University of Virginia Library

Letter from Edgar Allan Poe to John Allan, November 18, 1831
Manuscript, Valentine Museum, Richmond, Virginia.

I am in the greatest distress and have
no other friend on earth to apply to except yourself
if you refuse to help me I know not what
I shall do. I was arrested eleven days ago
for a debt which I never expected to have
to pay, and which was incurred as much
on Hy's. account as on my own about
two years ago.

I would rather have done any thing on
earth than apply to you again after your
late kindness — but indeed I have no
other resource, and I am in bad health,
and unable to undergo as much hardships
as formerly or I never would have asked
you to give me another cent.

If you will only send me this one time
$80, by Wednesday next, I will never
forget your kindness & generosity. -if
you refuse God only knows what I
shall do, & all my hopes & prospects are
ruined forever -