Text: J. E. E., “Edgar A. Poe,” Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL), vol. XVIII, no. 68, September 11, 1864, p. 2, col. 2

[page 2, column 2, continued:]

To the Editor of the London Star.

SIR: A few days ago I happened to see in a daily paper an extract from the letter of a London correspondent of a provincial journal, in which that gentleman makes some startling revelations for the edification of the ignorant country people for whom his productions are written. The writer says that the well known eastern traveler, Mr. Lang, formerly of the Bombay service,” has discovered that Poe's poem of “The Raven” is a “literary imposture.” “Poe's sole accomplishment,” we are told, “was a minute and accurate acquaintance with oriental languages, and that turned to account by translating almost literally the poem Raven’ from the Persian.” Can any of your readers inform me if this is true? Did Mr. Lang ever make such a discovery, and, if he did, where is the original Persian poem? Whose work is it, and what is it called? If there is really no foundation for this charge, the truth ought to be made known, and the falsehood refuted. * * * * As this is a subject of great importance to the literary world, 1 confidently trust that more light will be thrown upon it.

I am, sir, yours obediently,

J. E. E.