Received extra pay for his contributions, varying, according to references in his correspondence, from $4-5 “a Graham page” Graham was forced to be more liberal with men like T.” (Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable explains “small beer” as of slightĪlcoholic content, hence of slight consequence.) Poe's salary with Graham was $800 a year for his editorial duties he probably In the Philadelphia Custom House by the powers that were for Poe, but some small beer politician or the other got the place and genius “here,” following the words “Custom House,” and in the left margin wrote: “I had been promised a place In paragraph 2 on page 1, Thomas made an “x” after
That Poe's letters of this period often deal with his unsuccessful attempts to secure a government clerkship (see LTR-148 and others noted in the index). Is not laborious.” More importantly, Thomas told Poe that Tyler “felt confident that such a situation could be obtainedįor you in the course of two or three months at farthest, as certain vacancies would then occur.” It is little wonder, then, Situation that would suit you and place you beyond the necessity of employing your pen,” assuring Poe that “official life Writing to Poe on MayĢ1, 1842 ( CL-364), Thomas described a position in the Custom House in Philadelphia as “a His silence was directly due to his efforts to interest Robert Tyler in Poe's welfare. Note: Thomas’ long correspondence with Poe reveals him indeed to have been a true friend I am anxious to know what he said about things in general. Here is a letter nearly every word of which is about myself or my Prospects: - see how excellent an example of egotism I set you. Write immediately upon receipt of this, if possible, and do let me know something of yourself, your own doings and I would give the world to shake you by the hand and have a thousand things to talk about which would not come within I have moved from the old place - but should you pay an unexpected visit to Philadelphia you will find my addressĪt Graham's. She desires her kindest regards - as also I am rejoiced to say that my dear little wife is much better, and I have strong hope of her ultimate recovery. Is really a very gentlemanly, although an exceedingly weak man, I had no misunderstanding. The salary, moreover, did not pay me for the labor which I was forced to bestow. My reason for resigning was disgust with the namby-pambyĬharacter of the Magazine - a character which it was impossible to eradicate - I allude to the contemptible pictures,įashion-plates, music and love tales. I shallĬontinue to contribute occasionally. The report of my having parted company with Graham, is correct although, in the forthcoming June number, there is noĪnnouncement to that effect nor had the papers any authority for the statement made. Will you say as much for me to M r Tyler, and express to him my sincere gratitude for the interest he takes in my If the salary will barely enable me to live I shall beĬontent. Would ask, for nothing farther or better than a situation such as you mention. Relieve me of all care as regards a mere subsistence, and thus allow me time for thought, which, in fact, is action.
Could I obtain such an appointment, I would be enabled thoroughly to carry out all my ambitious projects. What you say respecting a situation in the Custom House here gives me new life. Nor am I the man to be unmindful of your kindness. You have shown yourself, from the first hour of ourĪcquaintance, that rara avis in terris - a true friend. You have acted for me more judiciously, by far, than I should have done for myself. I knew you had good reasons for it and, in this matter, I feel that Believe me, I never dreamed ofĭoubting your friendship, or of reproaching you for your silence. Through an accident I have only just now received yours of the 21 rst. Letter 134 - 1842, May 25 Poe (Philadelphia, PA) to
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