Edgar Allan Poe to Joseph Evans Snodgrass — 1839-10-07

Edgar Allan Poe to Joseph Evans Snodgrass — 1839-10-07 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 John W. Ostrom, “A Poe Correspondence Re-edited,” Americana, July 1940, volume 34, pages 419–420. This record preserves the electronic letter text, not a scan of that printed witness or the autograph. Includes the paragraph about Neilson Poe omitted by early printings. The complete letter was published in the 1940 Americana article; this local electronic reading is not a scan of that article or the unlocated autograph. Typography is simplified. The transcription has not been independently proofread word by word. Phil: Oct: 7, 39 My dear Sir I read your kind letter and now write a few hasty words in reply, merely to thank you for your exertions in my behalf, and to say that I send today, the Octo. No. 2. We have been delayed with it, for various reasons. I felt that N. Poe, would not insert the article editorially. In your private ear, I believe him to be the bitterest enemy I have in the world. He is the more despicable in this, since he makes loud professions of friendship. Was it “relationship &c.” which prevented him saying any thing at all of the 2 or 3 last Nos. of the Gents’ Mag? I cannot account for his hostility except in being vain enough to imagine him jealous of the little literary reputation I have, of late years, obtained. But enough of the little dog. I sincerely thank you for the interest you have taken in my well-doing. The friendship of a man of talent, who is at the same time a man of honorable feeling, is especially valuable in these days of double dealing. I hope I shall always deserve your good opinion. In the Octo. no: all the criticisms are mine — also the gymnastic article. My book will be out in the begg of No.r In haste, yours most truly Edgar A Poe Have you any of the Nos: of the S. Lit. Mess.r from No 7, vol I — to No 6. vol 2? both inclusive. Or do you know anyone who has them? Dr. J. E. Snodgrass.