Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe, page 309
1st. You do not deny I suppose that God is Infinite. Yet you make the primary irradiation of matter limited both in time and in extent - How can infinity resolve itself, or diffuse itself or expand itself into finity? If God is infinite, and the whole deity exists now only under the form of the Universe, the irradiation must have been infinite in time & extent also, and this very assumption would destroy your whole discovery. That Postscript of pantheism seems to me to be a scientific suicide.
2nd. But this is not all. You know well that the great body of Christians regard pantheism as a damnable heresy, if not worse. Such a brand would be a blight upon your book, which not every your genius could efface, and your great discovery would at once be ranked by the majority among the vain dreams of skepticism and the empty chimaeras of infidelity. If published as it now stands, I should myself be compelled to attack that part of it, for I could not in conscience do otherwise. And yet I believe you are convinced that I wish well both to you and your great work.
It is not a natural and scientific development, which is necessary for the completeness of your great idea: it seems to me but an excrescence which requires to be lopped off; and I beg, both for the sake of your own reputation as well as for that of the good reception of the Eureka, that you will aprdon my freedom, act upon my advice, and forgive the bold impertinence I have been guilty of in presuming to offer it.
Yours respectfully,
Jno H. Hopkins, Jr.
Edgar A. Poe, Esqr.
HOPKINSON, JUDGE JOSEPH
JOSEPH HOPKINSON TO EDGAR ALLAN POE — JANUARY 25, 1841
Philad. Jany 25. 1841
Dear Sir
It has always been my desire that we should concentrate in Philadelphia as much literary talent as possible, and be distinguished by works of science and genius issuing from our press — I have therefore never been reluctant to afford the little aid in my power to such enterprises — My time and attention, however, are much occupied by my official duties, so that I avoid making engagements which may interfere with them, or may themselves be neglected — I wish your Magazine may succeed, and with the talent you can of yourself bring into it, your prospect is encouraging — I will keep it in my view, & shall be happy to contribute to it’s support when I have any communications which may be acceptable to your readers — Allow me to remind you that the ruin of our periodicals has been distant subscribers, who never send their money, and the collection of which costs more than is received — A late very popular work, that set out with great strictness in exacting punctual payment from it’s subscribers, had, nevertheless, thirty thousand dollars due to it in five or six years, and was compelled to stop, with an immense list of subscribers —
Very respectfully
Your obt Svt
Jos. Hopkinson
HORNE, RICHARD HENGIST
RICHARD H. HORNE TO EDGAR ALLAN POE — APRIL 16, 1844
5 Fortress Terrace Kentish Town London
April 16/44
My dear Sir
I have received your letter this morning, and shall feel now, and at all times happy in forwarding your views here, so far as I am able, in the matters of literary engagement. Just at this time, however, and probably for some months to come, I shall not be likely to have the power. If you have seen the “New Spirit of the Age” you will readily understand that a great many critics here, and some authors, are far from pleased with me. The attacks and jeers in Magazines and newspapers here (though several have treated me very fairly) are nearly all written by friends of the angry parties, or influenced by them. Perhaps I may say a word on this point in the Second Edition now preparing. I mention this to show you why I can do little at present. I need not say to an American, that when the story has blown over, those trees that are not blown down, nor injured, look all the fresher among the wrecks. I dare say I shall be able to do what you wish before long. I should prefer to do this so that you are fairly remunerated; but if the parties are not in a “paying condition” then I will put you in direct communication with them to arrange the matter yourself.
I could, most probably, obtain the insertion of the article you have sent, in “Jerrold’s Illustrated Magazine.” Jerrold has always spoken and written very handsomely and eloquently about me, and there would be no difficulty. But - I fear this magazine is not doing at all well. I tell you this; in confidence. They have a large, but inadequate circulation. The remuneration would be scarcely worth having - 10 guineas a sheet, is poor pay for such a page! And now, perhaps, they do not even give that. I will see. My impression, however, is that for the reasons stated previously, I shall not at present, be able to assist you in the way I could best wish.
Your name is well known to me in the critical literature of America, although I have not seen any American magazine for some months. I have ordered the last two Nos. of “Graham’s Magazine” but have not received them from my booksellers.
I am grateful for the noble and generous terms in which you speak of my works. I have written you a business-like, and not a very “spiritual” letter, you will think. Still, as you are kind enough to give me credit for some things of the latter kind, it seemed best at this distance to reply to your wishes, practically. I am dear Sir,
Yours truly
R. H. Horne
Edgar Allan Poe, Esqre.
RICHARD H. HORNE TO EDGAR ALLAN POE — APRIL 27, 1844
5 Fortress Terrace, Kentish Town, London, April 27/44.
My Dear Sir, — When I replied to your letter (which I did by the next post of the day on which I received it) I had not seen the No. of “Graham” for March, containing the review of “Orion.” Mr. C. Mathews, of New York, had been so good as to inform me there would be a review; and he, at the same time, mentioned that he had sent me a copy of the magazine in question. My friend Miss E. B. Barrett also sent me a note to the same effect. But owing no doubt to some forgetfulness on the part of the booksellers who were to forward it, the magazine never reached me, nor was it at Wiley and Putnam’s, when I called the other day.
Your MS. of the “ Spectacles “ is safely lodged in my iron chest with my own MSS. till I find a favorable opportunity for its use.
I have carefully read and considered the review of “Orion “ in the magazine. It would be uncandid in me to appear to agree to all the objections; and, amidst such high praise, so independently and, courageously awarded, it would be ungrateful in me to offer any self-justificatory remark on any such objections. I shall, therefore, only observe that there are some objections from which I can derive advantage in the way of revision — which is more than I can say of any of the critiques written on this side of the waters. One passage, in particular, I will mention. It is that which occurs at p. 103. “Star-rays that first”: Needlessly obscure as you truly say. For, in fact, I did allude to Sleep, as the antecedent, and it should have been printed with a capital letter. What I meant by the passage, rendered in prose, would be something like this. — ‘The God Sleep, lying in his cave by the old divine sea, feeleth the star-rays upon his eye-lids, at times; and then his sleep is not perfect, and he dreams, or for a brief interval awakes. Without which awakening he would never have known surprise, nor hope, nor useful action. Because (your poet herein bewitched by a theory he fancies original) we are never surprised at anything, however wonderful, in a dream; neither do we hope; nor do we perform any action with an idea of its being at all useful.’ A pretty condition, you see, my imagination had got into while writing this passage. The explanation, if it does not make you angry, will I think greatly amuse you.
Are there any of my works which you do not possess and would like to have? I shall be very happy to request your acceptance of any, if you will let me know how to send them. It strikes me (from some remarks of yours on versification and rhythm) that you do not know my Introduction of “Chaucer Modernized.” Do you? Would any American bookseller like to reprint “Orion” do you think? If so I would willingly superintend the sheets, for a slight revision in some half dozen places, and would write a brief Introduction or Preface addressed to the American Public; and certainly I should at the same time be too happy to express my obligations to the boldness and handsomeness of American criticism.
I am, dear Sir,
Your obliged,
R. H. Horne.
E. A. Poe, Esq.
RICHARD H. HORNE TO EDGAR ALLAN POE — MAY 17, 1845
Fitzroy Park, Highgate, London, May, 17, 1845.
My Dear Sir, — After so long a delay of my last letter to you, I am at all events glad to hear that it reached you — or rather, that you, in diving among the shoals at the Post Office, had contrived to fish it up. But matters do not seem to mend in this respect; for your present letter of the date of Jany 25th/45 only reached my house at the latter end of April. In short, we might as well correspond from Calcutta, as far as time is concerned. However, I am glad that the letters reach their destination at all, and so that none are lost; we must be patient.
I have only just returned from a nine months’ absence in Germany. I principally resided during this time in the Rhine Provinces. I take the earliest opportunity of thanking you for all attentions.
As I thought your letter to me contained more of the bright side of criticism than the “Broadway Journal” I sent it to my friend Miss Barrett. She returned it with a note, half of which I tear off, and send you (confidentially) that you may see in what a good and noble spirit she receives the critique — in which, as you say, the shadows do certainly predominate. Well, for my own part, I think a work should be judged by its merits chiefly — since faults and imperfections are certain to be found in all works, but the highest merits only in a few. Therefore the highest merits seem to me to be naturally the first and main points to be considered.
Miss Barrett has read the “Raven” and says she thinks there is a fine lyrical melody in it. When I tell you that this lady “says” you will be so good as understand that I mean “writes “ — for although I have corresponded with Miss Barrett these 5 or 6 years, I have never seen her to this day. Nor have I been nearer to doing so, than talking with her father and sisters.
I am of the same opinion as Miss Barrett about the “Raven;” and it also seems to me that the poet intends to represent a very painful condition of mind, as of an imagination that was liable to topple over into some delirium or an abyss of melancholy, from the continuity of one unvaried emotion.
Tennyson I have not seen, nor heard from yet, since my return. It is curious that you should ask me for opinions of the only two poets with whom I am especially intimate. Most of the others I am acquainted with, but am not upon such terms of intellectual sympathy and friendship as with Miss Barrett and Tennyson. But I do not at this moment know where Tennyson is.
You mention that an American publisher would probably like to reprint “Orion,” and I therefore send a copy for that purpose, or probability. I also send a copy, in which I have written your name, together with a copy of “Gregory VII.” and two copies of “Introductory Comments “ (to the 2nd Edn of the NW SPY of the Age) of which I beg your acceptance. Of “Chaucer Modernized” I do not possess any other copy than the one in my own library, and believe it is out of print; but if you would like to have a copy of Schlegel’s “Lectures on Dramatic Literature “ (to wh I wrote an Introduction to the 2nd Edn) I shall be happy to forward you the vols, and any others of my own you wd like to have — that is, if I have copies of them. “Cosmo de Medici,” for instance, I could send you.
I have made no revision of “Orion” for the proposed new Edition. The fact is, I have not time, and moreover am hardly disposed to do much to it, after so many editions. I had rather write (almost) another long poem.
I shall be happy to send you a short poem or two for your Magazine directly it is established, or for the 1st No., if there be time for you to let me know.
I am, dear Sir,
Yours truly,
R. H. Horne.
HOUGHTON, ROLAND STEBBINS
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO ROLAND S. HOUGHTON — APRIL 27, 1840
Philadelphia April 27. 1840.
Dr Sir,
Your very clever article, “John a’ Combe”, was duly received, but your request, that we should notice its reception in the Magazine, was overlooked. By reference to the last number (for April) you will perceive that the Premium scheme has proved a total failure, and that the M.S.S. sent await the commands of their authors. We should be glad, of course, to publish the piece, but are grieved to say that the absurd condition of our present copy-right laws will not permit us to other any compensation. We shall be pleased to hear from you in reply.
Yours &c
Edgar A Poe
R. S. Houghton Esqr University of Vermont
HUNT, JEDEDIAH, JR.
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO JEDEDIAH HUNT, JR. — MARCH 17, 1845
New-York March 17- 45
Dear Sir,
There is something in the tone of your article on “The Broadway Journal” (contained in the “Archives” of the 13th.) which induces me to trouble you with this letter.
I recognize in you an educated, an honest, a chivalrous, but, I fear, a somewhat over-hasty man. I feel that you can appreciate what I do — and that you will not fail to give me credit for what I do well: — at the same time I am not quite sure that, through sheer hurry, you might not do me an injustice which you yourself would regret even more sincerely than I. I am anxious to secure you as a friend if you can be so with a clear conscience — and it is to enable you to be so with a clear conscience that I write what I am now writing.
Let me put it to you as to a frank man of honor — Can you suppose it possible that any human being could pursue a strictly impartial course of criticism for Io years (as I have done in the S. L. Messenger and in Graham’s Magazine) without offending irreparably a host of authors and their connexions? — but because these were offended, and gave vent at every opportunity to their spleen, would you consider my course an iota the less honorable on that account? Would you consider it just to measure my deserts by the yelpings of my foes, indepently of your own judgment in the premises, based upon an actual knowledge of what I have done?
You reply — “Certainly not,” and, because I feel that this must be your reply, I acknowledge that I am grieved to see any thing (however slight) in your paper that has the appearance of joi[n]ing in with the outcry so very sure to be made by the ‘less[‘] honorable portion of the press under circumstances such as are my own.
I thank you sincerely for your expressions of good will — and I thank you for the reason that I value your opinion — when that opinion is fairly attained. But there are points at which you do me in justice.
For example, you say that I am sensitive (peculiarly so) to the strictures of others. There is no instance on record in which I have ever replied, directly or indirectly, to any strictures, personal or literary, with the single exception of my answer to Outis. You say, too, that I use a quarter of the paper in smoothing over his charges — but four-fifths of the whole space occupied is by the letter of Outis itself, to which I wish to give all the publicity in my power, with a view of giving it the more thorough refutation. The charges of which you speak — the charge of plagiarism &c — are not male at all. These are mistakes into which you have fallen, through want of time to peruse the whole of what I said, and by happening upon unlucky passages. It is, of course, improper to decide upon my reply until you have heard it, and as yet I have only commenced it by giving Outis’ letter with a few comments at random. There will be four chapters in all. My excuse for treating it at length is that it demanded an answer & no proper answer could be given in less compass — that the subject of imitation, plagiarism, &c is one in which the
I know that you will now do me justice — that you will read what I have said & may say — and that you will absolve me, at once, of the charge of squirmishness or ill nature. If ever man had cause to be in good humor with Outis and all the world, it is precisely myself, at this moment — as hereafter you shall see.
At some future day we shall be friends, or I am much mistaken, and I will then put into your hands ample means of judging me upon my own merits.
In the meantime I ask of you, justice.
Very truly yours
Edgar A Poe.
To J. Hunt Jr.
P.S. I perceive that you have permitted some of our papers an[d t]he Boston journals to give you a wrong impression of my Lecture & its reception. It was better attended than any Lecture of Mr Hudson’s — by the most intellectual & refined portion of the city — and was complimented in terms which I should be ashamed to repeat, by the leading journalists of the City. See Mirror, Morning News, Inquirer New World &c. The only respectable N. Y. papers which did not praise it >>w<< throughout, was the Tribune whose transcendental editors or their doctrines, I attacked. My objection to the burlesque philosophy, which the Bostonians have adopted, supposing it to be Transcendentalism, is the key to the abuse of the Atlas & Transcript. So well was the Lecture received that I am about to repeat it.
IDE, ABIJAH METCALF, JR.
ABIJAH M. IDE, JR. TO EDGAR ALLAN POE — OCTOBER 1, 1843
South Attleboro’ Mass., Oct. 1, 1843.
