New-York Jan. 4. 45.Dear Thomas,
I duly received your two letters and The Beechen Tree, for which let me thank you. My reason for not replying instanter was that I was just then making arrangements which, if fully carried out, would have enabled me to do you justice in a manner satisfactory to both of us--but these arrangements finally fell through, after my being kept in suspense for months--and I could find no good opportunity of putting in a word anywhere that would have done
you service. You know I do not live in town--very seldom visit it--and, of course, am not in the way of matters and things as I used to be. As for Benjamin's criticism--although I made all kinds of inquiry about it, I could meet no one who had ever heard of it. At the "New-World" Office no paper containing it was even on file. I am disposed to think you were misinformed, and that no such critique appeared, in that paper at least. At all events, if there did, Benjamin, I am assured, did not write it. At the epoch you speak of, he was unconnected with the "New-World".
In about three weeks, I shall [page 2:] move into the City, and recommence a life of activity under better auspices, I hope, than ever before. Then I may be able to do something.
Virginia & Mrs Clemm are about as usual and beg to be remembered.
I am truly glad to hear of Dow's well-doing. If ever man deserved prosperity, he does. Give him my respects--in which one word I mean to include all descriptions of kind feeling.
I remain, Thomas, truly
Your friend,
Poe
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