Edgar Allan Poe to Carey, Lea & Carey — 1829-07-28

Edgar Allan Poe to Carey, Lea & Carey — 1829-07-28 Historical letter reading from Mary E. Phillips, Edgar Allan Poe: The Man, volume I (1926). Catalogue identity RCL-038. 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. GENTLEMEN, — Having made a better disposition of my poems than I had any right to expect, (inducing me to decline publication on my own account) I would thank you to return me the MSS. by — mail, I should have been proud of having your firm for my publishers & would have preferred publishing, with your name, even at a disadvantage had my circumstances admitted of so doing. Perhaps, at some future day, I may have the honor of your press, which I most sincerely desire. Mr. Lea, during our short interview, at your store, mentioned “The Atlantic Souvenir” and spoke of my attempting something for that work. I know of nothing which would give me greater pleasure than to see any of my productions, in so becoming a dress & in such good society as “the Souvenir” would insure them — notwithstanding the assertions of Mr. Jno Neal to the contrary who now & then hitting, thro’ sheer impudence, upon a correct judgment in matters of authorship, is most uncommonly ridiculous whenever he touches the fine arts. As I am unacquainted with the method of proceedings in offering any piece for acceptance (having been some time absent from this country) would you, Gentlemen — have the kindness to set me in the right way. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than any communication from Messrs Carey Lea & Carey. With greatest respect & best wishes I am Gentlemen, Your most obt servt EDGAR A. POE.