The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe - Edgar Allan Poe [1511]
Jackson, Tennessee,
Decr — 1st 1841.
I have Mr. Poe in my possession a communication from “Boz”, in its nature so perfectly unique — and in its construction so full of the most beautiful thoughts, that I can scarcely get my own consent for any other to see a sparkle of the rich gem in which it is embedded. He sent it to me as a token of his remembrance — and gratefully did I receive it — and most sacredly have I preserved it.
As he is about visiting this country, I have concluded to suffer some of his own bright thoughts that have never yet seen the light of a garish day, to meet him on its thresh-hold. In permitting other eyes than my own to se it, I have yielded an unwilling consent to duty, and but justice to the author, which under ordinary circumstances would not have been done. This Original Communication will be sent to you in time for publication in the February issue of “Graham’s Magazine.” If you see “Boz”, while he is in America, give him my thanks for his notice of his distant countryman.
And receive yourself, for the notice you have taken of me in your last Magazine, the Earnest prayer of an honest heart for your happiness.
Ever yours,
Jno. Tomlin
Edgar A Poe, Esq.
John Tomlin to Edgar Allan Poe — December 12, 1841
Jackson, Tennessee
Decr 12th 1841.
Dear Sir,
The lines on the first page were received by me a few days since anonomously (sic) — with the request that I should have them published.
You will not Mr. Poe for one moment believe that it was my vanity that caused the producing of the Eulogy — nor will you believe that your warm-hearted friend, with all of his Southern chivalry, can, or will ever act in derogation of the high name of man.
Ever faithfully yours,
Jno Tomlin
Edgar A. Poe Esq.
For Graham’s Magazine
To John Tomlin Esq.
Lines
Composed on reading his “Theodoric of the Amali” published in the May and June Nos. Of the “Gentleman’s Magazine” for 1840.
——
As a bright swan floats on a crystal river,
— So down the silver current of thy style,
Thy story glides, — and like a “joy forever”,
— Wins its glad way: charming us the while
To hear the mad thunders of the Hippodrome,
— With frantic homage greet the harlot’s charms,
Anon to see the majestic head of Rome
— Bowed to the Earth before the Gothic arms. —
To Thee! whose theme now plays with maiden’s hair,
— Now pictures warrior’s in their dread array,
With equal grace and glowing colours rare, —
— This homely tribute of rough verse I pay!
— But let not scenes like these engross thy pen;
— For broader plans and loftier themes I ask
Than the base manners of degenerate men —
— Oh! suit thy genius with a nobler task!
Declare the story of Virginia’s woes,
— How young Valeria played a Roman part,
Or how the virtuous servant girl arose
— And shared proud Peter’s throne, and reigned o’er all his heart.
T. E —— .
December 1841
Edgar Allan Poe to John Tomlin — October 5, 1842
Philadelphia, Oct. 5, 1842.
My Dear Sir, —
I have just received your kind letter of the 21st ult., and hasten to reply.
It is my firm determination to commence the “Penn Magazine” on the first of January next. The difficulties which impeded me last year have vanished, and there will be now nothing to prevent success.
I am to receive an office in the Custom House in this city, which will leave me the greater portion of my time unemployed, while, at the same time, it will afford me a good salary. With this to fall back upon as a certain resource until the Magazine is fairly afloat, all must go well. After the elections here (2d Tuesday in this month,) I will issue my new prospectuses and set to work in good earnest. As soon as printed, I will send you some. In the meantime, may I ask you to do what you can for me? Every new name, in the begin ning of the enterprise, is worth five afterwards. My list of subscribers is getting to be quite respectable, although, as yet, I have positively taken no overt steps to procure names.
It is my firm intention to get up such a journal as this country, at least,