The following transcription is a part of an ongoing
correspondence between Maria Clemm (Poe’s mother in-law) and Sarah Helen
Whitman (Poe’s one-time fiancée). As you will see, the beginning of the letter
exposes a polite discourse between Clemm and Whitman. Clemm begins by
expressing her condolences for not being able to visit Whitman while she was
close to her town. After she expresses regret over not having been able to
personally visit Whitman, she continues on to describe her current transient
state. Clemm mentions that she is headed south to visit some “warm friends”. She also laments that she feels “desolate” and
lonesome in this letter to Whitman. Letters
such as this can help give us an idea of the kind of relationship that Whitman
and Clemm shared. Obviously, both of these women cared deeply for the then
deceased Poe and wanted to protect and preserve his reputation. This is made
apparent near the end of the letter in which Clemm admits to having sent a “cruel”
letter in defense of Poe. She regrets this behavior but makes it clear that she
will not stand for the slander of Poe’s name. It can be assumed that Whitman
greatly appreciates her effort in this regard. Although complex and bordering on obsessive, the women in Poe’s life played an integral part in the
discovery and preservation of his legacy. Letters such as this one are great proof
of this!
Milford Nov 7th 1852.
Dear friend,
I cannot express to you, how much I was disappointed, when I
had to pass so near Providence and not see you. I had it in contemplation to go
south, where I have warm friends, and know I would have a happy home.
But I have been obliged to relinquish this truly delightful prospect for want
of means. Oh if I could see you for a short time, I know for his sake
you would advise me what to do. How often do I wish I could go to my beloved
children! And oh how I regret my dear Fordham home. I have many kind friends,
but I cannot open my heart to them, as I could to my beloved lost one. I
sometimes feel so desolate, and think if I had but one left. I know it
is very selfish to trouble you with my feelings but I think you will sympathize
[page break in the letter]
with me. Do write me a long letter, I am always so happy to
hear from you. Please direct to me, care of Wm Strong, Milford Conn. I
do hope I will be able to make a short visit sometime this winter. Do you ever
hear from Ms. Locke? As soon as I went to Lowell (three years ago) I was told
she had said so many unkind and untruthful things of my dear Eddie, that
I was induced to write her a cruel letter. I have often regretted it since, but
I could not live and hear such falsehoods about him, without
resenting them.
Believe me to be your sincere friend.
Maria Clemm.
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Good! Thanks also for including the pics. Regarding "Mrs. Locke," I am reasonably sure that this was Francis Sargent Osgood, nee Locke, who had a very close relationship with Poe and found herself publicly embarrassed by allegations of improprieties (i.e., having had an affair) with Poe. Instead of "page break" in your transcription, it's better to use the official terms: "recte" for front, "verso" for back.
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