Text: James A. Harrison, “Third Letter,” The Last Letters of Edgar Allan Poe to Sarah Helen Whitman (1909), p. 30

[page 30:]

[Written on the day on which Mr. Poe returned from Lowell. I sent him word I would meet him in half an hour at the Atheneum. — S. H. W.

Explanatory of the note which follows.]

Dearest Helen —

I have no engagement, but am very ill — so much so that I must go home, if possible — but if you say “stay,” I will try and do so. If you cannot see me — write me one word to say that you do love me and that, under all circumstances, you will be mine. Remember that these coveted words you have never yet spoken — and, nevertheless, I have not reproached you. It was not in my power to be here on Saturday as I proposed, or I would undoubtedly have kept my promise. If you can see me, even for a few moments do so — but if not write — or send some message which will comfort me.

Tuesday Nov 7.

[Address on a brown envelope

[Sent to me on the evening of Nov. 8th 1848

By EAP ————]

The letter bears the above endorsement — C. F. D.