The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe - Edgar Allan Poe [1320]
Will you inform me what is the substance of English’s letter published in the “Mirror,” and when the affair is to be settled? — I have seen mention of the letter and of the prosecution, hut have not learned of what that letter accuses you. —
I should like to know about when “The Stylus” will be started; for when it is, I intend that it shall take the place of the three or four publications which I am at present a subscriber to. I am going to give them all up for it. It appears to me that there has been considerable of a falling off from its former excellence (when I commenced taking it) in “Graham” — this may be only in my fancy. I subscribed for “Godey” for the express purpose of getting your “Opinions.” They are discontinued, and I shall discontinue my subscription when the sign comes right, that is, when “The Stylus” appears. I like the “Book” very well though, (I have the March number but no notice of Hawthorne yet)
By the way, the evening that your last letter but one came, I had a letter written to send to Godey. In it I inquired why he had not fulfilled his promise to give opinions from you of all the Literati of New York City. Your letter arrived before I had mailed mine, and I mentioned to him that you had informed, me why the “Literati” were discontinued. He replied, and desired to know why, if it was not private, saying that he did not know. I told him the reason (I as you gave it, namely, “because people insisted on considering them elaborate criticisms.” — Did I do wrong?
I like the spirit manifested at the close of your letter to Willis — “The truth is, I have a great deal to do: and I have made up my mind not to die till it is done.” I glory in your spunk!
I received your letter last evening (or night) about ten o’clock — it is now 8 o’clock Sunday P. M.
Truly your friend
Geo. W. Eveleth
Phillips. Feb. 21. 47.
Edgar A. Poe. Esq’.s
Edgar Allan Poe to George W. Eveleth — March 11, 1847
New-York March 11. 47.
My Dear Sir,
I am still quite sick and overwhelmed with business — but I snatch a few moments to reply to yours of the 21rst ult.
I really forget whether I did mail you one or two papers — but presume that the slips enclosed in my letter, covered all.
The “scholar and gentleman” referred to, is Evert A. Duyckinck, of this city, formerly editor of “Arcturus” now of “The Literary World”.
I fear that according to the law technicalities there is nothing “actionable” in the Post’s paragraphs — but I shall make them retract by some means.
My suit against “The Mirror” has terminated, by a verdict of $225, in my favor. The costs and all will make them a bill of $492. Pretty well — considering that there was no actual “damage” done to me.
I enclose you my reply to English — which will enable you to comprehend his accusations. The vagabond, at the period of the suit’s coming on, ran off to Washington for fear of being criminally prosecuted. The “acknowledgment” referred to was not forthcoming, and “the Mirror” could not get a single witness to testify one word against my character.
Thank you for your promise about “The Stylus”. I depend upon you implicitly.
You were perfectly right in what you said to Godey.
I cannot tell why the review of Hawthorne does not appear — but I presume we shall have it by and bye. He paid me for it when I sent it — so I have no business to ask about it. >>When<<
Most truly your friend
Edgar A Poe
P. S. “The Valdemar Case” was a hoax, of course.
George W. Eveleth to Edgar Allan Poe — July 27, 1847
Phillips, Me. Tuesday evening, 27 47.
Friend Poe.
I received yours of March 11, inclosing the reply to Dunn English, in due season. I was glad, and should have immediately replied, but finally concluded to delay until I had heard from you again