Text: John Tomlin to Edgar Allan Poe — March 1, 1843

Jackson, Tennessee,

March 1, 1843.

My Dear Sir, — Since the death of Mr. White of the “Literary Messenger,” I have often thought if you would take charge of it, what a great Journal it would become, under your conduct and supervision. With you at the head of the “Messenger,” and Simms of the “Magnolia” (my two most valued friends), we of the South would then have a pride in talking about our Periodical Literature. Does this suggestion accord with any notion that you have had on the subject? I would really like to see you, untrammeled, at the head of some popular Journal of the South.

Pray, excuse these hasty suggestions, and believe me ever,

Yours sincerely
Jno Tomlin.  

Edgar A. Poe, Esq.