Text: Edgar Allan Poe to Sergeant Samuel “Bully” Graves — May 3, 1830 (LTR-025)

Richmond    May 3d, 1830.

Dear Bully

I have just received your letter which is the first I have ever got from you — I suppose the reason of my not getting your other was that you directed to Washington — but I have not been there for some time — As to what you say about Downey Mr A [[John Allan]] very evidently misunderstood me, and I wish you to understand that I never sent any money by Downey whatsoever — Mr A is not very often sober — which accounts for it — I mentioned to him that I had seen Downey at Balto., as I did, & that I wished to send it on by him, but he did not intend going to the point. [page 2:]

I have tried to get the money for you from Mr A a dozen times — but he always shuffles me off — I have been very sorry that I have never had it in my power as yet to pay either you or St [[Sergeant]] Griffith — but altho’ appearances are very much against me, I think you know me sufficiently well to believe that I have no intention of keeping you out of your money — the very first opportunity, you shall have it (both of you) with interest & my best thanks for your kindness. — I told St [[Sergeant]] Benton why I never had it in my power — He will explain it. [page 3:]

I suppose some of the officers told you that I am a cadet — If you are, at any time, going to leave the point, write to W. Point [[West Point]] and let me know your station. You need be under no uneasiness about your money.

Give my respects to the company to St [[Sergeant]] Benton & wife & sister in la[w.]

I remain,
Yrs truly
E A Poe

remember me to Mrs Graves St [[Sergeant]] Hooper & Charley — Duke &c