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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