Poe Archive

Boston
Feby. 21, 1835

Honor’d Father,

Since Esqr. Webster, who is to be the bearer of a small parcel, will not leave here until Monday morning, I am induced to avail myself of the opportunity of communicating a few words to you. In my last to Sis Hannah, I did not make mention of the “Medical Dictionary” tho’ I had seen Rev. Coleman and ascertained that it would not be issued till sometime in the spring in consequence of delay in England.

Accompanying this is a pamphlet titled “Parley’s Magazine”, upon the cover of which you will observe a notice of “Copland Dictionary; this pamphlet has been distributed among many of the subscribers & was handed me by Mr. C. with a request that you sh’d see it; i.e.; the advertisements. Dr. Lambert and self have been out & procured @ Wight & Darby’s Gazetteer of the United States, which is the most recent and complete one now in use, the price is $2.75; the subscription price is said to be $3.25 & some hold them firm at said prices.

By the by, not doubting but that a visit from Dr. L. among you would be congenial to the feelings of our friends at H. as well as his own, yet, under existing circumstances, would it be expedient to call him to H. unless something of special importance should demand it previous to his visit to Bangor? I merely submit this in kindness, tho’ not by a suggestion of his. Far be it from me to desire in the least, to derogate Sarah’s happiness, but when we consider the great importance of his being “constantly on hand”, especially at this crisis, so soon after commencing business here, it would be obvious the shorter his absence the better.

It is evident that if he visits Hav’ll before going to Bangor his absence must of necessity, be prolonged in as much as the route is somewhat more circuitous, & he would not wish to merely pay you a passing compliment, therefore, after a second cogitation, Sis Sarah will not insist on an immediate visit from Dr. L.

It is peculiarly trying & perplexing to one’s mind to be in a state of anxious solicitude, as you will know, but when matters are settled for a “dead certainty” then a sweet gratitude is drawn over our troubled breast. Then how desirable is it that no delay should be made in settling this point.

Prospects look flattering indeed for Dr. L. in Bangor, and I can hardly endure the tho’t that all my anticipations of a happy residence near my Sis Sarah, may be frustrated. However, this must & will not be admitted even as a secondary consideration when there are others of vital consequence .

Today, I met Mr. Payson for the first time, he has been in the city about a week & intends to establish himself as here as an attorney at Law.

As I take the “Evening Transcript”, I send you the two last no’t. The intelligence from France is of rather a hostile character.

I commenced with ship Edwards & Stoddard on the 9th inst. & thus far am highly pleased with my change tho’ my former place was pleasant. I maintain the same standing in my present situation, as the first salesman.

Letters of any of my friends are rec’d with great satisfaction. Please remember me to all and believe me, your dutiful and affectionate son,

Amos

PS Sunday eve. Intelligence has arrived in the city that the French Chambers have allowed the claims of the United States; it being Sunday I have not made many inquiries to know the authenticity of such reports—all is, I hope Sincerely, that it may be true. Yours,
Amos