University of Virginia Library

Letter from Edgar Allan Poe to John Allan, 1830 June 28
Manuscript, Valentine Museum, Richmond, Virginia

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1

I take the very first opportunity
which I have had since arriving here of
acknowledging the receipt of your letter of
the 21st May inclosing a U. S. note for $20
I received it 3 days ago -it had been lying
some time in the W.P. food office where it
was forwarded from Balto by Henry[1].
As to what you say about the books &c
I have taken nothing except what I
considered my own property.

Upon arriving here I delivered my letters
of recommm n & was very politely received
by Capn Hitchcock & Mr. Ross. The
examination for admission is just
over -a great many cadets of good
family &c have been rejected as deficient.
Among these was Peyton Giles son of the
Governor -James D. Brown, son of Jas
Brown Jr. has also been dismissed for
defiency after staying here 3 years.
I find that I will possess many advantages
& shall endeavor to improve them.
Of 130 cadets appointed every year only
30 or 35 ever graduate -the rest being
dismissed for bad conduct or deficiency
the regulations are rigid in the extreme.

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2

Please present my respects to Mr.
& Mrs Jas. Galt, Miss Valentine &
Miss Carter.