The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1870-06-16

Edgar A. Poe,s ssong Of the Bells"

The following incident was related by MEM
Der of the Baltimore bar, who at the time OF Its
occurrence was but recently admitted to prac-
tice. The truth of the statement may be de-
pended on and even the conversation intro
duced give, I think, nearly word for word as
reported to me.
At the period referred to there were several
singled-storied houses on the east side of st.
Paul street, between Lexington and Saratoga
streets, each of which contained but two rooms.
They were rather notwithstanding to present
ideas reconstructed of brick, but have been for
long time displaced by tall and stately build
ings. One of these single-storied houses was
occupied by my informant. The front apart
ment was used as law Office, the rear as q
sleeping-room.
One calm and clear moonlight winter night,
when the snow lay deep upon the city streets
and roofs, Mr.. - was making preparations
to retire to bed, when his front-door bell was
rung. He aroused his negro servant-boy, who
was nodding on his stool by the chimney cor
ner, and sent him to open the door to his late
visitor.
The boy almost Immediately returned alone
He said that nobody wa, at the door, but that
gentleman was standing, in the snow in the
middle of the street, talking to himself and tos-
sing his arms about.
Mr.. now went to the front door him.
self When he opened it he found one who
was evidently gentleman-he could see that
by the Notwithstanding on the pavement
facing him.
"Was it you who rang my bell?" he asked.
eyes, sir" was the reply. Il owe you an
apology for disturbing you at an hour so un-
reasonable. But the fact is, some thoughts
have come into my mind which wish to com
NIT to paper, and seeing light in your back
window (the house stood on the corner OF an
alley), and considering it a matter of course
that lawyers Office is supplied with stationery,
I took the liberty of ringing your bell"
"You are very welcome" said the lawyer.
"Walk in, sir"
The stranger followed him into the inner
apartment, where bright coal fire was burn
ing in the CRATE. The manner of his guest was
SO impressive of intellect that Mr.; go Of
fered a bed but the visitor only asked the use
of chair table and writing materials. So the
negro boy lay down upon his pallet on the floor,
and the Young lawyer retired to his bed, leav-
ing the stranger bending over the table.
when Mr.. awakened in the morning
his strange visitor was sitting in a chair, with
his head upon the table asleep. The motion
made by the young lawyer on awakening arous-
ed the stranger. The latter seemed at once to
be wide awake. He arose from his seat, thank
ed his host for his hospitality, and gracefully
appologized for. his intrusion on the previous
night. He was then about to leave the room
"You are forgetting your manuscript" says
the young lawyer, pointing to some pieces OF
paper on the table.
hI have copy of what have composed =
said the stranger, "and leave the original with
you as some acknowledgment of your kind
ness under circumstances so trying"
The stranger left. The lawyer did not know
until long time afterward, when the "Song OF
the Bells''-of which he still has the original
had been published and become famous, that
his singular visitor was Eigar A. Poe.