Edgar Allan Poe to Nathaniel Beverley Tucker — 1836-05-02

Edgar Allan Poe to Nathaniel Beverley Tucker — 1836-05-02 Local historical letter reading from the Poe Society’s manuscript-text page, with modern correction glosses and website material excluded. The scholarly checklist documents an early printed witness in Century Magazine, March 1924, volume 107, pages 655–656. This record preserves the electronic letter text, not a scan of that printed witness or the autograph. Catalogue identity and date checked against the repository heading. Source brackets and manuscript deletion marks, where present, identify uncertain readings or revisions and are retained. Typography is simplified. The transcription has not been independently proofread word by word. Richmond May 2. 1836. Dear Sir, At Mr White's request I write to apologise for the omission of your verses “To a Coquette” in the present number of the Messenger. Upon making up the form containing them it was found impossible to get both the pieces in, and their connection one with the other rendered it desirable not to separate them — they were therefore left for the May number. I must also myself beg your pardon for making a few immaterial alterations in your article on Slavery, with a view of so condensing it as to get it in the space remaining at the end of the number. One very excellent passage in relation to the experience of a sick bed has been, necessarily, omitted altogether. It would give me great pleasure to hear your opinion of the February , and of the April number of the Messenger — I mean of the Editorial articles. It is needless for me to say that I value your good opinion, and wish to profit by your counsel. Please present my best respects to Professor Dew. With the highest esteem Yr Ob. St Edgar A Poe Will you ask Mr Saunders what has become of the article he promised us?