HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW TO EDGAR ALLAN POE — MAY 19, 1841

 

Cambridge May 19, 1841

Dear Sir,

Your favor of the 3rd inst. with the two Nos. of the Magazine reached me only a day or two ago, which will account (. . . .) a more speedy answer was not returned.

I am much obliged to you for your kind expressions of regard, and to Mr. Graham for his very generous offer, of which I should gladly avail myself under other circumstances. But I am so much occupied at present that I could not do it with any satisfaction either to you or to myself. I must therefore respectfully decline his proposition.

You are mistaken in supposing  that you are not “favorably known to me.” On the contrary, all that I have read, from your pen, has inspired me with a high idea of your power; and <I think> you are destined to stand among the first romance-writers of the country, if such be your aim.

Very truly yours