| File | Box 3-4 Folder 147-161 |
Ingram, John Henry Ingram is one of the first biographers of Poe who was assisted by Whitman in refuting the scurrilous book about Poe by Griswold. Ingram had many rivals for the information about Poe which only Whitman knew or could piece together. Among these other biographers were Richard Henry Stoddard, William F. Gill, and Eugene L. Didier. Ingram and Gill fought a lasting battle, each trying to hurt the other in the eyes of Whitman. Ingram's letters trace the progress of his biography and other Poe biographies as well. They cover the period from 1873-1878 and there are seventy-three letters and three postcards in this series. All are handwritten and signed. In four letters of introduction (folder 147), Ingram enlists the aid of Whitman in refuting Griswold's biography of Poe. In two letters (folder 148), one asks Whitman of books and articles in progress on Poe, the second addressed to Thomas C. Clarke in which Ingram asks him to list the sources that he used in writing his article on Poe. in six letters, Ingram tells of his problems in writing his biography of Poe such as the conflicting sources of Griswold and Mrs. Clemm. Discusses the poetry of Ingram and Whitman. In six letters (folder 150), Ingram discusses "Poe and His Critics" and points out errors. Speaks of various Poe translations in different languages and tells of his negotiations with publishers in regard to the works of Poe. In six letters (folder 151), Ingram speaks of publishing Poe's complete works and his biography, discusses Poe's loves such as Frances Sargent Osgood and quotes poetry. Mentions William O'Connor and several articles which he ahs written on Poe for "Gentleman's Magazine," "New Facts," "Quarterly" and "Temple Bar." In six letters (folder 152), Ingram speaks of Poe's works (fourth volume with printers) and his contact with the University of Virginia for information. Mentions Mrs. Lewis and an unfavourable review of Poe and his critics in "Edinburgh Review." Gives his opinion of Poe. In six letters (folder 153), Ingram mentions Mrs. Houghton, Mrs. Clemm, and Mrs. Osgood. Discusses his search for Poe's suppressed poetry. In five letters and one postcard (folder 154), Ingram discusses Poe's ancestry and the Clemm's ancestry. Mentions Griswold, Houghton, and Davidson. Also speaks of Poe's school chums. In five letters and one postcard (folder 155), Ingram mentions Widdleton, who is publishing Didier's biography of Poe. Expresses his grief over the death of T.C. Clarke. Sends Poe's poem, "Marie Louise" and speaks of his complete set of Poe's portraits, Stéphane Mallarmé's letters and Poe translations, the rising of European appreciation of Poe, and speaks of his own Poe biography. In six letters (folder 156), Ingram speaks of Moran's account of Poe in a recent article, sends news of Mrs. Houghton, Mrs. Lewis, Gill, and wonders what information about Poe they are hiding. Speaks of trying to find "Scope" and other stories Poe published in his early years. Ingram is trying to compile a list of the date of the first publishing of all Poe's stories and poems. In six letters (folder 157), Ingram discusses Poe's southern friends, mentions Gill, Widdleton, Stoddard and asks about William Ross Wallace, a poet and friend of Poe, also inquires as to the origin of the "Raven." Mentions C.F. Harris, Didier, and Irish inquires into Poe's ancestry, sends the address of Mrs. E.O. Smith. In five letters and one postcard (folder 158), Ingram reflects on a statement by Whitman to keep all letters because they are a sacred trust. Speaks of the break-up of the engagement of Whitman and Poe. Mentions Gill, Harris and Mrs. Peckham. In four letters (folder 159), Ingram answers Whitman's questionsabout Landow Cottage. Mentions Mallarmé, Anna Blackwell, Didier's portrait of Poe, Virginia Poe's death, and Mrs. Peckham. Says that he feels as if he has enough knowledge of Poe. In four letters (folder 160), Ingram discusses Anna Blackwell, Poe's letters, Mrs. Clemm, Davidson, Mrs. Houghton's death and spreading knowledge of Poe in foreign countries. In one letter (folder 161), Ingram writes tot he publishers of Whitman's letter to Poe (1909) stating that it was Whitman's intent not to have these letters published |
1873-1878 |