Text: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow to Edgar Allan Poe — May 19, 1841


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Cambridge May 19, 1841

Dear Sir,

Your favor of the 3rd inst. with the two Nos. of the Magazine reached me only a day or two ago, which will account [[. . . .]] a more speedy answer was not returned.

I am much obliged to you for your kind expressions of regard, and to Mr. Graham for his very generous offer, of which I should gladly avail myself under other circumstances. But I am so much occupied at present that I could not do it with any satisfaction either to you or to myself. I must therefore respectfully decline his proposition.

You are mistaken in supposing [page 2:] that you are not “favorably known to me.” On the contrary, all that I have read, from your pen, has inspired me with a high idea of your power; and <I think> you are destined to stand among the first romance-writers of the country, if such be your aim.

Very truly yours


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Notes:

Longfellow’s signature has, apparently, been cut out from the letter, affecting a portion of the text. The name “Longfellow” is written in ink in the top left corner, in what appears to be Poe’s own hand.


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[S:0 - MS, 18xx] - Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore - Misc - Letters - H. W. Longfellow to Poe (RCL284)