Text: Frederick W. Thomas to Edgar Allan Poe — October 10, 1844

Washington   Octr. 10, 1844.

My dear Poe,

I do not know when I have received more pleasure than in the reception of your letter of 8th ultime — You know my opinion expressed publicly as well as privately, of your critical fairness and acumen — and I assure you that I would rather have praise from you, of anything I might write, than from any other critic in the broad land. Therefore you may judge what gratification your letter gave me.

I would have written you in answer before, but I delayed until I could send you a copy of my little book, which please accept as a slight testimony of my faithful friendship and regard.

I have seen my book favorably noticed so far, with the exception of Dunn English, and, as I am told, Park Benjamin, who, a friend informs me, has mounted me without mittens — Do, if you can obtain a copy of the “New World” which contains the aforesaid criticism, send it to me — Poe, I begin to think that your Philadelphia notice of the editor of the “New World” was true! “Ha” you exclaim, “how circumstances alter cases.” At any rate I flatter myself, as Park and I are both limping rhymers, that the old proverb of “two of a trade” applies —

As to Dunn English — what you say of him I believed long ago — it would not be consistent with self-love for me to think otherwise now —

I am glad, my dear Poe, to learn that your family are all “well” the “as usual” applied to your fair lady gives me great hope, for not to be worse at her time of life is emphatically to be better — Her constitution and youth, I feel persuaded, will triumph.

Our friend Dow is very well and deeper immersed in politics than ever. I feared that his removal from office by Mr. Granger would reduce him to utter want — but lo and behold, Dow is door keeper to the House of Representatives, has a good salary, and had succeeded as agent for various claimants in making money, and he has purchased himself a house, and is living very comfortably, indeed, I may say luxuriously. So you see what the moralists say is true in our friend’s case — that sometimes out of the greatest apparent evils springs the greatest good — The Philadelphia election news, made Dow’s physiognomy seem rather longer last night than usual, but this morning it has assumed its usual sprightliness. I delivered your message to him, and he, contrary to your opinion, has explicit faith in your declaration that “Richard is himself again.” — Poe, would you believe it? I have become quite a reader of biblical subjects, and have forgotten the smack of wine, tis so long since I have tasted it, and almost (for the same reason) the smack of a pair of rosy lips!!!! — But how long the last forgetfulness may continue the depondent sayeth not —

Remember me in the kindest manner, my old friend, to Mrs. Poe and her good mother, and believe me that I know no one whose happiness and success I have more at heart than yours —

Your friend
F. W. Thomas

Edgar A. Poe, Esqr.

New York