Poe Archive

Boston Dec. 16, 1813

My Dear Sister,

I have only a few minutes to inform you that I have taken my passage for Cadiz and expect to sail tomorrow or next day which makes me busy enough in laying in strong , etc. I spent three days in New York as pleasant as polite and agreeable as pleasant friends could make it and in my first letter from Europe. I may tell you something of the people I am now among.

I have little to add to my verbal requests except that you still receive all letters for me and keep them until we again meet. About the concerns of my dear children. I have nothing to add, parting from them is to me very affecting but I feel a confidence that I have never left them so well before. I know of no language in which I can express my love and gratitude to our dear Mother, she has always been kind to me, but her kindness to me since my last misfortune has made such [an] impression upon my mind as never will be forgotten. Give my love to her in the most affectionate manner.

How different my feelings at this moment from what they were on my arrival at this place a few months ago. Then all impatience to her my dear friends full of plans of happiness how sad how horrid the disappointment to find that I had taken a monster to my bosom and that the woman of my heart that I loved with all the warmth of a lover was no longer worthy to be loved; however, enough of this painful subject. It shall be the last I will ever write would to god it could be the last I should ever think of her, but that I fear that cannot be. My pillow had been the only witness of my grief and to that I will confine it—with what anxiety I look forward to my dear children. Ingratitude from them is the only spite fortune can now show me, but I will trust find in them my happiness.

To my dear sister Rachel give my best love, tell her that I feel very happy at her prospects and that I am paying a great tribute to her lover when I say I think him worthy of her. How sincerely I wish her every happiness I trust she will know.

To my dear sons Richard & Holmes, when you see them, give them my love and blessings. Kiss my Dear David for me. Tell him I expect great improvement from him, and do, my dear Mary, everything in your power to find him employment when at home. Better at mischief than idle. If he inclines to read, furnish him with books. If he wants some little tools, such as saw, hatchet, etc., let them be got for him. Talk to Charly about it. I give him my best respects and my dear darling little pet, give her a parting kiss for Papa & do not let her forget me—that God Almighty may be pleased to keep them in his holy keeping is my sincere prayer. Give my love to John, tell him I am sorry at parting without seeing him and that I hope when I return to find clover growing in all his field.

Write to me by the way of England occasionally, say once in eight or ten weeks and send your letter to W. Water who will forward it. Advise my dear sister that you may be as happy as I wish you in the sincere prayer of your most affectionate Brother,

David Offley

P.S. I give my love to cousin Patty & tell her I am sorry I did not get a better introduction to her friends. If I had one for Mr. [?] it might perhaps have been very serviceable. Please make my respects to W. Hughes.

17th The news of the embargo makes us depart this night. Please take care of the [?] God bless you my dear Sister.