Text: John C. Miller, ed., “Entry 092: Sarah Helen Whitman to John H. Ingram, Apr. 14, 1875,” Poe's Helen Remembers (1979), pp. 274-275 (This material is protected by copyright)

[page 274, continued:]

92. Sarah Helen Whitman to John H. Ingram. Item 216

My dear Mr. Ingram,

Yours of April 1st [?] came yesterday; and last week the International, through Mr. Davidson, &, by the same post, the capital paper of our friend “Don Felix” on the philosophy of handwriting — very ingenious, clever, & amusing. The “Don” has made some capital hits, though in some instances the specimens of autography would hardly suggest the traits which the acute critic finds so characteristic of their writers to any but an expert, as, for instance, that of Matthew Arnold, and perhaps Tennyson. But the article is very piquant & entertaining. I wish the Don would give us an interpretation of J. H. Ingram's autograph, which I have heard very much admired for its self-reliant strength & sustained energy — its manliness, directness, & sincerity.

I am greatly pleased with the article in the International. It is more compact in structure, less fragmentary, and more impressive in its nervous concentration. I am perfectly satisfied, more than satisfied, delighted. It will live while Poe's memory shall endure. You have made the very best of your material, and your allusion to the author of the anonymous letters is full of significance without containing indiscreet revelations. I am glad you have written to Mrs. Shelton. I shall look with interest for her reply. Don’t fail to tell me.

If the records & recollections which you are calling out shall prove valuable, you will have matter for a volume. But you will doubtless [page 275:] find occasion to recast & rewrite much that is put in your hands. You say Mrs. N[ichols] is “fanciful.” Have you received a portion of her record?

Don’t trouble yourself about the other volumes of your edition of the works.

You will have received ere this Mr. Harris's letter & the books which he forwarded for you to his publisher.

I learned the other day from Miss Kate Peckham, the sister of our Rose, that she has decided to overmaster her heimweh & stay abroad another year.

I wish I could tell you & ask of you a thousand things which must wait a serener time.

Meanwhile, my dear Don Felix, I am your grateful friend,

Mr. Harris has been away for nearly three weeks. I hope his letter arrived safely.

If you see or write R[ose], give her my heart's love. Goodbye for today;

Tell Rose I have written her a dozen letters which are yet uncommitted to paper. I am suffering from neuralgia & what may aptly be called “social pressure,” white-washers & house-cleaners, etc. I have been out once to the Opera House to see Janauscheck, whom I did not like, & who is no more like Rachel “than Ito Hecuba.”(1) Tell her [Rose] I enjoyed her Paris letter in the Journal, & her description of the New Opera House. It had her characteristic felicities & faults, neither of which I would willingly omit.

 

1. Franziska Magdalena Romance Janauschek (1830-1904), known as “Fanny,” was born in Prague and became a famous actress in Germany before making her American debut in 1867; her enthusiastic reception and continued enormous popularity made her decide to remain in the United States.