Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1872-05-07
THIRTEEN JULEPs.
An Auecd0te OF Edgar A. POe.-HO,
he Mixed his brandy and Water.

ne Mixeu MS hrhhuy anu WhtcF.
The following is from Our Monthly
Gossip" in the May number of Lippin-
colt S Magazine:
John r. Thompson succeeded Edgar
A. Poe as a editor of the Southern Lite
rary Messenger. Fresh from the Uni
versity, well-to-do in the goods of this
world, and justly proud of his position
for the Messenger then was the oldest,
and certainly one Of the best, magazines
in the Union-Thompson lived enprince
in suite of apartments in Main street.
| One of them, furnished handsomely as a
reception room, contained beaufet well
stocked with the choicest liquors. Into
this room came one morning about eleven
O clock, a handsome, very intellectual
looking man, who, bowing formally,
asked if he had the pleasure of address
ing Mr.. John Il. Thompson. a
Yes" said Mr.. Thompson, who had
already risen.
"My name" said the stranger, is
Poe. BOO ula i''aif'n
1t may be taken for granted that the
youthful editor, who was never lacking
in courtesy, gave his predecessor just
such reception as the occasion and
the man required. If Thompson felt
honored by the visit, Poe was more
than gratified by the cordiality and un-
feigned respect manifested by the young
poet. The author of "The Raven was
now seated in an easy chair. Conversa-
ton flowed freely and pleasantly, Poe of
course taking the lead, and an hour er
two slipped away seemingly in as many
moments. in fhA
Poe rose to leave. Thompson en-
treated him to remain. No, he had an
engagement AS he turned toward the
door, Poe's eye fell on the beaufet with
its glistening array of silver and cut
glass, and change passed over his
grave, handsome face, In an animated
tone he said, "Ahl you have nice lit
tie arrangement there, Mr.. Thompson.
Perhaps you can give me something to
drink" la Ias.s .afu
Indeed can" said Mr.. Thompson.
What will you haveY
That depends upon what you We got. "
Thompson enumerated several kinds
of wine, whisky, and French brandy,
commenting the last as very superior.
Poe chose brandy. Selecting a tum-
bier Of the ordinary size he lifted the
decanter with steady hand and began to
pour-one finger, two fingers, three fin
gers, four fingers, FIVE. ,-.-a r.
Thompson became alarmed. Excuse
my seeming incivility," said he-"such
il reallyiis not, | assure you-but, Mr.
Poe, are you-are you not taking little
jus. 4 4 ittleTtoo much for your own
"No, sir, not at all, was the reply.
II know myself thoroughly well, Mr..
Thompson, and can gauge myself to a
hair. have had some experience in
these matters, and / 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
drop-=just q drop-of water, if you
please. no ttsC So
The drop Of .water--it was barely mere
than that--was added, and then, to
Thompson's amazement and horror, Poe
drained his glass to the botton:J ii
He fingered awhile, and Thompson,
fearing the brandy might tell upon his
distinguished guest after he got into the
street, suggested as adroitly and respect
fully as hocould, that a few moments of
repose on the sofa might be Of service
to him. gta .dtsl CaE aslt.
"Oh nol' said Poe; you need have
no fear for me. The brandy is nothing.
I've already had thirteen juleps; and now
| think I'll step across the way and get
my breakfast a
Extending his hand in farewell, he
bowed stiffly and was gone.