The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe - Edgar Allan Poe [1447]
Fordham — May 18 — 49.
Geo. P. Putnam Esqre,
It has been suggested to Mrs. S. Anna Lewis, by several of her friends, that she should publish a new edition of her “Child of the Sea” &c including some compositions lately written — the whole in a handsome volume, with illustrations by Darley
My object, in this note, is to submit the idea to your consideration. — Mrs Lewis has an unusually large circle of personal friends, has been highly praised by the critics, is very popular as an authoress and daily growing more so: — no doubt, therefore, she will exercise, before long, a very extensive literary influence.
If the volume suggested were prepared in season for the next Holidays, I think you will agree with me that it could not fail of success.
Most Respy
Yr. Ob. St
Edgar A Poe.
RAMSAY, ARCH
Arch Ramsay to Edgar Allan Poe — November 30, 1846
Stonehaven, Scotland, Nov. 30, 1846.
Sir, — As a believer in Mesmerism I respectfully take the liberty of addressing you to know, if a pamphlet lately published in London (by Short & Co., Bloomsbury) under the authority of your name & entitled Mesmerim, in Articulo-Mortis, is genuine.
It details an acc’t of some most extraordinary circumstances, connected with the death of a Mr M Valdemar under mesmeric influence, by you. Hoax has been emphatically pronounced upon the pamphlet by all who have seen it here, & for the sake of the Science & of truth a note from you on the subject would truly oblige. In behalf of the Science,
Your very obt Svt
Arch Ramsay.
To Edgar A. Poe, Esq., New York.
Please address A. Ramsay, Stonehaven, Scotland.
Edgar Allan Poe to Arch Ramsay — December 30, 1846
New York December 30. 46.
Dr Sir,
“Hoax” is precisely the word suited to M. Valdemar’s case. The story appeared originally in “The American Review”, a Monthly Magazine, published in this city. The London papers, commencing with the “Morning Post” and the “Popular Record of Science”, took up the theme. The article was generally copied in England and is now circulating in France. Some few persons believe it — but I do not — and don’t you.
Very Respy
Yr Ob. St
Edgar A Poe
P.S, I have some relations, I think, in Stonehaven, of the name of Allan, who again are connected with the Allans and Galts of Kilmarnock. My name is Edgar Allan Poe. Do you know any of them. If so, and it would not put you to too much trouble, I would take it as a favor if you could give me some account of the family.
To A. Ramsay Esqr
Arch Ramsay to Edgar Allan Poe — April 14, 1847
Stonehaven, Kincardinshire, Scotland,
14 April, 1847.
Dear Sir, — I was duly honored with your kind favor of the 30 Decr last & have to apologise for my ingratitude in not sooner returning my best thanks for the trouble you had taken in replying to my enquiry regarding the case of M. Valdemar but I delayed from time to time in expectation of being able to find out the parties you enquire about of the name of Allan. I am however sorry to say that all my endeavors have been in vain.
There are a good number of the name here & hereabout, & I have made enquiry at all of them I could find but none of them appear to be connected with the families or place you mention. If you can give me any other clue by which they might be traced I shall be most happy to do anything in my power to find them..
The Pamphlet on Valdemar is published in your name as the sole conductor & operator in the case so that I thought you could at once affirm or deny it, but from the tenor of your letter to me this appears not to be the fact.
I am Dear Sir Very Respectfully
Your much obliged & obdt Svt
Arch Ramsay, Druggist
REINMAN, J. F.
Edgar Allan Poe to J. F. Reinman and J. H. Walker — March 11, 1847
New-York March 11. 1847
Gentlemen,
Very serious illness has hitherto prevented me from replying to your most flattering letter of the 24th ult.
May I now beg you to express to your society my grateful acceptance and appreciation of the honor they have conferred on me?
With respect & esteem I