Text: John C. Miller, ed., “Entry 057: Sarah Helen Whitman to John H. Ingram, June 16, 1874,” Poe's Helen Remembers (1979), pp. 180-181 (This material is protected by copyright)

[page 180:]

57. Sarah Helen Whitman to John H. Ingram. Item 159

My dear Mr. Ingram,

I have not had a line from you since your letter of May 19, written when you were still in bed from the effects of rheumatic fever. Your mother, too, you said, was ill. I cannot tell you how anxious I have been about you. I have myself been too unwell to write, though I had so much to say to you & ask of you.

I hope I shall be better soon — well enough, at least, to answer the questions put to me in yours of May 5th.

Do, if you continue ill, get some friend to write a brief word to me.

I will write very soon, if able, but now with heartfelt wishes for your health & welfare, I must say goodnight.

I had so eagerly looked for a letter this morning!

I have not seen the article on Poe's poems [Ingram's “Edgar Allan Poe's Early Poems”], but have sent to Boston for the paper.(1)

[page 181:]

1. Ingram wrote that he sent her a copy of this article on Apr. 29 (see page 134); Mrs. Whitman apparently never received it. The piece was reprinted in Every Saturday, NS 1 (June 13, 1874), 659-62.