Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1854-08-12
Not a Fiction.
SKETCH OF EDGAR A. POE.

ShEICH OF EDGAR a. POE.
1t was a weary tale to tell how often he repented
and was forgiven; how he passed from the editor.
ship of one magazine to another; how he went
from city to city, and state to state-an energet-
&c, aspiring, sangune, liberal, talented, brilliant
man-bearing the curse of irresoution-neyer
constant but to the seductive and dangerous beset
ments of disSipati n and profigacy how friends
advised him and publishers demonstrated /; how at
one time, he had conquered his propensity so as to
call himself, in a letter TO friend, model of tenn
perance and virtue, and how at another time, he
forfeited the high occupation (edItor) which was
the sole dependence of his family, by frequent re-
lapses into his former dsso te habits how he COM
mltted under the excitement of intoxication, faults
and eXcrsses that were objectionable /; how he for
feited the esteem of the public, even whilst his
talents commanded admiration how he succeeded
IN bringing many literary speculationS into life,
which his vicious habits and inattcntion to busi-
ness murdered In their youth how he became a
confirmed lnebrlate, with only now and then fit
ful hour or so with which to throw off on paper the
vagaues of a mind rich with learning and imagi
native fancles ; how his young and beautiful wife
died, broken hearted, and how he became so re-
duced no longer to be able to make his appear
ance among his friends; how his wife's mother,
constant to his fallen fortunes anxious to con-
ceal his vices went with his manuscripts from of
fee TO office, and from publisher TO publ her, in
little while, he shook off the lethargy of intoxica-
ton, and appeared in the gay,. aristocratc and
wealthy circles of New York city {; how he was
caressed and admired, feted, and congratulated by
the beauty, fashion and elite how the efforts of
his magic pen and towering genus were sought by
rival publishers; how he was engaged to be mar
ried the second time to an accomplished wealthy
and beautiful young lady and how the engage
ment was finally broken off through his return to
his pernicious habits. II was a weary melancholy
tale indeed.
The versatile, unhappy scenes of Edgar A.
Poe's life were soon to close-the golden thread
rud"ly snapped asunder and by his own hand lie
had partly recovered from his dangerous courses,
and was engaged in delivering lectures in differ
ent towns. They were numerously attended; and
it was with something like renewed confidence
that the ardent friends of the gifted lecturer
watched his conduct, which was now distinguished
by extreme sobnety.
He even appeared to have renewed his vigor
and youth, and it was with pleasure and delight
that his friends and acquaintances received him
into their society and homes again. At the bril-
liant party given at the house of his generous ac-
quaintances--at which he the lion of the eve
ning-Mr. Poe met with a.refined and lovely wo-
man, whom he had formerly known. Their friend
ship was renewed, an attachment was reciprocal,
and they we're engaged to be married. Every
thing seemed to promise well; the dawn of the
BITTER day appeared, and the wistful reformation
so long coming, seemed to have come at last!
But it was not to be- On sunny afternoon in
October, lS49, he started to fulfil literary en-
gagement, and prepare for his marriage. He ar
rived in Baltimore, where he gave his luggage to
porter with directions to carry it to the railroad
station. In an hour he would set out for Philade-
phia. But he would just take glass before he
started-sor refreshments sake--that's all. Oh,
fatal hnur!--In the gorgeous drinking saloon he
met some of his old acquaintances and associates,
who invited him to Join them in a sociai glass. In
a moment all his good reSlutions--home, duty,
honor and intended bride were forgotten; ere the
night had mantled the earth with her dark canopy,
he in a state of beastly intoxcation. Insani-
ty ensued; he was taken to the hospital, and the
next morning lie died miserable, raving maniac.
Poor unfortunate misguided creature He was
thirty-fve years old when this last scene of this
lIfe's tragedy was enacted.
Kind reader, this is no fancy sketch or drapery
of fiction. No single Circumstance here related,
nor solitary event here recorded, but happened
to Edgar A. Poe, The Editor, Critic and Post-one
of the most popular and brilliant writers of Amer
ica.- Southern Organ.