Text: Elizabeth F. Ellet to Edgar Allan Poe — about December 15, 1845


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Presidency of So. Ga. College

It might be well to mention the fact admitted in all the Southern papers — that Revd Dr Henry was removed simply on the ground that he was “unpopular” without a single charge being alleged against his character, qualifications or scholarship. In the latter he has no equal in the state. To be “unpopular” in South Carolina is as fatal as the cry of “mad dog” or the accusation of “pride” at the west. The Legislature, two years since, spurned at the idea of Mr Preston, for the Presidency, on the same ground precisely. It might do also to mention how much the Trustees are featured by their fear of not pleasing the Legislature. A bill was before that august body not long since to prohibit the college professors from leaving the State at any time — without express permission from the legislature — but it is not necessary to mention that. I would write the article, but am afraid of displeasing Dr E. as the Broadway Journal goes to Columbia — & I should be discovered at once. E. [page 2:]

Iche habe einen Brief fur Sie - wollen Sie gerfalligst heute Abend nach Uhr den sebbe bein mir entnehmen oder abholen lassen.

O welchen Riss erregst du mir im Herzen

Die Sinne sind in deinen Banden noch

Hat gleich die Seele blutend sich befreit!


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Notes:

The German portion of this letter may be translated as: “I have a letter for you. Will you not most kindly pick it up or have it sent for after seven o’clock this evening. [[/]] O, what a rent you have made in my heart [[/]] The senses are still in your bonds [[/]] Though the bleeding soul has freed itself.”


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[S:0 - MS, 18xx] - Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore - Misc - Letters - E. F. Ellet to Poe (RCL595)