Text: Edgar Allan Poe to John Pendleton Kennedy — June 7, 1836 (LTR-068)

Richmond. Va. June 7. 1836.

Dear Sir,

Having got into a little temporary difficulty I venture to ask you, once more, for aid, rather than apply to any of my new friends in Richmond.

Mr White, having purchased a new house, at $10.000, made propositions to my aunt to rent it to her, and to board himself and family with her. This plan was highly advantageous to us, and, having accepted it, all arrangements were made, and I obtained credit for some furniture &c to the amount of $200, above what little money I had. But upon examination of the premises purchased, it appears that the house will barely be large enough for one family, and the scheme is laid aside — leaving me now in debt (, to a small amount,) without the means of discharging it upon which I had depended.

In this dilemma I would be greatly indebted to you for the loan of $100 for 6 months. This will enable me to meet a note for $100 due in 3 months — and allow me 3 months to return your money. I shall have no difficulty in doing this, as, beyond this 100 $, I owe nothing, and I am now receiving 15 $ per week, and am to receive $20 after November. All Mr White's disposable money has [page 2:] been required to make his first payment.

Have you heard any thing farther in relation to Mrs Clemm's estate?

Our Messenger is thriving beyond all expectation, and I myself have every prospect of success.

It is our design to issue, as soon as possible, a number of the Magazine consisting entirely of articles from our most distinguished literati. To this end we have received, and have been promised, a variety of aid from the highest sources — Mrs Sigourney, Miss Sedgwick, Paulding, Flint, Halleck, Cooper, Judge Hopkinson, Dew, Governor Cass — J. Q. Adams, and many others. Could you not do me so great a favor as to send a scrap, however small[,] from your portfolio? Your name is of the greatest influence in that region where we direct our greatest efforts — in the South. Any little reminiscence, tale, jeu-d’esprit[,] historical anecdote — any thing, in short, with your name, will answer all our purposes.

I presume you have heard of my marriage.

With sincere respect and esteem

Yours truly
Edgar A Poe

J. P. Kennedy.