqr
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO LEWIS J. CIST — FEBRUARY 18, 1844
Philadelphia
Feb. 18. 44
My Dear Sir,
Being upon the point of quitting Philadelphia for some weeks, I think it right to drop you a line, before going, merely to acknowledge the receipt of your >>(approximately three words, scratched out beyond reading)<< poem, and to say that I handed it to Mr. Graham, as you desired. I feared that it would be too late — but Graham says not.
Truly yours
Edgar A Poe
Is Mr(s) Nichols, the poetess, a resident of Cincinnati? — and am I indebted to you, or to herself, for a copy of of (sic) some most touching lines To her Mother which appeared in the “Louisville Journal”, and which reached me via your city? Can you tell me anything of Mrs Nichols’ personal history? I feel a deep interest in her poems, and consequently in herself. Please write in reply.
L. J. Cist Esqre
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO LEWIS J. CIST — JUNE 3, 1844
New-York
June 3. 44.
My Dear Mr Cist,
Yours, dated April 30th , has only this moment reached me; having been lying, ever since, at Graham’s office. I have removed to New-York, where I intend residing for the next year or two — and this will account, in part, for my not receiving the package sooner.
I was deeply interested in the memoirs you gave me of Mrs Nichols. I have long admired her writings, and the proofs contain some of the finest passages I have ever perused. I am anxious to see the entire volume, and thank you for the promise to send it to me.
I shall write, to-day, to Graham, and ask him to do as you desire, touching “The Beaten Path.”
Truly Your Friend.
Edgar A Poe
L. J. Cist Esqre
P. S. If you forward the “Poems” to Graham, he will send them to me.
CLARK, MR.
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO UNKNOWN — ABOUT NOVEMBER 26, 1835
( ... ] ber. (. . .)
(. . .] there can be no impropriety in telling
( ... ] the commencement of Vol. 2. the editorial
( ... ] have devolved upon myself, and
( ... ] you allude to are my own. I
( ... ] with your approbation of my labours.
( ... ] would be very glad to hear from you
( . . . ] I believe you had some little acquain-
(tance . . . br)other W. H. L. Poe of Baltimore.
Very resply .
Yr. Ob. St
Edgar A. Poe
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO UNKNOWN — EARLY JUNE 1840 - EARLY 1841
[. . . .]
I have the honor of sending you, herewith, at your desire, the Prospectus of the “Penn Magazine,” and should be grateful for any interest you would exert in its behalf.
With high respect.
Yr Ob. St.
Edgar A Poe.
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO UNKNOWN — ABOUT JANUARY 20, 1844
My Dear Mr Clark
I am exceedingly anxious to try my fortune in Baltimore with a lecture or two, and wish, if possible, to go immediately. I have some little money —
[. . . . ]
Very truly yours
E A Poe.
UNKNOWN TO EDGAR ALLAN POE — OCTOBER 11, 1845
Editorial Miscellany
— —
WE MAKE room, with much pleasure, for the following explanation:
To the Editor of the Broadway Journal:
SIR — A copy of your Journal dated October 4th, was handed me this evening, containing some observations respecting alterations made in the song of Ben Bolt, to which some music was adapted by J. P. Webster. The facts were as follows. The song was in a New-Haven paper, and came into my hands as an envelope. It was without signature or reference of any kind, to the author. I was pleased with the poetry, and gave it to Mr. Webster, as he said he would compose some music for it. Before he had completed it, he lost the copy, and asked if I could give him another from memory. The words published were written down by two or three persons, as no one remembered the whole. As Mr. W. Did not know the author’s name, he could not of course give it. But from what I know of him, I am certain that no thoughts of claiming the authorship ever crossed his mind; and what may so appear in the publication, is the result of carelessness.
Having been (though indirectly) the cause of the censure cast upon Mr. Webster, I felt bound to make this statement, which I doubt not you will have the justice to publish. I am ready to give satisfactory reference, if you require it.
Respectfully yours, E. S.
Derby, Conn, October 11, 1845.
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO UNKNOWN — NOVEMBER 1845
Dr Sir,
If I am not mistaken, you were one of the earliest subscribers to “The Southern Literary Messenger”, and aided me very materially while it remained under my control. For this reason, and because I am naturally anxious for the support of those whose good opinion I value — because, too, I believe that my objects, as regards our National Literature, are such as your judgment approves — I venture now frankly to solicit your subscription and influence for “The Broadway Journal”, of which I send you a specimen number.
With high respect,
Yr. Mo. Ob. St.
Edgar A. Poe
New-York.
Nov. 1845.
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO UNKNOWN — 1845-1846
[. . . .]
I am exceedingly anxious. If you would be so kind as to look me up, I will consider it a great favor. You understand the whole story is purely fiction. —
Your opinion is of great consideration. —
Yr Ob. St
Edgar A. Poe
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO UNKNOWN — JANUARY 10 - APRIL 11, 1846
[. . . .]
The philosophy detailed in the “Last Conversation of a Somnambule,” is my own — original, I mean, with myself, and had long impressed me. I was anxious to introduce it to the world in a manner that should insure for it attention. I thought that by presenting my speculations in a garb of vraisemblance — giving them as revelations — I would secure for them a hearing, and I depended upon what the Popular Record very properly calls the “Magazinish” tone of the article to correct any false impression which might arise in regard to the question of fact or fable. In the case of Valdemar, I was actuated by similar motives, but in this latter paper, I made a more pronounced effort at verisimilitude for the sake of effect. The only material difference between the two articles is, that in one I believe actual truth to be involved; in the other I have aimed at merely suggestion and speculation. I find the Valdemar case universally copied and received as truth , even in spite of my disclaimer. [. . . . ]
Edgar Allan Poe, promissory note - January 15, 1846.]
New-York: Jan 15. 1846.
[name excised, probably John McDougall] Esqre -- At three days’ sight, please pay to the order of Harnden & Co, the sum of Twenty-Five Dollars, and charge the same to my account.
>>Edgar A Poe<<
[This item is printed here with permission of the Boston Public Library, where it is noted as Ms. E .9.4 75-166.]
[The note of “$25 ----” appears running vertically across the left edge of this note. The reverse side of the item is endorsed, like a check, partially obscured by the excision of the name from the note: “E. A. Poe (/) [J????] 6/46 (or 16/46) (/) $25. -- (/) J A McDo[ugall]” The final five letters of “McDougall run off the edge of the page, suggesting that the surviving item was cut down from a larger sheet of paper.]
[John W. Ostrom describes this note as item 610e in his revised checklist of 1981 as a “Three-line letter.” The size and nature of the item, however, more appropriately classifies it as a promissory note.]
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO UNKNOWN — JUNE 16, 1846
June 16, 1846
My Dear Sir,
Can you oblige me by getting the following in “The Tribune” or some other daily? Mr. Poe has been invited by the Literary Societies of Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa. to deliver a poem at their approaching anniversary, but this invitation, as well as that of the University of Vermont, he is forced to decline through continued illness and a press of other engagements. Who is the “great writer of small things in Ann St” referred to by Briggs in the article about me in the Mirror, of the 26? Has anything concerning me appeared lately in Morris’ “National Press”?
Truly yours,
Poe
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO UNKNOWN — APRIL 29, 1848
New-York
April 29. 28
Dear Sir,
It gives me great pleasure to comply with your very flattering request for an autograph.
Yours forever,
Thos. H. Chivers.
E. A. Poe, Esq.
P. S. — I do not intend this for a letter, but write to let you know that New York is not the place to live in happiness. I have lived there, and know allabout it. Come to the South. The stage is coming.
Farewell ! T. H. C.
THOMAS H. CHIVERS TO EDGAR ALLAN POE — APRIL 4, 1847
Washington, Ga., April 4, 1847.
My Dear Friend, — I wrote you a kind letter some time ago, but have received no answer to it up to this time. What is the matter? Where are you? Are you in the Cave of Trophonius, or where, that I cannot get the mere scratch of a pen from you? I long to hear from you. What shall I say to induce you to answer my letters? I have been thinking of late that you have never received it. Is it so? If not, why not answer it, and tell me where you are, what you are doing, and what you intend to do?
I had the Home-Journal-Article republished in the “Atlanta Enterprise,” and ordered Dr. Fouerden to direct the paper to you. He is a fine fellow and a good Poet — a man of fine talents — and wishes to become acquainted with you. From what I have said to him of you, he is determined to write to you. If he does so, speak to him kindly, as I know you will, for he is a man of real talents, and my sincere friend. You must not mind my half sheets of paper. I am not in a City now, and write with the first thing I can get hold of. I know you know my heart, and why should I get thin French paper to tell you how I am, and how I wish you to be ? What I feel ought to be engraved on brass with an iron pen. You will have seen before this, perhaps, an account of my newly-invented Throwstring Mill for spinning, doubling and twisting silk, about which I wrote you some time ago. I am spinning silk on the one I invented now. I received a letter from Charles J. Peterson today in regard to communications for his “National Magazine.” Did you ever see a Poem of mine in Graham, entitled “Agnus, or, the Little Pet Lamb? “ If you ever have, tell me what you think of it. You will see a poem on you in the next No. of the “Atlanta Enterprise,” which will show you what I think of you. I wrote you to send “The Return from the Dead “ to Bartlett of the Luminary; but if you have not sent it to him, send it to Dr. Wm. Henry Fouerden, of the “Atlanta Enterprise “ — as he has written to me for something for his paper. I have made you an ocean of friends since I saw you last. Write me immediately upon the reception of this. How would you like to come to the South and establish a paper here? Write to me.
“Awake! Arise ! or be forever fallen!”
I consider Charles J. Peterson a perfect gentleman in every sense of the term. Do you know him ? Write me word how you pronounce this name — Melpomene ? Mark the accents. Also Calliope. There has been a dispute here about the true pronunciation of them. Don’t fail to do so; if you should, you would disappoint many. I know you know, and therefore, will abide by what you say. If you can get hold of the “Literary World” Send me a No., as I will not take it until I see a No. of it.
I will not tell you that I wish you well. I will be in New York the first of May: and if you don’t write to me before then, you may expect to be passed in the street without ever being recognized by me. Remember! I give you warning; and if it should be the case, you can’t blame me — for it’s your own doings. In great haste,
Yours forever,
Thos. H. Chivers.
E. A. Poe, Esqr.
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO THOMAS H. CHIVERS — JULY 14, 1848
Fordham — Westchester Co — July 13. (14) 48.
My Dear Friend,
I have just returned from an excursion to Lowell: — this is the reason why I have not been to see you. My mother will leave this note at your hotel in the event of your not being in when she calls. I am veryanxious to see you — as I propose going on to Richmond on Monday. Can you not come out to Fordham & spend tomorrow & Sunday with me? We can talk over matters, then, at leisure. The cars for Fordham leave the depot at the City Hall almost every hour — distance 14 miles[.]
Truly Yours
Poe.
CIST, LEWIS JACOB
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO LEWIS J. CIST — DECEMBER 30, 1840
Philadelphia, Dec. 30. 1840.
My Dear Sir,
Your letter of the 7th found me labouring under a severe illness, which has confined me to bed for the last month, and from which I am now only slowly recovering.
The worst result of this illness is that I am forced to postpone the issue of the first number of the Mag. until the first of March next, when it will certainly appear, and I trust under the best auspices.
“Bachelor Philosophy”, I am sorry to say, cannot appear until the second number, as at the time of its reception, all the poetry for the first number was already in type.
Would you be kind enough to mention the delay in the issue to your friend Mr Boyd, and if possible to procure me the insertion of this announcement in some one of your city papers.
“THE PENN MAGAZINE” Owing to the severe and continued illness of Mr Poe the issue of the first number of this journal is postponed until the first of March next.
I am very truly & respectfully
Yr. ob. St
Edgar A Poe
L. J. Cist Esqr
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO LEWIS J. CIST — SEPTEMBER 18, 1841
Philadelphia — Sep: 18 — 41.
My Dear Sir,
I have only this moment received your letter of the 30th ult. having been absent from the city for some time. I feel that I have been guilty of a sad neglect in the matter of your poem; but my conscience absolves me of any intentional disrespect or discourtesy. The facts stand thus. Upon abandoning the design of “The Penn Magazine”, and joining Mr Graham in his own, I handed over to Mr Peterson (the then editor of that journal and who hereafter was to act as my associate; his especial duty being that of revising MSS for press and attending to the general arrangement of the matter) — I handed over to this gentleman your “Bachelor Philosophy” together with a large bundle of other articles — sent me for “The Penn.” — I assumed no right of transferring articles in this manner; and my intention was (as soon as I could steal a moment’s leisure from the world of business which just at that period overwhelmed me) to communicate by letter with each of my correspondents, requesting permission for such transfer. In many cases I lid write, and succeeded in obtaining the requisite permission. My impression was that I had secured your consent with that of others — your consent, I mean, for publishing the poem in Graham’s Magazine. It remained, therefore, with the rest, in M’ Peterson’s hands — but only for the purpose specified. Mr. Peterson, however, (who has a third interest in the “Saturday Evening Post” and superintends the “getting up” of that paper also) has taken the unwarrantable liberty, it seems, of using the poem to suit his own views — leaving out of question my positive understanding and intention on the subject. I seldom look at the paper, except occasionally at a proof of some of my own articles in it, and the publication of your verses did not meet my eye: otherwise I should have written you at once in explanation and apology. You will not be surprised that I failed to miss your article in the Magazine, or to make inquiry respecting it — if you comprehend the nature of the confusion attendant upon the joint issue of a paper and Magazine — especially when you consider that the disposition of the MSS — the drudgery of the business — does not fall to my share. I merely write the Reviews, with a tale monthly, and read the last proofs. As to the insertion of your poem in the “Saturday Evening Post” with the words — “written for The Post” — it is a downright falsehood on the part of Mr P. which nothing can extenuate — a falsehood wilfully perpetrated — of a kind which he is in the habit of perpetrating, and which have before involved me most disagreeably. Not long ago wishing to procure a printed copy of a poem of my own called “A Ballad”, and originally published in the “S. L. Mess.” I handed it to Mr P. for re-publication in the “Post” with the heading “From the South. L. Messenger”; and you may imagine my chagrin at seeing it appear with the same caption as your “Bachelor Philosophy.”
I make no scruple in thus indicating to you plainly the origin of the contre-temps which has so justly annoyed you. I must absolve myself, at all hazards, from suspicion of falsehood — let the charge fall upon whom it may. Of intentional discourtesy you will, of course, acquit me. To the accusation of neglect I plead guilty, offering only in extenuation, the press of business which has lately harassed and confused me.
With the highest respect
I am Yr Ob St.
Edgar A Poe
L. J. Cist Esqr
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO LEWIS J. CIST — FEBRUARY 18, 1844
Philadelphia
Feb. 18. 44
My Dear Sir,
Being upon the point of quitting Philadelphia for some weeks, I think it right to drop you a line, before going, merely to acknowledge the receipt of your >>(approximately three words, scratched out beyond reading)<< poem, and to say that I handed it to Mr. Graham, as you desired. I feared that it would be too late — but Graham says not.
Truly yours
Edgar A Poe
Is Mr(s) Nichols, the poetess, a resident of Cincinnati? — and am I indebted to you, or to herself, for a copy of of (sic) some most touching lines To her Mother which appeared in the “Louisville Journal”, and which reached me via your city? Can you tell me anything of Mrs Nichols’ personal history? I feel a deep interest in her poems, and consequently in herself. Please write in reply.
L. J. Cist Esqre
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO LEWIS J. CIST — JUNE 3, 1844
New-York
June 3. 44.
My Dear Mr Cist,
Yours, dated April 30th , has only this moment reached me; having been lying, ever since, at Graham’s office. I have removed to New-York, where I intend residing for the next year or two — and this will account, in part, for my not receiving the package sooner.
I was deeply interested in the memoirs you gave me of Mrs Nichols. I have long admired her writings, and the proofs contain some of the finest passages I have ever perused. I am anxious to see the entire volume, and thank you for the promise to send it to me.
I shall write, to-day, to Graham, and ask him to do as you desire, touching “The Beaten Path.”
Truly Your Friend.
Edgar A Poe
L. J. Cist Esqre
P. S. If you forward the “Poems” to Graham, he will send them to me.
CLARK, MR.
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO UNKNOWN — ABOUT NOVEMBER 26, 1835
( ... ] ber. (. . .)
(. . .] there can be no impropriety in telling
( ... ] the commencement of Vol. 2. the editorial
( ... ] have devolved upon myself, and
( ... ] you allude to are my own. I
( ... ] with your approbation of my labours.
( ... ] would be very glad to hear from you
( . . . ] I believe you had some little acquain-
(tance . . . br)other W. H. L. Poe of Baltimore.
Very resply .
Yr. Ob. St
Edgar A. Poe
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO UNKNOWN — EARLY JUNE 1840 - EARLY 1841
[. . . .]
I have the honor of sending you, herewith, at your desire, the Prospectus of the “Penn Magazine,” and should be grateful for any interest you would exert in its behalf.
With high respect.
Yr Ob. St.
Edgar A Poe.
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO UNKNOWN — ABOUT JANUARY 20, 1844
My Dear Mr Clark
I am exceedingly anxious to try my fortune in Baltimore with a lecture or two, and wish, if possible, to go immediately. I have some little money —
[. . . . ]
Very truly yours
E A Poe.
UNKNOWN TO EDGAR ALLAN POE — OCTOBER 11, 1845
Editorial Miscellany
— —
WE MAKE room, with much pleasure, for the following explanation:
To the Editor of the Broadway Journal:
SIR — A copy of your Journal dated October 4th, was handed me this evening, containing some observations respecting alterations made in the song of Ben Bolt, to which some music was adapted by J. P. Webster. The facts were as follows. The song was in a New-Haven paper, and came into my hands as an envelope. It was without signature or reference of any kind, to the author. I was pleased with the poetry, and gave it to Mr. Webster, as he said he would compose some music for it. Before he had completed it, he lost the copy, and asked if I could give him another from memory. The words published were written down by two or three persons, as no one remembered the whole. As Mr. W. Did not know the author’s name, he could not of course give it. But from what I know of him, I am certain that no thoughts of claiming the authorship ever crossed his mind; and what may so appear in the publication, is the result of carelessness.
Having been (though indirectly) the cause of the censure cast upon Mr. Webster, I felt bound to make this statement, which I doubt not you will have the justice to publish. I am ready to give satisfactory reference, if you require it.
Respectfully yours, E. S.
Derby, Conn, October 11, 1845.
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO UNKNOWN — NOVEMBER 1845
Dr Sir,
If I am not mistaken, you were one of the earliest subscribers to “The Southern Literary Messenger”, and aided me very materially while it remained under my control. For this reason, and because I am naturally anxious for the support of those whose good opinion I value — because, too, I believe that my objects, as regards our National Literature, are such as your judgment approves — I venture now frankly to solicit your subscription and influence for “The Broadway Journal”, of which I send you a specimen number.
With high respect,
Yr. Mo. Ob. St.
Edgar A. Poe
New-York.
Nov. 1845.
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO UNKNOWN — 1845-1846
[. . . .]
I am exceedingly anxious. If you would be so kind as to look me up, I will consider it a great favor. You understand the whole story is purely fiction. —
Your opinion is of great consideration. —
Yr Ob. St
Edgar A. Poe
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO UNKNOWN — JANUARY 10 - APRIL 11, 1846
[. . . .]
The philosophy detailed in the “Last Conversation of a Somnambule,” is my own — original, I mean, with myself, and had long impressed me. I was anxious to introduce it to the world in a manner that should insure for it attention. I thought that by presenting my speculations in a garb of vraisemblance — giving them as revelations — I would secure for them a hearing, and I depended upon what the Popular Record very properly calls the “Magazinish” tone of the article to correct any false impression which might arise in regard to the question of fact or fable. In the case of Valdemar, I was actuated by similar motives, but in this latter paper, I made a more pronounced effort at verisimilitude for the sake of effect. The only material difference between the two articles is, that in one I believe actual truth to be involved; in the other I have aimed at merely suggestion and speculation. I find the Valdemar case universally copied and received as truth , even in spite of my disclaimer. [. . . . ]
Edgar Allan Poe, promissory note - January 15, 1846.]
New-York: Jan 15. 1846.
[name excised, probably John McDougall] Esqre -- At three days’ sight, please pay to the order of Harnden & Co, the sum of Twenty-Five Dollars, and charge the same to my account.
>>Edgar A Poe<<
[This item is printed here with permission of the Boston Public Library, where it is noted as Ms. E .9.4 75-166.]
[The note of “$25 ----” appears running vertically across the left edge of this note. The reverse side of the item is endorsed, like a check, partially obscured by the excision of the name from the note: “E. A. Poe (/) [J????] 6/46 (or 16/46) (/) $25. -- (/) J A McDo[ugall]” The final five letters of “McDougall run off the edge of the page, suggesting that the surviving item was cut down from a larger sheet of paper.]
[John W. Ostrom describes this note as item 610e in his revised checklist of 1981 as a “Three-line letter.” The size and nature of the item, however, more appropriately classifies it as a promissory note.]
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO UNKNOWN — JUNE 16, 1846
June 16, 1846
My Dear Sir,
Can you oblige me by getting the following in “The Tribune” or some other daily? Mr. Poe has been invited by the Literary Societies of Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa. to deliver a poem at their approaching anniversary, but this invitation, as well as that of the University of Vermont, he is forced to decline through continued illness and a press of other engagements. Who is the “great writer of small things in Ann St” referred to by Briggs in the article about me in the Mirror, of the 26? Has anything concerning me appeared lately in Morris’ “National Press”?
Truly yours,
Poe
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO UNKNOWN — APRIL 29, 1848
New-York
April 29. 28
Dear Sir,
It gives me great pleasure to comply with your very flattering request for an autograph.
