Edgar Allan Poe to Arch Ramsay — 1846-12-30

Edgar Allan Poe to Arch Ramsay — 1846-12-30 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 The Bookman, September 1916, volume 44, pages 20–21; Whitty, 1917, page 205. This record preserves the electronic letter text, not a scan of that printed witness or the autograph. Poe identifies the Valdemar story as a hoax. The postscript asking about Allan family connections in Stonehaven is retained. Typography is simplified. The transcription has not been independently proofread word by word. New York December 30. 46. Dr Sir, “Hoax” is precisely the word suited to M. Valdemar's case. The story appeared originally in “The American Review”, a Monthly Magazine, published in this city. The London papers, commencing with the “Morning Post” and the “Popular Record of Science”, took up the theme. The article was generally copied in England and is now circulating in France. Some few persons believe it — but I do not — and don’t you. Very Respy Yr Ob. St Edgar A Poe P.S, I have some relations, I think, in Stonehaven, of the name of Allan, who again are connected with the Allans and Galts of Kilmarnock. My name is Edgar Allan Poe. Do you know any of them. If so, and it would not put you to too much trouble, I would take it as a favor if you could give me some account of the family. To A. Ramsay Esqr