The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe - Edgar Allan Poe [1367]
I would say to you, without hesitation, aspire. A literary reputation, it is true, is seldom worth much when attained — for by this time the appetite for applause is sated — but in the struggle for its attainment is the true recompense. You are young, enthusiastic, and possess high talents. You will not fail of success. Be bold — read much — write much — publish little — keep aloof from the little wits, and fear nothing.
I hope you will write me frequently and freely, and regard me as your friend, and consider me bound to further your literary interests as far as lies in my power. That power, at present, is little. By and bye it may be more. In the meantime I may treat you as frankly as you have treated myself, and call upon you for aid in a good cause — in a very bold and comprehensive enterprise — to aid in which I am already privately marshalling the true talent and chivalry of the land — I mean an enterprise which shall elevate this true talent upon the throne of the great usurper called Humbug. At present, the Bobby Buttons rule the world of American Letters — but we must change all that — and if no one else will stir effectively in the task, I must and will.
I write these few words in extreme haste, and merely to say that I feel honored by your demand. At some future day I will communicate with you more fully.
Believe me
Yours most sincerely
Edgar A, Poe
A. M. Ide Jr
Abijah M. Ide, Jr. to Edgar Allan Poe — November 2, 1843
South Attleborough Mass., November 2nd 1843.
My Dear Sir, — I was glad, I assure you, to receive your letter of Octo: 19. I need not tell you that I am grateful for your willing friendship, approval and encouragement. You have given me some confidence in myself which I think may be a very good matter for a Poet.
I do not wish to pass judgment upon others, but no one has a more ardent wish than myself to see somewhat of a Revolution in American Literature. Our country supports too many of these Dish-water Magazines: — & reads too much blank paper! The pen and the press have begun almost every reformation: they must begin another. Ours has become a mighty nation; but if its institutions are to be perpetuated, if it is to live long and peacefully — the minds of the many must be somewhat enlightened; men are to be led to think while they act: and act wisely. The head and the heart of man are wonderful things.
I am glad to learn that you intend to attempt the overthrow of Humbug! If my hand can aid in the deed, it shall labor willingly. And God bless you in the work, when the time come. I wish to learn something more of your plans whenever it pleases you to communicate them.
Since I wrote to you before I have met rather unpleasant fortune: & circumstances are such as a Poet does not love to write, — or a Poet to read. — I will say nothing of them: but I expect that I shall soon have to seek a home for myself, or give up study altogether: I forget whether I told you or not, that I am honestly poor; if I labor therefore for a man “not my kindred,” I shall have no leisure for a book or a Poem: — It is so dark that I cannot see far before me, now; & this is the first time in my life that I have been thrown entirely upon my own powers, and I thank God, that some obstacles are before me to overcome: —
Your confidence and good will are doubly precious for these things: and an occasional sign of regard will be thrice welcome. Direct as before, until I say otherwise, and believe me
Yours sincerely and respectfully,
[A. M. Ide.]
(Signature Missing.)
Edgar A. Poe.
Abijah M. Ide, Jr. to Edgar Allan Poe — March 22, 1844
South Attleboro’, Mass., March 22d.
My Dear Sir, — Since I wrote you last, (in the month of November, ‘43, I believe,) my employment and whereabouts have been such, that I have not been able