The southern enterprise. [volume] (Greenville, S.C.) 1854-1870, 1855-01-12
9Gtrrratiag JNisrtllang. ).
4 Of a { ictio h.
SKETCH OF EDGAR A. POE,

g.
J.. E.r,. H -...... =, -. .,i .s
~ In was a weary tale &, tell how often he
repented and was forgiven; how he passed
from the editorship Of one magazine to an
other; how he went from city to city, and
state to state-an energetic, aspiring, san.
guine, brilliant rnan-bcaringtbe curse of ir-
resolution--neyer constant but to the seduc
tive and dangerous be$etmeMts of dissipation
and profiigacy; how friends advised hin
and publishers demonstrated; how, at one
time, he had conquered his propensity 50 as
to call himself in letter to friend, model
OF temperance and virtue and how at an
other lie forfeited the high occupation (edi-
tori which was the sole dependence of his
family, by frequent rclapses into his former
dessolute habits; how he committed under
the excitement of intoXication, faults aud en-
ceSSeS that were mpardonahle how he for
tcited tlIe esteem Of the public, even whilst
his talents commanded admiration; how he
succeeded in bringing many literary specu-
lations into life, which his vicious habits and
inattcntion to business murdered in their
youth; how he became confirmed iuebri-
ate, with only now and then fitful hour or
so with which to throw of on paper the va
garics of a mind rich with learning and i'm
agnativc fancies how his young and beau
ttul wife died, broken hearted, and how he
became so reduced in appearance us no long
er to be able to make his appearance among
his friends; how his wife's mother, constant
to his fallen fortunes, and anxious to conceal
ms vices, went with his manuscript from
Office to Office, and from publisher to pub
lisller, in search of means to support him
how, for a little while he shook OF the leth-
ergy OF intoxication, and appeared in the
gay, ari5tocratic and wealthy circles of New
York city; how he WAS carossed, and admir-
cd, tetcd and congratulated by the beauty,
fashion, and elite; how the efforts of his
magic pen and touring genius were sought
10y rival publishers; how he was engaged
10 bc married the second time TO all acc0n,-
pEshed wealthy and beautiful young lady (;
and how the engagement was finally broken
OIL through his return to his pcrnicious
habits 1t was weary, melancholy tale in
| deed. So -
The versatile, unhappy scenes of Edgar
a. Poe's life were soon to close-snapped
rudely asundcr by his own hand lie had
partly recovered from his dangerous courses.
and was engaged in delivering lectures in
different towns. They were unanimously
! attended; and it was with something like
renewed confidence that the ardent friends
of the distinguished lecturer watched his
conduct, which was now distinguished by
extreme sobricty. Tie even appeared to
have renewed his vigor and youth and it
was with pleasure aud delight that his friends
and acquaintances received him into their
society and homes again. AT the brilliant
parties given at the houses Of generous nc
quaintances-at which he was the lion of
the eveming-Mr Poe met with a refined and
lovely woman, whom he had formerly known.
Their friendship was renewed, an attachment
was reciprocal, and they were engaged to be
married. Everything seemed to promise
well ;the dawn Of the better day appeared,
and the wiShful reformation so long coming,
seemed to have come at last! But it was
not to be. On sunny afternoon in Octo-
ber, lSl0, he started to fulfil literary en-
gagcmcnt, and prepare for his MARRIAGE
lie arrived in Baltimore, where he gave his
luggage to a porter, with instructions to car
ry 1t 10 the railroad depot. In an hour he
would set out for Philadelphia. But he
would just take glass before he started
for refreshment sake-that's all. Oh fatal
hour! In the gorgeous drinking saloon lie
met some Of his old acquaiutances and asso-
ciates who invited him to join them in a.
social glass. In n moment all his eoodres-
olutions--home, duty. honor, and intended
bride were forgotten; ere the night had
mantled the earth with her dark canopy,
he wasjna a state of beastIy intoxication. In
sanity ensued; he was taken to the hospital
and the next morning lie died a miserable,
raying maniac. Poor, unfortunate, misgui-
ded creature! lie was thirty-iive years old
whenthis last scene Of his lite's tragedy was
enacted. q,. ..s. s..s,s5 N 80. s. -. ..E'.,s Of. Al
Kind reader, this is no fancy sketch of
drapery or fiction. No single circumstance
here related nor a solitary event here recor-
ded, but happened to Edgar Allen Poe, the
Editor, Critic, and Poet one of the most
popular and brilliant writers in America
Norfhern Organ. a.
sa =. '-------s.<zD~s----- 8x4t .."
mr. ga,c n. L. ID. Ia.