The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1872-06-14

JOUU 1O, lHOUiDSOll ouCCecuch iIuSui
A. Poe as editor of the Southern Liter
dyy Messenger. Fresh from the Uni
versity, well-to do in the goods Of this
world, and justly proud of the position
for the Messenger then was the oldest,
and certainly one Of the best magazines
in the Union-Thompson lived en-
prince in suite of apartments in Main
street. One of them, furnished hand
somely as a reception-room, contained
beaufet we'll stocked with the choicest
liquors. Into this room came one morn
ing about eleven o'clock handsome,
very intellectual-looking man, who,
bowling formally, asked If he had the
pleasure of addressing Mr.. John r.
Thompson.
"Yes," said Mr.. Thompson, who had
already risen.
"My namc,' said the stranger, "is
Poe"
1t may be taken for granted that the
youthful editor, who was never lacking
in courtesy, gave his predecessor just
such a reception as the occasion and the
man required. If Thompson felt hon.
ored by the visit, Poe was more than
gratifed by the cordiality and unfeign-
ed respect manifested by the young
poet. The author of "The Raven" was
now seated in an easy-chair. Conver-
sation flowed freely and pleasantly, Poe
of course taking the lead, aud an hour
or two slipped away seemingly in as
many moments.
Poe rose to take leave. Thompson
entreated him to remain. No, he had
an engagement. AS he turned towards
the door, Poe's eye fell upon the beau
fet with its glittering array of silver and
cut-glass, and change came over his
grave, handsome face. In an animated
tone he said, "Ah! you have nice
little arrangement there, Mr.. Thomp-
son. Perhaps you can give me some
thing to drink"
Indeed l cam" said Mr.. Thompson.
"What will you have?"
"Ghat depends upon what you got"
Thompson enumerated several kinds
of wine, whisky, and French brandy,
commencing the last as very superior
Poe chose brandy. Selecting tum-
bier of the ordinary size, he lifted the
decanter with steady hand and began
to pour-one finger, two fingers, three
fingers, four fingers, five!
Thompson became alarmed. "Ex-
cuse my seeming incivility," said he
-"such it really is not, assure you
but, Mr.. Poe, are you-are you not
| taking a little-just little--too much
for your own good?'
"No, sir, not at ALL" was the reply.
81 know myself thoroughly well, Mr..
Thompson and can gauge myself to a
hair. l have had some experience in
these matters, and 1 have discovered
about brandy, good French brandy,
this remarkable peculiarity-that it is
least injurious when you fill the glass
as nearly full as possible, and leave
room for as little water as possible"
And the pouring went steadily on till
the tumbler was full to the very brim
"Now a drop-iust drop-of water, il
you please"
The drop Of water-it was barely more
than that-was added, and then, to
Thompson's amazement and horror
Poe drained his glass to the bottom.
He fingered awhile, and Thompson
fearing that the brandy might tell upon
his distinguished guest after he got into
the street, suggested, as adroitly and
respectfully az he could, that few mo
ments of repose on the sofa might be o
service to him.
ooh no!' said Poe: "you need have
no fear for me. The brandy is nothing
Pre already had thirteen juleps ant
now think I'll step across the way an(
get my breakfast!'
Extending his hand ia farewell, III
bowed stifily and was Gone,--Lippia
cots Magazine.