Edgar Allan Poe to A. L. Richmond — 1849-02-08

Edgar Allan Poe to A. L. Richmond — 1849-02-08 Historical printed text from James A. Harrison, The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe, volume XVII (1902). Catalog identity: RCL-772. The heading uses the checklist date; the transcription retains the historical edition’s dateline and wording. The edition may contain older readings, omissions or date assignments. This is a printed transcription, not a manuscript facsimile. Modern website corrections in double brackets and navigation are omitted. Independent word-by-word proofreading has not been completed. POE TO “ANNIE.” [Ingram.] Thursday — 8th. DEAR “ANNIE,” — My mother is just going to town, where, I hope, she will find a sweet letter from you or from Sarah; but, as it is so long since I have written, I must send a few words to let you see and feel that Eddy, even when silent, keeps you always in his mind and heart — I have been so busy, “Annie,” ever since I returned from Providence — six weeks ago. I have not suffered a day to pass without writing from a page to three pages. Yesterday, I wrote five, and the day before a poem considerably longer than the “Raven.” I call it “The Bells.” How I wish “Annie” could see it! Her opinion is so dear to me on such topics — on all it is everything to me — but on poetry in especial. And, Sarah, too. ... I told her when we were at W——, that I hardly ever knew any one with a keener discrimination in regard to what is really poetical. The five prose pages I finished yesterday are called — what do you think? — I am sure you will never guess — “Hop-Frog!” Only think of your Eddy writing a story with such a name as “Hop-Frog!” You would never guess the subject (which is a terrible one) from the title, I am sure. It will be published in a weekly paper, of Boston, ... not a very respectable journal, perhaps, in a literary point of view, but one that pays as high prices as most of the magazines. The proprietor wrote to me, offering about $5 a “Graham page,” and as I was anxious to get out of my pecuniary difficulties, I accepted the offer. He gives $5 for a sonnet, also; Mrs. Osgood, Park Benjamin, and Mrs. Sigourney are engaged. I think “The Bells” will appear in the American Review. I have got no answer yet from Mrs. Whitman. ... My opinion is that her mother has intercepted the letter and will never give it to her. ... Dear mother says she will write you a long letter in a day or two, and tell you how good I am. She is in high spirits at my prospects and at our hopes of soon seeing “Annie.” We have told our landlord that we will not take the house next year. Do not let Mr. R., however, make any arrangements for us in ——, or W——, for, being poor, we are so much the slaves of circumstances. At all events we will both come and see you, and spend a week with you in the early spring or before — but we will let you know some time before. Mother sends her dearest, dearest love to you and Sarah and to all. And now good-bye, my dear “Annie.” — Your own EDDY.