Cambridge May 19, 1841
Dear Sir,
Your favor of the 3rd inst. with the two Nos. of the Magazine reached me only a day or two ago, which will account [. . .] a more speedy answer was not returned.
I am much obliged to you for your kind expressions of regard, and to Mr. Graham for his very generous offer, of which I should gladly avail myself under other circumstances. But I am so much occupied at present that I could not do it with any satisfaction either to you or to myself. I must therefore respectfully decline his proposition.
You are mistaken in supposing [page 2] that you are not "favorably known to me." On the contrary, all that I have read, from your pen, has inspired me with a high idea of your power; and <I think> you are destined to stand among the first romance-writers of the country, if such be your aim.
Very truly yours
[Longfellow's signature has, apparently, been cut out from the letter, affecting a portion of the text. The name "Longfellow" is written in ink in the top left corner, in what appears to be Poe's own hand.]
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