Poe's Quarrel with Boston Writers

Thomas Willis White
"Critical Notices"
Southern Literary Messenger, January 1837

Poe began writing for the Southern Literary Messenger in January 1835, contributing poems, stories, and reviews heavily during his time on the editorial staff from August 1835 through January 1837. Although Thomas W. White, the Messenger's printer-publisher, was at first pleased to have Poe as his "right hand man," he came to fret about Poe's drinking and to see Poe's critical stance as harsh. In this brief notice, White announced Poe's departure:

Mr. Poe's attention being called in another direction, he will decline, with the present number, the Editorial duties of the Messenger. ... With the best wishes to the Magazine, and to its few foes as well as many friends, he is now desirous of bidding all parties a peaceable farewell.

Privately White was more negative: "The truth is, Poe seldom or ever ... [did justice] to any book." (Letter to Beverley Tucker, April 26, 1836).

Boston Public Library, Research Library Collection