Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe, page 394
We have a letter before us, written by this lady, Mrs. Clemm, on the morning in which she heard of the death of this object of her untiring care. It is merely a request that we would call upon her, but we will copy a few of its words — sacred as its privacy is — to warrant the truth of the picture we have drawn above, and add force to the appeal we wish to make for her: —
“I have this morning heard of the death of my darling Eddie. . . . . . . . . Can you give me any circumstances or particulars. . . . . . . . . Oh! do not desert your poor friend in this bitter affliction. . . . . . . . . . Ask Mr. — — to come, as I must deliver a message to him from my poor Eddie. . . . . . . . . I need not ask you to notice his death and to speak well of him. I know you will. But say what an affectionate son he was to me, his poor desolate mother.” . . . . . . . .
To hedge round a grave with respect, what choice is there, between the [page xx:] relinquished wealth and honors of the world and the story of such a woman’s unrewarded devotion! Risking what we do, in delicacy, by making it public, we feel — other reasons aside — that it betters the world to make known that there are such ministrations to its erring and gifted. What we have said will speak to some hearts. There are those who will be glad to know how the lamp, whose light of poetry has beamed on their far-away recognition, was watched over with care and pain — that they may send to her, who is more darkened than they by its extinction, some token of their sympathy. She is destitute and alone. If any, far or near, will send to us what may aid and cheer her through the remainder of her life, we will joyfully place it in her hands.
Westminster Burial Ground, Baltimore — Poe’s final resting place
Westminster Burial Ground, close to the time of Poe’s death
Poe’s grave
Edgar Allan Poe, Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe
