Washington, Sept. 2, 1844.
My dear Poe --
Some months since, in passing through Philadelphia, where I tarried a day, I tried to find you, and learned that you were absent in New York. I regretted I did not see you – I saw Mr. Griswold, and had quite a talk with him.
Poe, you remember that you wrote me that you liked my poem which I call “The Beechen Tree” very much – Well, my good friend, it is just published – I have no copy by me or I would contrive to send you one – You know how much I value a good word from you my friend – and a word to &.
How are your wife and mother? If in my short stay in Philadelphia, I could have hunted them up, I should certainly have done so. I am here at my hum drum daily task of reading patents, which will, I fear, emasculate what little intellect I have left. I have indulged hope after hope of going abroad, but the “hope deferred” is my lot as yet. This Washington is a heartless kind of place and yet, Poe, I like it, after a fashion.
Why, my old friend, have you not written to me – Often when I grow tired of my daily dull task I turn to your letters, which I have carefully put away, and have a talk with you – A gentleman introduced himself to me the other day to ask me questions about your decyphering qualities? – He looked incredulous at my answers!
I should not have known where you were, had not Griswold told me that you were still in the land of the living in Philadelphia. In the intellectual land I saw you were by the periodicals.
My particular friend (heaven save the mark!) Thomas Dunn English, is I see editor of the Aurora – The only notice, except from Clarke of the Knickerbocker, from whom I had a very kind letter, that I have seen of my poem is in the columns of the aforesaid Aurora – The editor says it gave him “nausea” and that it was all twattle–“
Poe let me hear from you very soon – I hope ere long to see you in Philadelphia, and have a long talk about old times – When you write me let me know where I can find you – My kindest regards to your wife and her good mother –
I expect soon to be in Philadelphia – Write me that I may know where I can find you –
Your sincere friend
F. W. Thomas
Edgar A. Poe, Esqr.
Philadelphia
[This letter is postmarked; “Washington City [[/]] Sep. 2"]
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