Edgar Allan Poe to William Gwynn — 1831-05-06

Edgar Allan Poe to William Gwynn — 1831-05-06 Historical letter reading from George E. Woodberry, The Life of Edgar Allan Poe: Personal and Literary, volume I (1909). Catalogue identity RCL-065. The record heading uses the scholarly checklist date; the historical text retains the edition’s dateline and wording. This is a later printed transcription, not a manuscript facsimile or a modern critical text. Historical postscript and address material are retained where printed; source footnote callouts and modern website apparatus are omitted. The text has not been independently proofread word by word. May 6, 1831. MR. W. GWYNN: Dear Sir, — I am almost ashamed to ask any favour at your hands after my foolish conduct upon a former occasion — but I trust to your good nature. I am very anxious to remain and settle myself in Baltimore, as Mr. Allan has married again and I no longer look upon Richmond as my place of residence. This wish of mine has also met with his approbation. I wish to request your influence in obtaining some situation or employment in this city. Salary would be a minor consideration, but I do not wish to be idle. Perhaps (since I understand Neilson has left you) you might be so kind as to employ me in your office in some capacity. If so I will use every exertion to deserve your confidence. Very respectfully yr. ob. st., EDGAR A. POE. I would have waited upon you personally, but am confined to my room with a severe sprain in my knee.