Poe

[Edgar Allan Poe to Rufus Griswold]

NewYork - Jan. 16,1845.

Dear Griswold,-If you will permit me to call you so--Your letter occasioned me first pain and then pleasure:--pain because it gave me to see that I had lost, through my own folly, an honorable friend: --pleasure, because I saw in it a hope of reconciliation.

I have been aware, for several weeks, that my reasons for speaking of your book as I did (of yourself I have always spoken kindly) were based in the malignant slanders of a mischief-maker by profession. Still, as I supposed you irreparably offended, I could make no advances when we met at the Tribune office, although I longed to do so. I know of nothing which would give me more sincere pleasure than your accepting these apologies, and meeting me as a friend.

If you can do this and forget the past, let me know where I shall call on you--or come and see me at the Mirror Office, any morning about 10. We can then talk over the other matters, which, to me at least, are far less important than your good will.

Very truly yours
Edgar A Poe.

Charles Anthon: Go-Between

[Charles Anthon to Edgar Allan Poe]

New York, Nov.2d 1844.

Dear Sir, -- I have called upon the Harpers, as you requested, and have cheerfully exerted with them what influence I possess, but without accomplishing anything of importance. They have complaints against you, grounded on certain movements of yours, when they acted as your publishers some years ago; and appear very little inclined at present to enter upon the matter which you have so much at heart. However, they have retained, for a second and more careful perusal, the letter which you sent to me, and have promised that, if they should see fit to come to terms with you, they will address a note to you forthwith. Of course, if you should not hear from them, their silence must be construed into a declining of your proposal. My own advice to you is, to call in person at their store, and talk over the matter with them. I am very sure that such a step on your part will remove many of the difficulties which at present obstruct your way.

You do me an injustice by supposing that I am a stranger to your productions. I subscribed to the "Messenger" solely because you were connected with it, and I have since that period read and, as a matter of course, admired very many of your other pieces. The Harpers also entertain, as I heard from their own lips, the highest opinion of your talents, but I remain very sincerely,

Your friend & wellwisher
Chas. Anthon.

P. S. The MSS., which you were kind enough to send, can be obtained by you at any time on calling at my residence. C. A.

Poe Seeks a Position

Edgar Allan Poe to William Gwynn, [Editor]

May 6, 1831.

Mr. W. Gwynn.

Dear Sir,
I am almost ashamed to ask any favour at your hands after my foolish conduct upon a former occasion -- but I trust to your good nature.

I am very anxious to remain and settle myself in Baltimore as Mr. Allan has married again and I no longer look upon Richmond as my place of residence.

This wish of mine has also met with his approbation.

I write to request your influence in obtaining some situation or employment in this city.
Salary would be a minor consideration, but I do not wish to be idle.

Perhaps (since I understand Neilson* has left you) you might be so kind as to employ me in your office in some capacity.

If so I will use every exertion to deserve your confidence.

Very Respectfully
yr Ob. St
Edgar A. Poe

I would have waited upon you personally but am confined to my room with a severe sprain in my knee.

*Neilson Poe, cousin.

-from Poe's Legendary Years by G. E. Woodberry (Atlantic Monthly-Vol. 54/Issue 326 - Dec. 1884, p. 824-825.