University of Virginia Library

Letter, from Edgar Allan Poe to John Allen, 1831-12-15
Manuscript, Valentine Museum, Richmond, Virginia

I am sure you could not refuse to assist me
if you were well aware of the distress I am in. How often
have you relieved the distresses of a perfect stranger in circumstances less urgent than mine. and yet when I beg
and intreat you in the name of God to send me
succour you will still refuse to aid me. I know
that I have offended you past all forgiveness, and
I know that I have no longer any hopes of being again
received into your favour, but for the sake of Christ
do not let me perish for a sum of money which
you would never miss, and which would relieve
me from the greatest earthly misery — especially
as I promise by all that is sacred that I
will never under my circumstances apply to you
again. Oh! if you knew at this moment how
wretched I am you would never forgive yourself
for having refused me. You are enjoying yourself
in all the blessings that wealth & happiness can
bestow, and I am suffering every extremity of want
and misery without ever a chance of escape, or a
friend to whom I can look up to for assistance.

Think for one moment, and if your nature and
former heart are not altogether changed you

will no longer refuse me your assistance
if not for my sake for the sake of humanity.
I know you have never turned a beggar from
your door, and I apply to you in that light
I beg you for a little aid, and for the sake of
all that was formerly dear to you I trust that you
will relieve me.

If you wish me to humble myself before you
I am humble — Sickness and misfortune have left
me not a shadow of pride. I own that I am
miserable and unworthy of your notice, but do
not leave me to perish without leaving me still
one resource. I feel at the very bottom of
my heart that if you were in my situation
and you in mine, how differently I would act.