Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1852-1853, 1852-03-27
ADVANTAGES AND DrsADvAsrAoss OF AUTHORSHIP.
BY RICHARD coE.

at Philadelphia for Pittsburgh, and arrived in the lat
ter city, In due time, and without anything of conse
queDce occurring upon the route. From thence en-
gagged passage on first class steamboat for Cincn-
natl; and stepping aboard the vessel, the last bell
was rung, and the boat proceeded on her way.
Alter the hustle OF departure was over, had time
to look around upon my fellow passengers, when my
eye haPPend to fail upon middle aged gentleman of
respectable appearance habed in suit of mourning,
apparently regarding me attentively. Feeling the
awkwardness of my position, as he seemed a total
stranger to myself. took my seat the other side
OF the boat, hoping by this movement escape fur
Their observation when, looking towards him again
perceived that he was now approaching me.
On coming up to me he bowed politely, and said,
IS Have l the pleasure of addressing Mr.. Coe. of
Philadelpha-the author of a volume of poems!''
Upon my answering him in the affirmative, he took
my hand, and shaking it cordially, introduced himself
to me as the Reverend Henry W., of Cincinnati.
:" am stranger to you, " he said, - but you are
not so to me; and, if you will take seat beside me,
(for had risen and was standng.) l will in
form you how l became acquainted with your face,
and have thus been enabled to recognize you"
"You must know, - he said, when we seat
ed, that some few months since was in your city,
with my wife and child, visit to of her
relatives, when my little daughter Mary taken
suddenly ill of a malignant fever, and died in few
short days. She was lovely and sprightly child
of about five years of age. You, parent, my
dear sir, may know how much we loved her. 1t
seemed as thoughour very hearts would break Whilst
still weeping above the remains OF our little
one kind friend came into the room, and, placing
your book in my hand, pointed to little poem theren
entitled The Vacant Chair, remarking to me,
think, my dear W., you may be enabled to draw some
consolation from these lines. At his request read
them aloud to my dear wife, coming to the verse
that here he repeated the verse to me so deep
ly had 1t been craven on his memory,)
"Many parents, kind and good,
Lost to them their little brood,
Bless their Maker night and day,
Though he took their all away
Shall we, therefore, murmur, where
Stands, unfilld vacant chair!
MY heart was made glad within me to think that
we, indeed, had still: left to US for consolation two
dear children at home, while many an equally fond
parent had to all their!llt flock. was
so filled with gratitude this reflection that turned
my friend and proposed that he should, then and
there, offer up thanksgiving to the Father of Mer-
ces that He, yet, should have graciousy vouchsafed
unto US, his unworthy creatures, so many comforts
and blessings upon earth. He did so in feeling and
eloquent prayer at the Throne of Grace. and from
that moment my heart was relieved of at least por-
ton of its bitterness. few days after, you were
pointed out to me on the street by my friend, as the
author of the poem, and requested him to introduce
me to you, but from the rapidity with which you
were walking at the time, and the crowded state of
the thoroughfare, this rendered impossible.'
Here he proposed to present to his wife, who sat
little distance from US, no doubt wondering at the
earnestness with which her husband was conversing
with seeming stranger. Nothing could exceed the
kindness with which [ was treated by them both, on
the passage, and on learning that was an invalid in
pursuit of health, they gave me pressing invitation
10 spend some time at their own home in Cincinnati.
Shall say that this little incident not crafty
ing to my feelings? If 1 had never written another
poem than the one'aluded to above, should be amp
Iy repaid for its composition, in the fact that it,
least, had been the means of affordng some little con-
ISOLATION to the hearts of amiabe, intelligent, and
grief stricken pair.
This is Of the advantages of being an author !;
would that there reverse to the picture but
truth compels me to say there is
A part of our conversation had been overheard by
elderly lady who sat at the time regular
Mrs. Partington as afterwards learned to my sor-
row. This much of it, it appeared, was indeibly
book of poems, and that my name was Poe. very
natural mistake to be sure, inasmuch my name
closely resembles that of Mr.. P.
Next morning, she, with many curtsies and sim
pers introduced herself to me as Mrs. NJ, and, at
once, without further ceremony, entered into long
conversation about authors, books, etc., and at last
broke out into these words:
I" But of all the poems l ever read, Mr.. Poe, your
Raven delights me most; there is such charming
air of mysticism aoout it, and''-
Here she was going on still further, when inter-
rupted her to explain that my name not Poe, but
Coe, and that could not lay claim to the honor of
composing that wonderful poem.
All l understand" she replied, '' that is always
the way with you poets. Whenever you are praised
for any great composition you modestly dscaim the
authorship cf it. But it won't do, Mr. Poe,' she ad
ded. But come, let introduce you to my friends,
Mr. and Mrs. L., they will be delighted, know, to
make the acquaintance of so distinguished writer.''
:
when, concluding it best to make virtue of
cessity, suffered myself to be presented to them
Mr.. Poe, the Poet. What else could have done, my
dear reader WAS ever man in such predicament?
After conversing short time with them, arose,
went upon deck, and remained there for the balance
of the morning. In the afternoon, had the unspeak-
able satisfaction of seeing them take their departure
from the boat at of the landings the
river and heard the old lady nquiring of the captain
if he knew where Mr.. Poe was as she would like to
bid him 50 good-bye!'.
need not inform the reader, suppose, that took
precious good to keep out of the way, and that
breathed freer after she gone. l have no doubt
that the good old soul firmly believes, to this day,
that she enjoys the acquaintance of the veritabe
thor of s The Ravens" that, if she has by this
time been informed of his decease-which is not I'M
likely-she may be lamenng my early
death
This is one of the disadvantages of being author
1 might multiply instances in my experience of the
advantages and disadvantages of authorshp-but, for
the present, will let these suffice, with the PROMISE
however, to pursue the vein at future period,
should this little sketch of my travels prove of interest
to the reader.
SCENE IN COURT AT SAN Francisco. Enter
Captain in custody of Marshal.
Judge-Captain, there very grave charges
brought against you. Splitting in mans face-pul-
ling his nose-and kicking him. Are they true!
Captain-(hesitating, not liking to say no, as it
might be telling untruth +; and not liking say
yes, thinking of heavy fine)-Will your Honor al
low to ask your Marshal question
Judge-N odding assent.
Captan-Mr. Marshal, will you please to state to
the Court whether the person who made this COM
Mo int dOr1 hon he on ard