Henry Wadsworth Longfellow to Edgar Allan Poe — 1841-05-19

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow to Edgar Allan Poe — 1841-05-19 Historical letter reading from Mary E. Phillips, Edgar Allan Poe: The Man, volume I (1926). Catalogue identity RCL-284. The historical source brings together the printed opening and two previously omitted paragraphs. It reports that the signature was cut out and marks supplied words and the reconstructed signature in brackets; those brackets are retained. This preserves the surviving reading and its stated restorations, not an intact signed manuscript. 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. DEAR SIR: Your favor of the 3rd inst., with the two Nos. of the Magazine, reached me [only a] day or two ago; which will account [for my not sending you] a more speedy [reply.] I am much obliged to you for your kind expression of regard and to Mr. Graham for his very generous offer, of which I should gladly avail myself under other circumstances. But I am so much occupied at present that I could not do it with any satisfaction to you or myself. I must therefore respectfully decline his proposition. You are mistaken in supposing that you are not “favorably known to me.” On the contrary, all that I have read from your pen has inspired me with a high idea of your power; and I think you are destined to stand among the first romance-writers of the country, if such be your aim. Very truly yours [HENRY W. LONGFELLOW.] [To Edgar A. Poe.]