Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-05-03

An AneedOte of Edgar A. POe-HOw he
Mixed his Brandy and Water.
The following is from sour Monthly
Gossip" in the May number of LippincotPs
Magazine:
John r. Thompson succeeded Edgar A.
Poe as editor of the Southern Literary Mes
sengeT. Fresh from the University, we'll
TODD 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 en- prince in a 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, bowling
formally, asked if he had the pleasure Of
addressing Mr.. John r. Thompson.
EYES," said Mr.. Thompson, who had al
ready risen.
"My name" said the stranger 'sis 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 tl..n ssat.iei by the cordially and
unfeigned respect manifested by the young
poet. The author of "The Raven was
now seated in an easy chair. Conversation
flowed freely and pleasantly, Poe of course
taking the lead, and an hour or two slipped
away seemingly in as many moments.
Poe rose to leave. Thompson entreated
him to remain. No, he had an engage
ment. As he turned toward the door, Poe's
eye fell upon 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, ''Ah! you have
a nice little arrangement there, Mr.. Thomp-
son. 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 enumerated several kinds OF
wine, whisky, and French brandy, COM
mendiDg the last as very superior.
of the ordinary size, he lifted the decanter
with steady hand and began to pour-One
finger, two fingers, three fingers, fou
Ulg6TS, i've
Thompson became alarmed. "Excuse
my seeming incivility," said he" such il
really is not, assure you but, Mr.. Poe
are you-are you not taking little-just q
little-too much for your own goods"
"No, sir, not at al, }" was the reply. 81
know myself thoroughly well, Mr.. Thomp-
| son, and can gauge myself to hair.
have had some experience in these mat
tiers, 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 drop-just a drop-Ot
water, fyou please"
The drop of water-it was barely more
than that-was added, and then, to Thomp-
sons amazement and horror, Poe drained
his glass to the bottom.
He fingered awhile, and Thompson, fear.
ing the brandy might tell upon his distin-
guished guest after he got into the street,
suggested as adroitly and respectfully as he
could, that few moments of repOse on the
sofa might be of service to him.
ooh mop said Poe: ''yOU need have nc
fear for me. The brandy is nothing. TIE
already had thirteen jlIepS; and now ]
think I'll step across the way and get my
break ast!p
Extending his hand in farewell, he bowed
stifly and was gone.