Edgar Allan Poe to William Poe — 1836-04-12

Edgar Allan Poe to William Poe — 1836-04-12 Historical letter reading from George E. Woodberry, The Life of Edgar Allan Poe: Personal and Literary, volume I (1909). Catalogue identity RCL-132. The complete printed letter runs from the April 12, 1836 dateline through Poe’s signature. Maria Clemm’s separate note printed afterward is excluded. The historical edition’s incorrect New York Times source citation is not adopted. This is a later printed transcription, not a manuscript facsimile or a modern critical text. Historical wording and source errors are retained; modern editorial apparatus is omitted. The reading has not been independently proofread word by word. RICHMOND, VA., April 12, 1836. MY DEAR SIR, — A press of business has hitherto prevented my replying to your kind letter of the 29th March, enclosing $50 to Mrs. Clemm. Your prompt and generous assistance, so frequently manifested, is, I assure you, deeply felt and appreciated by myself as well as by her. I trust that she is now so circumstanced, or that she soon will be so, as to render it unnecessary to tax the kindness of yourself and brothers any further. On the day before receiving your letter I wrote to Washing ton Poe, Macon, in reply to a favor of his offering his own assistance. He has become a subscriber to the Messenger. I hope you have received our March number. That for April will follow, I hope, soon. It is probable that at some future time I may avail myself of your friendly invitation and pay you a visit in Augusta. In the mean time, should business or inclination lead you, or any of our friends, to Virginia, it would afford me the greatest pleasure to show you every attention in my power. With my best respects to Mrs. Poe and your brother, I remain, dear William, Yours most sincerely, EDGAR A. POE.