Text: Socrates Maupin to Edgar Allan Poe — September 30, 1840

Richmond Sept 30.1840

Dear Sir

Through the kindness of Miss MacKenzie I learn that M. C. Auguste Dubouchet a gentleman of your acquaintance “would accept the Situation of Teacher of the French Language at Mr Persico’s and the Academy but wishes to know the terms &c definitely before treating” —

We are willing to give five hundred dollars for the assistance of an experienced teacher three hours daily, say an hour and a half at each school, for the session of ten months. Mrs Drew and Miss MacKenzie have engaged a Lady to assist them. There is no gentleman engaged in teaching French in the city, so that the opening is very good for one qualified for the task — He could no doubt find profitable employment for such portion of his time as he might wish to devote to teaching —

Our sessions commence on the 1st day of October: May I ask of you the favour therefore to inform M. Dubouchet of our proposition and request of him the earliest answer that may suit his convenience.

Very respectfully

Your obdt Servt
S. Maupin