Edgar Allan Poe to Joseph Evans Snodgrass — 1839-09-11

Edgar Allan Poe to Joseph Evans Snodgrass — 1839-09-11 Historical letter reading from George E. Woodberry, The Life of Edgar Allan Poe: Personal and Literary, volume I (1909). Catalogue identity RCL-198. Both postscript passages and the quoted St. Louis Bulletin item are included. The electronic source renders the day as “September n”; that source error is retained in the reading, while the record uses the September 11, 1839 date established by the scholarly checklist. Historical uncertain readings remain marked. 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. PHILADELPHIA, September n, [1839]. MY DEAR SIR, — I have to thank you for your friendly attention in forwarding the “St. Louis Bulletin.” I was the more gratified, as the reception of the paper convinced me that you, of whom I have always thought highly, had no share in the feelings of ill will towards me, which are somewhat prevalent (God only knows why) in Balt: I should be very much pleased if you would write, and let me know the Balt, news — especially about yourself and Mr. Brooks, and the fate of the “Museum.” I have now a great favor to ask — and think that I may depend upon your friendship. It is to write a notice (such as you think rigidly just no more) of the Sep: no. of the “Gent's Mag:” embodying in your article the passage concerning myself, from the “St. Louis Bulletin” — in any manner which your good taste may suggest. The critique when written might be handed to Neilson Poe. If you ask him to insert it editorially, it is possible he may do it — but, in fact, I have no great faith in him. If he refuses — then upon your stating the fact to Mr. Harker of the “Republican” you will secure its insertion there. If you will do me this great favor, depend upon any similar good offer [office?] from me “upon demand.” I am about to publish my tales collectedly — and shall be happy to send you an early copy. I append the extract from the “Bulletin.” “The general tone and character of this work (the's. L. Messenger’) impart lustre to our periodical literature; and we really congratulate its publisher upon the sound and steadfast popularity which it has acquired. Let it never be for gotten, however, that the first impetus to the favor of literary men which it received was given by the glowing pen of Edgar A. Poe, now assistant editor of ‘Burton's Gentleman's Magazine,’ and, although, since he has left it, it has well maintained its claims to respectability, yet there are few writers in this country take Neal, Irving, and Willis away and we would say none who can compete successfully, in many respects, with Poe. With an acuteness of observation, a vigorous and effective style, and an independence that defies control, he writes with a fervid fancy and a most beautiful enthusiasm. His is a high destiny.” Will you be kind enough to drop me a line in reply? Yours sincerely, EDGAR A. POE. J. E. SNODGRASS, Esqr. Did you see the “Weekly Messenger” (Alexander s), or Noah's “Evening Star”? They spoke highly of my tale, “The House of Usher,” — as also the “Pennsylvanian” and the “U. S. Gazette” of this city. P.'s. I have made a profitable engagement with “Blackwood's Mag:” and my forthcoming Tales are promised a very commendatory Review in that journal from the pen of Prof. Wilson. Keep this a secret, if you please, for the present. Can you not send us something for the “Gent's Mag.”? Do you know anything of the “Pittsburg Literary Examiner”? I wrote for it a review of Tortesa in its 3d no. but have not yet recd. No. 4. All the criticisms in the Mag: are mine, with the exception of the 3 first.