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Enemies: Allan Griswold

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EAP to John Allan,  February 21, 1831

N. York Feb 21, 1831

Dear Sir –

In spite of all my resolution to the contrary I am obliged once more to recur to you for assistance -- It will however be the last time that I ever trouble any human being -- I feel that I am on sick bed from which I never shall get up. I now make an appeal not to your affection because I have lost that but to your sense of justice -- I wrote to you for permission to resign -- because it was impossible that I could stay -- my ear has been too shocking for any description -- I am wearing away every day -- even if my last sickness had not completed it. I wrote to you as I say for permission to resign because without your permission no resignation can be received -- My reason for doing so was that I should obtain my mileage amounting to $30.35 -- according to the rules of the institution. In my present circumstances a single dollar is of more importance to me than 10,000 are to you and you deliberately refused to answer my letter -- I, as I told you, neglected my duty when I found it impossible to attend to it, and the consequences were inevitable -- dismissal. I have been dismissed -- when a single line from you would have saved it -- The whole academy have interested themselves in my behalf because my only crime was being sick -- but it was of no use -- I refer you to Col. Thayer to the public records, for my standing and reputation for talent -- but it was all in vain if you had granted me permission to resign -- all might have been avoided -- I have not strength nor energy left to write half what I feel -- You one day or other will feel how you have treated me. I left West Point two days ago and travelling to N. York without a cloak or an[y] other clothing of importance. I have caught a most violent cold and am confined to my bed -- I have no money -- no friends -- I have written to my brother -- but he cannot help me -- I shall never rise from my bed -- besides a most violent cold on my lungs my ear discharges blood and matter continually and my headache is distracting -- I hardly know what I am writing -- I will write no more -- Please send me a little money -- quickly -- and forget what I said about you –

God bless you

E A Poe

Do not say a word to my sister. I shall send to the P.O. every day.

Enemies: Allan Griswold

POE: Influences Friends Enemies Women

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