The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe - Edgar Allan Poe [1510]
When I was a boy, I used to love to hear the Author of “Millechampe” talk. He said much to interest one of my years. As I grew older, my reverence for the man increased, until in my own mind, I am persuaded, that I shall “never look upon his like again.”
In a little while, some two or three months hence, I purpose visiting Nashville. While there I shall certainly procure other names to your work.
I am Sincerely
Your friend,
Jno. Tomlin.
John Tomlin to Edgar Allan Poe — March 12, 1841
Jackson, Tennessee,
March 13th, 1841.
Dear Sir, — Have you indefinitely postponed the publication of the “Penn Magazine “? If so, your friends here are grievously disappointed. I know, that if you have abandoned entirely the notion of ever commencing its publication — the abandonment was caused by no ordinary circumstances. Again I repeat that your friends here are disappointed. If you have come to the conclusion on mature deliberation, that this is not an auspicious period for the appearance of the Journal, perhaps your friends here may possibly forgive you.
At any moment, that you may deem any service of mine, necessary in the aiding or the carrying out to the fulfillment, of any scheme or plan you may project, believe that a call from you, on me, will receive the best attention of .
Your friend,
Jno. Tomlin.
Mr. Edgar A. Poe.
John Tomlin to Edgar Allan Poe — April 30, 1841
Jackson, Tennessee, April 30th 1841
My dear Sir,
Will Mr Graham publish the “Devil’s Visit” in his Magazine? Show him the M. S. — and get his consent to publish it in the June or July No.
Your Letter of the 15th instant was received on yesterday. Whenever I can be of any Service to you — be not backward in letting me know it, for I will, if in my power, always do any think in aid of any enterprise or scheme you may have in view.
If John Tyler Esq, President of the United States, removes me from office for being a loco-foco, I will certainly be opposed to him — and the measure.
Truly yours,
John Tomlin
Mr Edgar A Poe.
John Tomlin to Edgar Allan Poe — October 29, 1841
Jackson, Tennessee,
October 29th 1841.
My dear Mr. Poe,
Seargeant N. Talfourd Esq. of London, says to me in his letter of August the 11th 1841 — “I transcribe my last effusion — on an occasion very dear to me.” The following Sonnet, composed in view of Eton College after leaving his eldest son there for the first time, is the Effusion he alludes to.
I feel proud of having it in my power, of sending to you for publication in “Graham’s Magazine” an original article from the pen of this high minded and gifted individual. Powerful as his intellect is, it is not more powerful, than his heart is tender, and warmed by a parents’ (sic) feeling! From the buried treasures of his heart gushes sentiments full of tenderness and love — and with a father’s feeling he is carried to that distant day when his son takes his place in the toiling struggles of life. Thus he leaves him with a prayer to heaven, that he may pass its threshold without a blush — and with a confiding hope in its mercy. (Yet he speaks it not) he looks “thro (through) the vista of long years” to his son’s greatness.
With the sincere wish that this effusion may prove as acceptable to your numerous readers, as it will be gratifying to you in receiving it, I am dear Sir, with remembrances,
faithfully yours
Jno. Tomlin.
How often have I fix’d a stranger’s gaze,
On yonder turrets clad in light as fair
As this soft sunset lends, pleas’d to drink air
Of learning that from calm of ancient days
Breathes round them ever; — now to me they wear
There ting’d of dearer thought; the radient haze,
That crowns them thickens as with fonder care
And, by its flickering sparkles, sense conveys
Of youth’s first triumphs, — for amid their seats
One little student’s heart impatient beats
With blood of mine; — O God vouchsafe him power
When I am dust, to stand on this sweet place
And, through the vista of long years, embrace,
Without a blush, this first Etonian hour!
London, August 11th 1841.
John Tomlin to Edgar