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board together) that I have not been “gadding about lately” being one of those cats that is not addicted to strange garrets: by the way cats like authors frequent garrets rather I think from necessity than choice. I received through the Post office Wilmer’s Poem, and liked it — Did you send it to me — or did he — Nothing accompanied it that indicated from whom it came. Robert Tyler and I speak frequently of you; and I trust to see you in “these diggin’s” some of these days — At present every thing is excitement about the break up in the cabinet — Yes, I am somewhat affected personally by the resignation of Mr Ewing — He had desired me to make out a catalogue of a library and would I suppose have made me librarian. The present secretary (with whom I have had an interview) is disposed favourably towards myself as I have been informed, but he did not instantly carry out Mr Ewing’s plan. He has invited me however to his house where I am to have the honor of “talking it over” with him — I think that the President and family have a kind feeling towards me, and I shall put my trust there if any thing happens — I have just received an invitation to dinner there today.

Yours,

F. W. Thomas

Edgar Allan Poe to Frederick W. Thomas — September 24, 1841

Philadelphia — Sep. 24 — 41

My Dear Thomas,

I have just received your last; and now write in reply merely to say that I have succeeded in getting Willig of this city to publish the song. Please send it on as soon as possible. He says he cannot afford to give anything for it beyond a few copies — but will promise to get it Up handsomely. I suppose you had better send it through me. Best respects to Dow & believe me

Your sincere friend

Edgar A. Poe

P. S. If you can get me Drake’s autograph and Prentice’s, or “Amelia”’s of KY pray do so. The signature is what I chiefly want. If you can get them soon I would be greatly obliged. Our design includes only literary people.

Frederick W. Thomas to Edgar Allan Poe — October 14, 1841

Washington Octr 14, 1841.

My dear Friend —

Did you receive the MS: Music I sent you the other day? — What says Willig of it. How does your lady and mother like the tune?

Poe I have by me two addresses of President Tyler, on which I should like to write a review, merely literary; would you like to publish it in Graham’s? — I should say perhaps, that I like them very much, and of course should notice them favourably. One of the addresses was before two Literary Societies of Randolph-Macon College, and the other on the Anniversary of the Death of Jefferson. —

Write me frankly on the subject. — What is the chance of publishing this fall? Why don’t you write a drama? — I don’t mean one for the stage, but one in which you can introduce the “spirits of the vasty deep” — They will come to your call — You may depend upon it — Something in the drama line like “Manfred” or the “Mask of Comus” — Have you never thought of such? — It would suit your Genius and cast of thought exactly — and I feel convinced that you would make a hit in it — a great hit.

Dow is well. He has gone to housekeeping — does better out of office he says than in. He edits the “Index” published at Alexandria, and flames forth a zealous politician. I think he will make a good editor — very. Do you know Judge Upshur the new secretary of the Navy? He could be of service to you in your views here. — Let me know if you do — I wish you could spare time to come on —

Is Judge Upshur the author of the “Partazan (Partizan) Leader” (a novel, which I have not read, but which I am told is a good thing) which was noticed very highly in Southern Literary Messenger. Some attribute to Judge Tucker —

Poe let me hear from you on the reception of this —

Your friend

Edgar Allan Poe to Frederick W. Thomas — October 27, 1841

Philadelphia — Oct. 27 — 41.

My Dear Thomas,

I received your last some days ago, and have delayed answering it, in hope that I might say your song was out, and that I might give you my opinion and