Jackson, Tennessee,
Nov. 22, 1840.
Edgar A. Poe Esq.
My Dear Sir, -- As the time will soon be here when the subscribers in this place will have to pay for your Magazine, I must beg of you, at some early period to inform me, if Tennessee money is current in the ordinary business transactions of your city. It is possible, that I may thro' the Branch of the Union Bank at this place, obtain a check on some one of your Banks. If Virginia, N. Carolina or S. Carolina money is more current in Philadelphia, than Tennessee, I shall certainly obtain the one that you may mention, as preferable.
Will I not have to lay myself under an obligation to you, for some emendation of the Devil's Visit ? I look with much anxiety for its appearance in the first number of your new work. I will not, I know be disappointed. The abiding interest which I feel for your welfare, gives at all times the most cheering hopes of your success. It cannot be that you will not succeed ! For the warmhearted Southerners, by whom you are known, will not let the Work die for the want of patronage. They are your friends -- for they know you well, and will sustain you.
Is W. Gilmore Simms of Charleston doing anything for you ? Surely he is ! He can aid you materially, and I have no doubt but what he will. Some years ago, he was my friend and gave me much good advice. The most pleasant walks I have ever taken in the fields of Literature, were made in his company. Since then he has far outstripped me, and I am where he was when he first commenced to ramble among the genii of Fiction. Has Simms's last work, "The Black Riders of the Santa" been published ?
When I was a boy, I used to love to hear the Author of "Millechampe" talk. He said much to interest one of my years. As I grew older, my reverence for the man increased, until in my own mind, I am persuaded, that I shall "never look upon his like again."
In a little while, some two or three months hence, I purpose visiting Nashville. While there I shall certainly procure other names to your work.
I am Sincerely
Your friend,
Jno. Tomlin.
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