JAMES R. LOWELL TO EDGAR ALLAN POE — DECEMBER 17, 1842
Boston, Decr 17, 1842. No. 4 Court St.
My Dear Friend, — I ought to have written to you before, but I have had so much to distract me, & so much to make me sick of pen & ink I could not. Your story of “The Tell-Tale Heart” will appear in my first number. Mr. Tuckerman (perhaps your chapter on Autographs is to blame) would not print it in the Miscellany, & I was very glad to get it for myself. It may argue presumptuousness in me to dissent from his verdict. I should be glad to hear from you soon. You must send me another article, as my second number will soon go to press.
Wishing you all happiness I remain your true friend — torn to pieces with little businesses — “
(Signature cut out.)