Edgar Allan Poe to Wm. Poe — 1840-08-14 — reading text

Edgar Allan Poe to Wm. Poe — 1840-08-14 Historical printed text from James A. Harrison, The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe, volume XVII (1902). Catalog identity: RCL-245. 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 WILLIAM POE. [Mrs. W. Y. Dill: MS.] PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 15, 1840. DEAR WILLIAM, — Owing to a temporary absence from town, I did not receive your welcome letter of the 28th of July until this morning. I now hasten to reply, and in the first place let me assure you that, if I have not lately written, it is rather because I have been overwhelmed by worldly cares, which left me scarce a moment for thought, that I do feel for you the kindliest affection as well as deep gratitude for the services yourself & brothers have so often rendered me. Herewith I send you a Prospectus of my contemplated Magazine. I believe you know that my connexion with the Sou. Messenger was merely that of Editor. I had no proprietary interest in it, and my movements were therefore much impeded. The situation was disagreeable to me in every respect. The drudgery was excessive, the salary was contemptible. In fact, I soon found that whatever reputation I might personally gain, this reputation would be all. I stood no chance of bettering my pecuniary condition, while my best energies were wasted in the service of an illiterate and vulgar, although well meaning man, who had neither the capacity to appreciate my labors, nor the will to reward them. For these reasons I left him & entered first into an engagement with the New York Review & afterwards with The Gentleman's Magazine, writing occasionally for different journals, my object being merely to keep my head above water as regards money, until a good opportunity should appear of establishing a magazine of my own, in which I should be able to carry out my plans to full completion & could in time have the satisfaction of feeling that my exertions be used to my own advantage. I believe that the plans I here speak of and some of which you will find details in the Prospectus are well [illegible] will meet with the hearty support of the most honorable & intelligent portion of the community. Should I be able to bring them fairly before the public, I feel assured that my fortune is made. The ambition which actuates me [illegible] now to be no ordinary nor unworthy sentiment, & knowing this, I take pride in earnestly soliciting your support & that of your brothers & friends. If I fully succeed in my purpose, I will not fail to produce some lasting effect upon the growing literature of the country, while I shall establish for myself individually a name which that country “will not willingly let die.” It is upon the South that I chiefly rely for aid in the undertaking & I have every hope that it will not fail me in my time of need. Yet the difficulties, which I have to overcome are great and I acknowledge to you that my prospects depend very much upon getting together a subscription list previously to the 1st of December. If by this day I can obtain 500 names, the work cannot fail to proceed: I have no fear of the result. The friendship you have always evinced, the near relationship which exists between us, & the kind offer in your last letter, all warrant me in hoping that you will exert your whole influence for me in Augusta. Will you oblige me by acting as my agent for the Penn Magazine in your city this letter being your authority? If I am not mistaken you always acted in that capacity for the Messenger. I will write a few lines also by this mail to your brother Robt, with a prospectus as you suggest, & also to Washington at Macon. Mrs. Clemm, my aunt, is still living with me, but for the last six weeks has been on a visit to a friend in New Jersey. She is quite well, having entirely recovered her health. Respecting the letter from Mr. Bayard, I am quite at a loss to understand it. It is, however, possible that the letter was written by Mr. B. at a period when we were all in much difficulty in New York & that Mrs. C. concealed the circumstances from me through delicacy. Very truly E. A. P. TO WM. POE. Augusta Ga.