Text: John C. Miller, ed., “Entry 027: John H. Ingram to Sarah Helen Whitman, Mar. 19, 1874,” Poe's Helen Remembers (1979), pp. 85-87 (This material is protected by copyright)

[page 85, continued:]

27. John H. Ingram to Sarah Helen Whitman

My dear Mrs. Whitman,

Above will be my address in future: we remove on Saturday next. I have received yours of the 4th Instant, containing 2 more photos of Edgar Poe, and herewith return the marked one as desired. Two of the others I hope I may retain altogether & one other for the present. Two of these I hope to get properly & artistically engraved. I am now negotiating with one of our very first publishing firms for a complete edition of the entire works of Edgar Poe in about 6 library volumes, with “Memoir” by self. This, mind, is strictly entre nous. There is little doubt that if this edition be brought out, & I foresee no impediment, it will become the standard edition & its life, the standard biography of Poe. Meanwhile, I have arranged with the New Quarterly Magazine for a life of Poe, to run to about 30 pps. to appear in July number. The simultaneous publication in an American publication will be neither [page 86:] necessary nor permitted, as editor informs me that he is gradually obtaining a good circulation there.

On 21st Ultimo I sent you No. 2 of “New Facts,” since then, have sent you two more copies. Many thousands have circulated in England & will help to pave the way for a new estimate of the poet's character.

I must devote another letter to my opinions about the photos, when I get settled down in my new abode. I have sent you the injured photo of myself, but I fear it is too mutilated for you to get a fair idea of your correspondent from. I hope to get some new copies from Germany soon.

En passant, do not believe what you hear of Swinburne. You know how things are falsified.

As regards the Broadway Journal, do not think of sending that or any portion of it, as I can see it at the [British]Museum — the first few nos. are missing — & will have copied the things I require. Many thanks for the sheet of “Autography” — 2 papers of which appeared in S.L. Messenger, & the remainder, I believe, in Graham's Magazine. The Illustrated News (of New York) for 1853 is not in the Museum. I must try & get the rest of the papers on “Autography” to reprint in the complete edition — every scrap I can obtain of Poe's writings must be included.

I shall be anxious to hear from the South, where I have written to several people. You shall learn the results. More information as to Poe's earlier years will be acceptable. Your reminiscences in your last letter are most interesting, but break off at a most exciting moment. You do not say whether I may use these reminiscences — doubtless you rely upon my good taste to manipulate all this material with delicacy & tact — is it not so?

Do not trust any more original papers of Poe's to the mercies of the post. I am so anxious about your vol. of poems which has not yet been heard of — several poems also which you say you have sent have not arrived — were they in the vol.? “Cinderella” & “The Sleeping Beauty” &c.

That Dunn English, I hear, is a somebody in the States. I am surprised, however, Mr. Latto could not tackle him. It does not matter! When all that small fry has been forgotten for ages the bright star of Poe's fame will be a Pharos in the history of literature.

I am sorry you have taken such trouble about the “Marginalia.” What I alluded to was on the page 9 (?) of quotations, “With these keys we may partially unlock the mystery.” That is what I could not recollect the place of, or having read. The “Undine” note I well know, as my darling sister had pointed it out as an illustration of the theory which she first propounded to me, of Poe's dread of remarriage. You may imagine its double interest to me. I am very fond of the “Marginalia,” [page 87:] and fancy they display Poe's mind better than much of his other writings. In my complete life of him, you will find that I shall quote from them largely.

As regards the opinions of those magazines, you cannot be swayed by them.

I shall break off now & remain in hopes of soon getting copies, or extracts from others of Poe's letters, & hoping & believing that I shall ever retain your sympathy & good will, I am, & ever shall be, believe me, most faithfully yours,

P.S. Let me know what you think of the Temple Bar paper. Since reading your “Pansy” I see Keats was the author of the “snarling,” but that, of course, does not alter my opinion.

P.S. I send you the only portrait left on condition that when I get some from Germany you get a perfect copy — & now send me your own — as you are & not as you were in the enchanted garden.

About the portraits of Poe, I must write more fully another time. I have not realized the possession of them yet. I have waited a reply from Quarterly re. taking facsimile, but if do not hear in day or so will get it done myself, so as to return letter quickly. May I use in “Life” the portion criticising “To Arcturus”? Oh, that I could talk to you! Three weeks each time for an answer. Never mind — be assured I shall accomplish my book & as you would like to see it done.