Edgar Allan Poe to James Fenimore Cooper — 1836-06-07

Edgar Allan Poe to James Fenimore Cooper — 1836-06-07 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 Correspondence of James Fenimore Cooper, 1922, volume 1, pages 356–357. 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, June 7, 1836 Dr Sir At the request of Mr. T. W. White, I take the liberty of addressing you and of soliciting some little contribution to our Southern Literary Messenger. I am aware that you are continually pestered with such applications, and am ready to believe that I have very little chance of success in this attempt to engage you in our interest, yet I owe it to the magazine to make the effort. One reason will, I think, have its influence with you. Our publication is the first literary attempt of Virginia, and has been for eighteen months forcing its way, unaided and against a host of difficulties, into the public attention. We wish, if possible to strike a bold stroke which may establish us on a surer footing than we now possess, and design to issue, as soon as possible, a number of the Journal consisting altogether of articles from distinguished Americans, whose names may give weight and character to this work. To aid us in this attempt would cost you no effort, as any spare scrap in your port folio would answer our main purpose and to us your aid would be invaluable. With highest respect, Yr Ob St Edgar A. Poe