Text: Edgar Allan Poe, Memorandum on Mrs. E. A. Lewis, from “Thomas” manuscript, February 14, 1849

Mrs. E. Anna Lewis. This lady, although for several years past holding high rank among American poets, has lately achieved new bays by her “Child of the Sea and Other Poems,” published by George P. Putnam, of N. York. The literary journals are full of her praises. Bryant and Willis have spoken of her in terms of warm respect; and, in a late “Southern Messenger,” Mr. Poe had quite an elaborate review of her poems generally, and commended them as richly imaginative and passionate. He quoted, among other minor pieces, one entitled “The Forsaken.”

It has since gone the rounds of the press, and Mr. Griswold has introduced it into his “Female Poets of America.” . . . It is, indeed, one of the most thrillingly pathetic poems in the English language. “The Child of the Sea “ is a long romance, of the Corsair stamp, full of passion, adventure, and brilliant description — much such a poem as Mrs. Maria Brooks (Maria del Occidente) might have written on a similar theme. The poem next in length is entitled “The Broken Heart,” and, as the title indicates, is a tale of that “true love” which “did never yet run smooth.” The story is full of fire and nerve. Among the shorter compositions we most particularly admire the “Lament of La Vega,” “My Study “ (a perfect sonnet), “Una” and “The Bard.” The poems of Mrs. Lewis, generally, are distinguished by a fluent abandon of style and thought, throughout all which the strictest precision of language is preserved. She is quite accomplished, a good classical scholar, young, and beautiful in face and form.