Text: Mary E. Hewitt to Edgar Allan Poe — March 21, 1845

My dear Sir,

“You have spoken roses,” and I hardly know how to reply to words so polite and complimentary.

I certainly intended to place the “Tale of Luzon” quite at your disposal — and beg you to believe that I appreciate highly the kindness that has prompted your favorable notice of my lines. After the “Raven,” my verse seemed to me but a broken chime — and since sending it to you, I have wondered at my own temerity. I shall be proud to see it published in the columns of the “Broadway Journal.”

Very truly
[[portion of letter, with signature, cut away.]]

Athenaeum Hotel March 21st/45

To Edgar A. Poe, Esq.