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By Root 15857 0

Thomas, I have made no money. I am as poor now as ever I was in my life — except in hope, which is by no means bankable. I have taken a 3d pecuniary interest in the “Broadway Journal”, and for every thing I have written for it have been, of course, so much out of pocket. In the end, however, it will pay me well — at least the prospects are good. Say to Dow for me that there never has been a chance for my repaying him, without putting myself to greater inconvenience than he himself would have wished to subject me to, had he known the state of the case. Nor am I able to pay him now. The Devil himself was never so poor. Say to Dow, also, that I am sorry he has taken to dunning in his old age — it is a diabolical practice, altogether unworthy “a gentleman & a scholar” — to say nothing of the Editor of the “Madisonian.” I wonder how he would like me to write him a series of letters — say one a week — giving him the literary gossip of New-York — or something of more general character. I would furnish him such a series for whatever he could afford to give me. If he agrees to this arrangement, ask him to state the length & character of the letters — how often — and how much he can give me. Remember me kindly to him & tell him I believe that dunning is his one sin — although at the same time, I do think it is the unpardonable sin against the Holy Ghost spoken of in the Scriptures. I am going to mail him the “Broadway Journal” regularly, & hope he will honor me with an exchange.

My dear Thomas, I hope you will never imagine from any seeming neglect of mine, that I have forgotten our old friendship. There is no one in the world I would rather see at this moment than yourself; and many are the long talks we have about you and yours. Virginia & Mrs Clemm beg to be remembered to you in the kindest terms. Do write me fully when you get this, and let me know particularly what you are about.

I send you an early number of the “B. Journal” containing my “Raven”. It was copied by Briggs, my associate, before I joined the paper. “The Raven” has had a great “run”, Thomas — but I wrote it for the express purpose of running — just as I did the “Gold-Bug”, you know. The bird beat the bug, though, all hollow.

Do not forget to write immediately, & believe me

Most sincerely your friend,

Poe

Frederick W. Thomas to Edgar Allan Poe — May 12, 1845

Washington May 12 1845.

My dear Poe —

The above writing in cypher with the note appended was handed to me by my friend Doctor Fraily with the request that I would get you to see if there was anything in it — At your earliest leisure (as it may be a matter of importance) will you do me the favor to let me know what it means. I shall feel obliged to you, Poe if you will attend to this as soon as convenient.

Your letter of May 4th gave me great pleasure. Dow left here some days since for New York, and you have, I presume, ere this seen him. Make my compliments to him. I am glad you have embarked in the editorial way again and I think you for the journal and the “Raven.” I trust to see you this summer, for I hope to get leave of absence for a month when I shall certainly wend towards New York. What does Dow say for himself? You will have observed that he has a great many irons in the fire, and truly he has a very dexterous way in handling them.

Do you ever see Willis? Make my kindest regards to him when you do? What has become of Park Benjamin? and Thomas Dunn English where be he?

A friend, who takes the new journal (I forget the name of it) which contains a likeness (an admirable one) of John Quincy Adams, lent me his copy and I thought there was much talent in it — don’t you think so. What kind of a chap is “Briggs your Associate” — Is he a clever fellow — I have heard he was. Do you ever hear anything of Ingraham of “Burton” Memory — I have no idea of his whereabouts —

I wish, Poe, I could see you — It is so long since I have had any of the right sort of chat that it would be a great luxury. Did I inform you, by the bye, that I had quite wine, and almost women. I have as I am an honest man