Edward G. Crump to Edgar Allan Poe — 1827-03-25

Edward G. Crump to Edgar Allan Poe — 1827-03-25 Historical letter reading from Mary E. Phillips, Edgar Allan Poe: The Man, volume I (1926). Catalogue identity RCL-015. 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. (MS. Letter from EDWARD G. CRUMP to E. A. POE, indorsed — Edward G. Crump to E. A. Poe alias Henri Le Rennet) Dear Sir: — When I saw you last in Richmond a few days ago I should have mentioned the difference between us if there had not been so many persons present. I must, of course, as you did not mention it to me inquire if you intend to pay it. If you have not the money write me word that you have not, but do not be perfectly silent. I should be glad if you would write to me even as a friend. There can certainly be no harm in your avowing candidly that you have no money if you have none, but you can say when you can pay me if you cannot now. I heard when I was in Richmond that Mr. Allan would probably discharge all your debts. If mine was a gambling debt I should not think much of it. But under the present circumstances I think very strangely of it. Write to me upon receipt of this letter and tell me candidly what is the matter. Your friend EDWARD G. CRUMP.