University of Virginia Library

Letter from Edgar Allan Poe to John Allan, April 12, 1833
Manuscript, Valentine Museum, Richmond, Virginia

It has now been more than two years[1] since you
have assisted me and more than three years since you have
spoken to me. I feel little hope that you will pay
any regard to this letter, but still I cannot refrain
from making one more attempt to interest you in
my behalf. If you will only consider in what a
situation I am placed you will surely pity me -
without friends, without any means, consequently
of obtaining employment, I am perishing -absolutely
perishing for want of aid. And yet I am not
idle -nor addicted to any vice -nor have I
committed any offence against society which would
render me deserving of so hard a fate. For
God's sake pity me, and save me from destruction.