Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1872-05-23

EDGAR n PoE AND THE JULEps John
Z. Thom rson succeeded Edgar A. Poe as
editor of the Southern Literary Messenger
Fresh fr,sr the university. well to do in
the goods Of this world, and justly proud
Of his pc's;tion-for the Messenger then
was the oldest, and certainly one of the
best. magazines in the Union-Thompson
lived ~ prince in n suit Of apartments in
Main street. Richmond. One Of them
furnished handsomely as reception room,
conta med buffet well stocked With the
choicest liquors. Into this room came one
morr ing. about IL o'clock. handsome,
very Intellectual looking man, who bowling
formally. asked if he had the pleasure Of
addressing NJ John r. Thompson.
Yes" said Mr.. Thompson. who had
ALREADY risen.
my namc." said the stranger, q" is
Poe"
| II mag be taken for granted that the
youthfal editor. who was never lacking in
courtesy, gave his predecessor just such a
rccep. ion as the oct..--;;cca and the man re-
quired If Thompson felt honorAd by Tie
visit. Poe was more THAI gratifed by the
cordiality and unfeigned respect Daal:es-
ted by the young poet. The author OF
1.-The Ragen" WIS now seated in an easy
chair Conversation flowed freely and
plea sanity, Poe of course taking the lead. 4.
and IN hour or two slipped away seeming
I ly in as many moments.
/ Poe rose to take leave. Thompson en-
treated him to remain. No. he had an
engagement. As he turned toward the
door, Poe's eye fell upon the buffet with
its glittering array OF silver an,. cut glass,
and a change passed over his grave hand
some face. In an animated tone he said
"Ah you have nice little arrany, ,'men.
there, Mr.. Thompson. Perhaps you can
give me something to drink"
Indeed can" said Mr.. Thompson
What will you have.'
THAT depends upon what you've got
Thompson enumersted several kinds oi
wine. whiskey and French brandy, COM
. mending the last as very superior.
! Poe chose brandy. Selecting a tum-
bier Of the ordinary size. he lifted the de-
canter with steady hand and began to
pou.-one finger, two fingers, three fin
gers. four fingers. five!
Thompson became alarmed. Excuse
my seeming incivility," said he-'.such it
really is not. assure you-but. Mr.. Poe.
are you-arc you not taking little-just
little--too much for your own good y
"No. sir, mt at ALL" was the reply
II know mysslf thoroughly we'll. Mr..
Thompson. and can guage myself to q
hair. have had some experience in
these matters. and have discovered about
brandy-good French brand y-this re-
markable peculiarity---that it is the leas,
injurious when you fill the glass as nearly
full as possible. and leave room for as lit.
tie water as possible" And the pouring
went steadily on till the trmbler was full
to the very brim. Now drop-jus, .
drop-of water. If you please"
The drop of water-it was barely more
than that-xas added, and then, to Thomp
sons amazement and horror, Poe drainet
his glass to the bottom.
He lisgsred awhile. and Thompson
fearing the brandy might tell upon his
distinguished guest after he got into tn.
street, suggested, as adroi,ly aud respect
fully as be could. that few moments o
repose on the sofa might be Of service t,
him.
, "Oh. no J" said Poe; ''you need hav,
no fear for me. The brandy is nothing
/ I've already had thirteen juleps; and nov
: | taink I'll step across the way and &c
/ my breakfast ~
Extending his hand in farewell. h
, bowed s,iffly and was gone.-Lippeneott,
E Anyz=ine.