Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1872-05-09
Edgar A. Poe and the Juleps.

EuSar A. roe anu LIE JulepSs
,OursGossip'' in Lippincott's tells the
following story:
j. R. Thompson succeeded Edgar A.
Poe as editor of the Southern Litercry
Ne ssenger Fresh from the University,
we'll TODD in the goods of this world,
and justly proud of his position-for the
Messenger was then the oldest, and GER
tainly one of the best, magazines in the
Union-Thompson lived en- prince
in suite of apartments in Main street.
One of them, furnished handsomely as
reception room, contained beaufet
we'll stocked with the choicest liquors.
Into this room came one morning about
ii o'clock handsome, very intellec-
tual-looking man, who, bowling o-mal.
ly, asked if he had the pleasure of adj
dressing Mr.. John R. Thompson.
Yes" said Mr.. Thompson, who had
already risen.
my name," said the stranger, lis
Poe"
1t may be taken for granted that the
youthful editor, who was never lacking
in courtesy, gave his predecessor such "a
reception as the occasion and the man
required. If Thompson felt honored
by the visit, Poe was more than graft
fled by the cordiality and unfeigned re-
spect manifested by the young poet.
TIE author of " The Raven" was now
seated in an easy chair. Conversation
flowed freely and pleasantly, Poe of
course taking the lead, md an hour or
two slipped away seemingly in as many
M )ments.
Poe rose to take leave. Thompson
entreated him to remain. No, he had
an engagement. As he turned toward
the door, Poe's eyes fell upon the beau
fet with its glittering 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 get me some
thing to drink y
Indeed l cam" said Thompson.
What will you have?'
That depends upon what you've
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, fivel
Thompson became alarmed. SEX
cuse my seeming incivility," said he
g such it really is not, l assure you
but, Mr.. Poe, are you-are you not tax
ing ittle-just little-too much for
your own good ?''
"No, sir, not at all" was the reply.
Il know myself thoroughly well, Mr.
Thompson, 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 a drop-just drop-of water if
you please"
The drop of water-it was barely
more than that-was added, and then,
to Thompsons amazement and horror,
Poe drained his glass to the bottom.
He fingered while, and Thompson,
fearing the brandy might tell upon his
distinguished guest after he got into the
street, suggested, as adroitly and re-
specttully as he could, that few mo-
ments ofrepose on the sofa might be of
service to him.
sob no p 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 p
Extending his hand in farewell, he
bowed stiffiy and was gone.