The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe - Edgar Allan Poe [1217]
I remain
Your’s affectiona[tely]
Edgar
Will you be so good as to send me a copy of the Historiæ of Tacitus — it is a small volume — also some more soap —
Edgar Allan Poe to John Allan — September 21, 1826
University. Septemr 21rst 1826
Dear Sir,
The whole college has been put in great consternation by the prospect of an examination — There is to be a general one on the first of December, which will occupy the time of the students till the fifteenth — the time for breaking up —
It has not yet been determined whether there will be any diplomas, or doctor’s degrees given — but I should hardly think there will be any such thing, as this is only the second year of the institution & in other colleges three and four years are required in order to take a degree — that is, that time is supposed to be necessary — altho they sometimes confer them before — if the applicants are qualified —
Tho’ it will hardly be fair to examine those who have only been here one session, with those who have been here two — and some of whom have come from other colleges — still I suppose I shall have to stand my examination with the rest —
I have been studying a great deal in order to be prepared, and dare say I shall come off as well as the rest of them, that is — if I don‘t get frightened — Perhaps you will have some business up here about that time, and then you can judge for yourself —
They have nearly finished the Rotunda — The pillars of the Portico are completed and it greatly improves the appearance of the whole — The books are removed into the library — and we have a very fine collection(.)
We have had a great many fights up here lately — The faculty expelled Wickliffe last night for general bad conduct — but more especially for biting one of the student’s arms with whom he was fighting — I saw the whole affair — it took place before my door — Wickliffe was much the strongest but not content with that — after getting the other completely in his power, he began to bite — I saw the arm afterwards — and it was really a serious matter — It was bitten from the shoulder to the elbow — and it is likely that pieces of flesh as large as my hand will be obliged to be cut out — He is from Kentucky — the same one that was in suspension when you were up here some time ago — Give my love to Ma and Miss Nancy — I remain,
Your’s affectionatly (sic)
Edgar A Poe
Edgar Allan Poe to John Allan — March 19, 1827
Richmond Monday
Sir,
After my treatment on yesterday and what passed between us this morning, I can hardly think you will be surprised at the contents of this letter. My determination is at length taken — to leave your house and indeavor (sic) to find some place in this wide world, where I will be treated — not as you have treated me —
This is not a hurried determination, but one on which I have long considered — and having so considered my resolution is unalterable — You may perhaps think that I have flown off in a passion, & that I am already wishing to return; But not so — I will give you the reasons which have actuated me, and then judge —
Since I have been able to think on any subject, my thoughts have aspired, and they have been taught by you to aspire, to eminence in public life — this cannot be attained without a good Education, such a one I cannot obtain at a Primary school —
A collegiate Education therefore was what I most ardently desired, and I had been led to expect that it would at some future time be granted — but in a moment of caprice — you have blasted my hope Again, I have heard you say (when you little thought I was listening <)> and therefore must have said it in earnest) that you had no affection for me — You have moreover ordered me to quit your house, and are continually upbraiding me with eating the bread of