Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe, page 331
New-York: April 18. 46.
Dear Sir,
A complete copy of the B. J. can be obtained of Mr. Cornelius Mathews, 140 Nassau St. N. Y. up stairs — or, if you prefer it, enclose me the subscription price ($3.) and I will leave a copy for you at any place you shall designate in this city.
Respy. Yr. Ob St.
Edgar A Poe.
Jas E. Root Esqr
P.S. — I have none in my possession or would willingly spare you a copy, gratis.
S. E.
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 TO LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY — APRIL 12, 1836
Richmond, Va April 12th 1836.
Madam,
At the request of Mr T. W. White, I take the liberty of replying to your letter of the 6th ult.
I am vexed to hear that you have not received the Messenger regularly, and am confident that upon reception of the January number (now again forwarded to your address) you will be fully convinced that your friends, in their zeal for your literary reputation, have misconceived the spirit of the criticism to which you have alluded. To yourself, personally, we commit our review, with a perfect certainty of being understood. That we have evinced any “severity amounting to unkindness” is an accusation of which you will, I sincerely hope, unhesitatingly acquit us. We refer you, especially, to the concluding sentences of the critique.
Mr White desires me to express his regret at the mistake in relation to your package of books. He would have placed them immediately in the hands of some bookseller here, but was not sure that your views would be met in so doing. They are now properly disposed of.
You will, I hope, allow us still to send you the Messenger. We are grieved, and mortified to hear that you cannot again contribute to its pages, but your objection in respect to receiving a copy without equivalent is untenable — any one of your pieces already published in our Journal being more than an equivalent to a subscription in perpetuo. This we say as publishers, without any intention to flatter, and having reference merely to the sum usually paid, to writers of far less reputation, for articles immeasurably inferior.
In respect to your question touching the Editor of the Messenger, I have to reply that, for the last six months, the Editorial duties have been undertaken by myself. Of course, therefore, I plead guilty to all the criticisms of the Journal during the period mentioned. In addition to what evidence of misconception on the part of your friends you will assuredly find in the January number, I have now only to say that sincere admiration of the book reviewed was the predominant feeling in my bosom while penning the review.
It would afford me the highest gratification should I find that you acquit me of this “foul charge.” I will look with great anxiety for your reply.
Very resply & truly
Yr Ob. St
Edgar A. Poe
Mrs L. H. Sigourney,
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.
Respectfully
Yr Obt.. S t
Edgar A. Poe
SARGENT, EPES
EPES SARGENT TO EDGAR ALLAN POE — LATE 1841 (OR EARLY 1842) (?)
(. . . .) I have always been an ardent admirer of your varied and surpassing talents. (. . . .)
SARTAIN, JOHN
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO JOHN SARTAIN — FEBRUARY 9, 1849
New-York: Feb. 9 — 49
Mess. J. Sartain & co.
Gent.
I have the honor of sending you, with this note, a poem called “The Bells”, about the length of my “Raven” — in hope that it will meet your views for “The Union Magazine”. Should it not please you, will you be so kind as to re-enclose it; and if I do not hear from you respecting it within ten days, I will conclude that you accept it, and draw on you, at 3 days’ sight, for $15.
Very resply.
Edgar A. Poe
P. S. — Should you print the poem, it will be necessary, (on account of the length of some of the lines & their peculiar arrangement) to run them entirely across the page, without the perpendicular rule.
SHEA, JOHN AUGUSTUS
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO J. AUGUSTUS SHEA — FEBRUARY 3, 1845
Dear Shea,
Lest I should have mate some mistake in the hurry I transcribe the whole alteration.
Instead of the whole stanza commencing “Wondering at the stillness broken &c — substitute this
Startled at the stillness broken by reply so aptly spoken, “
Doubtless”, said I, “what it utters is its only stock and store
Caught from some unhappy master whom unmerciful Disaster
Followed fast and followed faster till his songs one burden bore —
Till the dirges of his Hope the melancholy burden bore, ‘
Nevermore — ah, nevermore!’ “
At the close of the stanza preceding this, instead of “Quoth the raven Nevermore”, substitute “ Then the bird said “Nevermore”.
Truly yours
Poe
SHEW, MRS. MARIE LOUISE
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO MARIE LOUISE SHEW — JANUARY 29, 1847
Kindest — dearest friend — My poor Virginia still lives, although failing fast and now suffering much pain. May God grant her life until she sees you and thanks you once again! Her bosom is full to overflowing — like my own — with a boundless — inexpressible gratitude to you. Lest she may never see you more — she bids me say that she sends you her sweetest kiss of love and will die blessing you[.] But come — oh come to-morrow! Yes, I will be calm — everything you so nobly wish to see me. My mother sends you, also, her “warmest love and thanks”[.] She begs me to ask you, if possible, to make arrangements at home so that you may stay with us tomorrow night. I enclose the order to the Postmaster.
Heaven bless you and farewell
Edgar A Poe.
Fordham,
Jan. 29. 47
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO MARIE LOUISE SHEW — MAY 1847
My dear Friend Louise
Nothing for months, has given me so much real pleasure, as your note of last night. I have been engaged all day on some promised work — otherwise I should have replyed immediately as my heart inclined. I sincerely hope you may not drift out of my sight before I can thank you. How kind of you to let me do even this small service for you, in return for the great debt I owe you. Louise — my brightest — most unselfish of all who ever loved me, I should return the money, if I did not know it would grieve you, as I shall have so much pleasure in thinking of you & yours, in that Music Room & Library. Louise — I give you great credit for taste in these things, & I know I can please you in the purchases. During my first call at your house after my Virginia’s death, I noticed with so much pleasure the large painting over the Piano which is a masterpiece indeed deserving a place in a palace or church & I noticed the size of all your paintings[.] The scrolls, instead of set figures — of the drawing room carpet — the soft effect of the window shades also the crimson & gold &c & I was charmed to see the Harp & Piano uncovered. The pictures of Raphael & the Cavelier I shall never forget — their softness & beauty. The Guitar with the blue ribbon, music stand & antique jars. I wondered that a little country maiden like you had developed so classic a taste & atmosphere. Please present my kind regards to your uncle & say that I am at his service any or every day this week & ask him please, to specify time & place[.]
Yours sincerely
Edgar A Poe
Sunday night
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO MARIE LOUISE SHEW — MARCH 30, 1848
Thursday, March 30.
Dearest Louise, —
You see that I am not yet off to Richmond as I proposed. I have been detained by some very unexpected and very important matters which I will explain to you when I see you. What is the reason that you have not been out? I believe the only reason is that you suspect I am really anxious to see you.
When you see Mr. H. — I wish you would say to him that I would take it as an especial favor if he would pay me a visit at Fordham next Sunday. I have something to communicate to him of the highest importance, and about which I need his advice. Won’t you get him to come — and come with him to show him the way?
Sincerely yours,
Edgar A. Poe
EDGAR ALLAN POE TO MARIE LOUISE SHEW — JUNE 1848
Can it be true Louise that you have the idea [fixed] in your mind to desert your unhappy and unfortunate friend and patient. You did not say so, I know, but for months I have known you was deserting me, not willingly but none the less surely — my destiny —
Disaster following fast, following faster &c.
I have had premonitions of this for months I [say] my good spirit, my loyal heart! must this follow as a sequel to all the benefits and blessings you have so generously bestowed?, are you to vanish like all I love, or desire, from my darkened and “lost Soul” — I have read over your letter again, and again, and can not make it possible with any degree of certainty, that you wrote it in your right mind (I know you did not without tears of anguish and regret), Is it possible your influence is lost to me? Such tender and true natures are ever loyal until death, but you are not dead, you are full of life and beauty! Louise you came in with the parson, in your floating white robe “Good morning Edgar” There was a [touch] of conventional coldness in your hurried manner and your attitude as you opened the kitchen door to find Muddie is my last remembrance of you of you, There was love, hope, and sorrow in your smile, instead of, love, hope & courage, as ever before, Oh Louise how many sorrows are before you, your ingenuous and sympathetic nature, will be constantly wounded in contact with the hollow heartless world, and for me alas! unless some true and tender and pure womanly love saves me, I shall hardly last a year longer, alone! a few short months, will tell, how far my strength — (physical, and moral) will carry me in life here, How can I believe in Providence when you look coldly upon me, was it not you who renewed my hopes and faith in God? . . . . & in humanity Louise I heard your voice as you passed out of my sight leaving me with the Parson, “The man of God, The servant of the most High.” He stood smiling and bowing at the madman Poe! But, that I had invited him to my house, I would have rushed out into Gods light and freedom! but I still listened to your voice! I heard you say with a sob “dear Muddie,’ I heard you greet my caterina, but it was only as a memory of .... nothing escaped my ear, and I was convinced it was not your generous self that was repeating words so foreign to your nature, to your tender heart! . . I heard you sob out your sense of duty to my mother, and I heard her reply — “yes Loui “yes, “it was the mother of Alma, that child with the madonna eyes! she is good and pure, and passably loving, but she is of her fathers type, she has not your nature, Why sacrifice your angelic perogative for a common place nature?, Why turn your soul from its true work for the desolate, to the thankless and miserly world! Why I was not a priest is a mystery, for I feel I am now a prophet and I did then, and toward in mind, and body, over my invited guest in spite of the duties of hospitality and regard for your feelings, Louise when he said grace and you said a low “amen,” I felt my heart stop, and I was sure I was then to die before your eyes. Louise it is well, it is fortunate you looked up, with a tear in your dear eyes, and raised the window and talked of the [guava] you “had “brought for my sore throat” your instincts are better than a strong mans reason — for me, I trust they may be for your self! Louse I feel I shall not prevail a shadow has already fallen upon your soul and is reflected in your eyes. It is too late you are floating away with the [cruel] tide. I am a coward to write this to you, but it is not a common trial, it is a fearful one to me. Such rare souls as yours, so beautify this earth! So releave it of all that is repulsive and sordid. so brighten its toils, and cares, it is hard to loose sight of them even for a short time, Again I say I am a coward, to wound your loyal unsel~sh and womanly heart, but you must know and be assured, of my regret, my sorrow, if aught I have ever written has hurt you! My heart never wronged you. I place you in my esteem in all solemnity beside the friend of my boyhood, the mother of my school fellow, of whom I told you, and as I the “Beloved Physician,” as the truest, tenderest, of this worlds most womanly souls, and an angel to my forlorn and darkened nature, I will not say “lost soul” again, for your sake. I will try to overcome my grief for the sake of your unselfish care of me in the past, and in life or death, I am ever yours gratefully & devotedly
