Text: Edgar Allan Poe to John R. Thompson — December 7, 1848 (LTR-292a)

Dec. 7 — 48.

Dear Sir,

I have been out of town for some weeks, and your letter, in consequence, did not reach me as soon as it should. — Now, of course, it will be out of my power to send you anything in time for your January number — but as soon as I find time to write an article such as I think will suit you, you shall hear from me.

You know, I suppose, that I live at Fordham, Westchester Co. N. Y. — although, as we have no P. O. in the villiage, my letters are addressed “N/ Y. City”. In our neighborhood are some ladies (the Whitings) who often speak (well) of you.

Can you spare me the number of the Messenger containing Miss Talley's beautiful lines entitled “Genius”? If [page 2:] I am not very much mistaken “Susan” will ere long, stand at the head of American poetesses. She has, in fact, more real genius than all of them put together. Not that she has accomplished so much — but she evinces a capacity to accomplish a very great deal.

If you have a spare sheet containing “Genius” please enclose it in an envelope. I hope to be in Richmond soon.

Truly your friend,
Edgar Allan Poe.

Jno. R.Thompson Esq.