Guide to the Sarah Helen Whitman papers, 1816-1878


Brown University Library, Special Collections
Box A, John Hay Library
Brown University
Providence, RI 02912
Tel: 401-863-2146
Fax: 401-863-2093
E-mail: hay@brown.edu

Published in 2008

Collection Overview

Title: Sarah Helen Whitman papers
Date range: 1816-1878
Creator: Whitman, Sarah Helen, 1803-1878
Extent: 4.5 linear ft. (5 legal size clamshell boxes)
Abstract: Sarah Helen (Power) Whitman (1803-1878) was a Rhode Island poet and essayist best known for her brief engagement to Edgar Allan Poe in 1848. Whitman hosted a salon in Providence that attracted many (including George William Curtis, John Neal, and John Hay) and corresponded with a number of literary luminaries. While living in Boston, Whitman became interested in Transcendentalism and other movements of the period, including woman's rights, spiritualism, mesmerism, Fourierism, and the progressive educational methods of Bronson Alcott. The papers include correspondence, poetry, genealogical information, and legal documents.
Language of materials: English
Repository: Brown University Library, Special Collections
Collection number: Ms. 79.11

Scope & content

The Sarah Helen Whitman papers contains over six hundred items. This collection contains materials created by Sarah Helen Whitman and those within her possession from other sources. Together, these items span a large part of the nineteenth century and provide many insights into that period. Perhaps the greatest interest in the collection is provided by Sarah Helen Whitman's relationship with Edgar Allan Poe. Yet, this collection represents also a good resource for examining the period's interest in spiritualism, and it also contains valuable information about minor American poets, both male and female. Additionally, this collection can be used as a partial guide to measure public opinion of some of the major events such as presidential elections and the Civil War.

The Whitman papers offer many insights into the life of Edgar Allan Poe, not only through the eyes of Mrs. Whitman but also through the letters of many of their correspondents. After Poe's death, Whitman corresponded extensively with several of his biographers, including Richard H. Stoddard, William F. Gill, John Henry Ingram, and Eugene L. Didier. The letters provide not only information about Poe himself, but also insight into the evolution of the biographers' works through their letters. This is especially true with Ingram. Although Whitman eventually exhibited a personal preference for Ingram over the other biographers, it is clear that she supplied them all with any information that they requested and refused to given any of them exclusive rights to any material. Whitman wanted the full and true story of Poe and his life to be told for two reasons: she thought Poe was a great artist and she also wanted Rufus Griswold's earlier critical biography of Poe to be refuted.

Yet, while the Whitman papers are concerned largely with the biographies, its contents are not limited to this one topic. Whitman's interest in spiritualism, an aspect of transcendentalism, reflects the general interest of many nineteenth century intellectuals. She was in contact with a number of spiritualists and people who were interested in spiritualism as Horace Greeley, Prof. William Tappen, George Bush, and Anna Cora Ritchie.

Additionally, the collection is a resource for the investigation of minor poets and writers. Whitman was a friend of William Douglas O'Connor and although few items of their correspondence in this collection exist, his influence upon Sarah Helen Whitman can be seen by her frequent reference to him in her own letters. Whitman also corresponded with several women writers including Frances Sargent Osgood, Sarah Gould Day, Julia Deane Freeman (Mary Forest), Sarah Sprague Jacobs, and Louise Chandler Moulton.

Finally, the correspondence between Sarah Helen Whitman and her friends and relatives in the South provides a brief but clear picture of the differences and animosities between the two parts of the nation before and after the Civil War.

Access Points

Subject Names Subject Names Subject Topics Geographical Names Subject Topics Document Types Occupations

Arrangement

The collection has been arranged in seven series:

  • Series 1. Poems of Sarah Helen Whitman
  • Series 2. Newspaper articles
  • Series 3. Miscellaneous notes
  • Series 4. Legal documents
  • Series 5. Genealogical information
  • Series 6. Correspondence from Sarah Helen Whitman
  • Series 7. Correspondence to Sarah Helen Whitman

The first six series are papers generated by Sarah Helen Whitman. Most of these papers are those of Whitman herself, but there are a few copies. Miscellaneous notes could not be classified as letter fragments.

Biographical note

1803 Jan 19

Birth of Sarah Helen Power.

1828 Jul 10

Marriage to John Winslow Whitman.

1829

First publication of a poem, "Retrospection," in Ladies Magazine.

1830

Beginning of the Providence literary circle, the "phalanstery," which would center around Sarah Helen Whitman for the rest of her life.

1833

Death of husband.

1845

Poe first sees Whitman in a garden and writes "To Helen." She responds to this sonnet and their correspondence begins.

1848

First meeting between Poe and Whitman.

1849

Engagement and rupture.

1853

Publication of Whitman's "Hours of Life, and Other Poems".

1860

Publication of Whitman's "Edgar Poe and His Critics".

1860

The beginning of inquiries by Poe's biographers to Whitman enlisting her aid in their work. These queries lasted throughout the rest of her life.

1878 Jun 27

Death of Sarah Helen Whitman.


Access & Use

Access to the collection: There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.
Use of the materials: Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Preferred citation: Sarah Helen Whitman papers, Ms. 79.11, Brown University Library.
Contact information: Brown University Library, Special Collections
Box A, John Hay Library
Brown University
Providence, RI 02912
Tel: 401-863-2146
Fax: 401-863-2093
E-mail: hay@brown.edu

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION  
Acquisition: In her will, Sarah Helen Whitman left all her papers and the literary rights to those papers to Charlotte Field Daily and Maud Daily Chace. These two sisters must have placed the collection in some kind of order because their notes run throughout the papers. They originally planned to place the entire collection in the Caleb Fiske Harris Collection at Brown University, yet their plan was never carried through. After Charlotte died, her sister asked Anna Garland Spencer to help her sell the collection. At the time, around 1924, a large part of the collection was sold to the University of Virginia. The remaining papers were given to Brown in 1937 by Louise B. Chace, who was the wife of Henry R. Chace, the son of Maud Daily Chace.
Processing information: This finding aid represents the second effort to process the Sarah Helen Whitman papers; it largely involved re-gathering materials which had been dispersed in the initial cataloguing. It is hoped that this latest effort will aid researchers in their use of the collection by providing a description of the papers in its entirety.
ABOUT THE FINDING AID  
Author: Finding aid prepared by John Hay Library staff.
Encoding: Finding aid encoded by Daniel Mejia 2008 October 28

Additional Information

Related material: RESOURCES AT BROWN:The Harris Collection of American Poetry and Plays holds numerous works by Sarah Helen Whitman, and a number of other collections at the John Hay Library include works from her library and presentation copies from Whitman to friends and associates: Sarah Helen Whitman in Brown's Online CatalogIn addition, there is Whitman correspondence in several other manuscript collections at the John Hay Library, notably: Anne Charlotte Lynch Botta papers, Ms. BottaJohn Henry Ingram letters, Ms. 85.13John Henry Ingram letters, Ms. Harris Codex 1808Louise Chace scrapbooks, A81-4The John Hay Library has a daguerrotype of Sarah Helen Whitman, one of her mother (Anna Marsh Power), the Hartshorn daguerrotype of Edgar Allan Poe, and a lock of his hair that had belonged to Whitman. In addition, the Library has the 1869 John Nelson Arnold portrait in oils of Sarah Helen Whitman: Sarah Helen Whitman portrait Please contact the John Hay Library for additional information.
Other information:

Inventory

Series 1. Poems by Sarah Helen Whitman, undated
Box 1

Container Description Date
Box 1, Folder 1 Arcturus
Contents Note: Handwritten manuscript

undated
Box 1, Folder 2 Dear Maud, the prettiest...
Contents Note: Handwritten manuscript

 undated
Box 1, Folder 3 Inscription for the Enterance
Contents Note: Handwritten manuscript

undated
Box 1, Folder 4 Malarial Fever
Contents Note: Handwritten manuscript

 undated
Box 1, Folder 5 Miss Angell to Her Imaginary Dog
Contents Note: Handwritten manuscript

 undated
Box 1, Folder 6 Prospective Epitaphs
Contents Note: Co-authored with Sarah Sprague Jacobs, this copy in the handwriting of Jacobs.

 undated
Box 1, Folder 7 Tell Him I Lingered Alone on the Shore
Contents Note: 2 handwritten signed manuscripts. Also known as "Stanzas for Music"

 undated
Box 1, Folder 8 Women's Sphere
Contents Note: Newspaper clipping, no date

 undated

Series 2. Newspaper articles, 1857-1878
Box 1

Container Description Date
Box 1, Folder 9 On Shelley
Contents Note: Possibly handwritten by Whitman.

 undated
Box 1, Folder 10 London
 1857 Jun 18
Box 1, Folder 10 Interview with Walter Savage Landor
 1857 Jun 20
Box 1, Folder 12 Crossing the Channel
 1857 Aug 1
Box 1, Folder 13 French Tour
 1857 Sep 5
Box 1, Folder 14 A Day in London
 1857 Dec 5
Box 1, Folder 15 St. Patrick's Day
 1869 Mar 17
Box 1, Folder 16 Seaconnet in a Storm
 1869 Sep 16
Box 1, Folder 16 Useless Knowledge
 1869 Dec 11
Box 1, Folder 18 Language as a Fine Art
 1870 Apr 23
Box 1, Folder 19 Charles II
 1871 Jul 11
Box 1, Folder 20 Have We a Bourbon Among Us?
 1871 Nov 22
Box 1, Folder 21 The Unpublished Correspodence of Edgar Allan Poe
Contents Note: 2 copies, one handwritten, one typed.

 1878 May 4

Series 3. Miscellaneous notes, undated
Box 1

Container Description Date
Box 1, Folder 22 Notes concerning Edgar Allan Poe
3 items

Contents Note:
  • Description of Poe
  • Note on John Henry Ingram's mistakes in his biography of Poe
  • Another note on Ingram's mistakes with an envelope also bearing notes by Whitman


 undated
Box 1, Folder 23 Notes: Miscellaneous
4 items

Contents Note:
  • Opinion of Mrs. Charles Willing
  • On the "Mona Lisa"
  • Signature of S.H. Whitman
  • May of Providence (?)


 undated

Series 4. Legal documents, 1828-1878
Box 1

Container Description Date
Box 1, Folder 24 Will of Sarah Helen Whitman
Contents Note: Handwritten signed manuscript.

 1878 Jul 23
Box 1, Folder 25 Marriage Certificate with envelope
 1828 Jul 10

Series 5. Genealogical information, undated
Box 1

Container Description Date
Box 1, Folder 26 Journal (excerpt): Rebecca Tillinghast
Contents Note: Copied by Charlotte Field Dailey or Maud Dailey Chace. Cover in the hand of Whitman.

 undated
Box 1, Folder 27 Printed Family Tree of S.H. (Power) Whitman
 undated
Box 1, Folder 28 Miscellaneous genealogical date (possibly in the hand of Whitman)
6 items

Contents Note:
  • a.) Power Family history in Rhode Island, 1657-1878.
  • b.) Power Family, 1824-1878.
  • c.) Notes reiterating the previous letter "b."
  • d.) notes from 1798 tax list in Providence.
  • e.) Nicholas Power since 1734.
  • f.) Family history as seen by Whitman.
(See also: Whitman letter to and from James Savage.)

undated

Series 6. Correspondence from Sarah Helen Whitman, 1845-1878
Boxes 1-2
Arranged alphabetically by recipient.

Container Description Date
Box 1, Folder 29 Blanche
Contents Note: Re: Handwritten signed draft giving Whitman's advice on speaking to people.

 1878 Jan 16
Box 1, Folder 30 Botta, Anne Lynch
Contents Note: Handwritten signed draft speaking of Emerson, Cromwell, Caleb Fiske Harris, and Byron. See also: Botta Collection and Botta letters to Whitman.

 1873 Jan 27
Box 1, Folder 31 Brown, William Hand
Contents Note: Handwritten signed draft discusses John Ingram and the favorable reviews of his Poe memoir in the Southern review.

 undated
Box 1, Folder 32 Bugbee, Miss
Contents Note: Handwritten signed letter mentions Mrs. M. Macready.

 Nov 6
Box 1, Folder 33 Burgess, Eleanora
Contents Note: Handwritten signed letter mentions Thomas Dorr and sends Providence news.

 1845 Jul 3
Box 1, Folder 34 Burleigh, George
2 items

Contents Note: Handwritten signed letter and postcard regarding general news.

 1877 Jan 9, May 14
Box 1, Folder 35-36 Burleigh, Ruth
11 items

Contents Note: Handwritten signed drafts speak of mutual friends such as William O'Connor and discuss Providence news.

 1870-1875
Box 1, Folder 37 Chace, Henry R.
Contents Note: Handwritten signed letter asks him to bring Whitman some books from Paris.

 1878 Apr 14
Box 1, Folder 38 Channing, William Ellery
Contents Note: Handwritten signed draft talks of Whitman's and Chace's friendship.

 after 1858
Box 1, Folder 39 Daily, Charlotte Field
2 items

Contents Note: In handwritten draft and letter, Whitman tells of meeting John Greenleaf Whittier and of her talks with Ida Russell.

 1860 Dec 9,1865 Apr 12
Box 1, Folder 40-41 Davidson, J.W. (Poe biographer)
6 items

Contents Note: Writes in response to his queries concerning Poe. Gives information of the origin of "Annabel Lee" and discusses Anna Blackwell.

 1858-1878
Box 1, Folder 42 Eveleth, George
Contents Note: Handwritten draft speaks of Whitman's acquaintances with Poe's many biographers.

 undated
Box 1-2, Folder 43-54 Freeman, Julia Deane (pen name: Mary Forest)
62 items

Contents Note: All letters and drafts are handwritten and many are signed by Whitman.

In six undated letters an five fragments (folder 43), Whitman speaks of William O'Connor and of her dislike of Mrs. Howe's recent book; in five letters, Whitman writes about her (folder 44) own poetry, Emerson, Europe, Frances Osgood, and Rufus Griswold; in five letters (folder 45) Whitman mentions the Brontes, Mrs. Gaskill, Octavia Levert, the portraits of Frances Sargent Osgood and Poe, Dr. Curtis' suicide, William O'Connor, Mrs. Ritchie and her meeting with Horace Day and Sara Gould Day, and also her own small Providence Literary Circle, the "phalanstery"; in five letters (folder 46), Whitman discusses spiritualism, the anagram for Sarah Helen Power and the poems of Mary Forest; in five letters (folder 47), Whitman speaks of a Poe poem possessed by Frances Osgood which she (Osgood) refuses to publish, mentions death, and praises Mary Forest's "Prosperine," later mentioning the "phalanstery's" favorable response to this poem. Includes a manuscript of a poem "to her who sends flowers on my birthday..." by Whitman to Sarah Sprague Jacobs and also sends a detailed anagram of her name; in five letters (folder 49), Whitman speaks of her book "Poe and His Critics" as an answer to Griswold's defamation of Poe, mentions her "phalanstery"; in five letters (folder 50), she discusses the transcendentalists, the difference between morality and propiety, Sarah Gould and Horace Day and the sad death of her cousin Rebecca Blodgett; favours subjection (folder 51) in marriage, and ponders the practice of widows' throwing themselves on their husbands' funeral pyres. Mentions friends, O'Connor and some minor poets; in five letters (folder 52), Whitman speaks of the growing number of Poe biographers, Elizabeth Wayland's death, her pleasure in reading Hawthorne's new book, spiritualism, and O'Connor's book which will soon be published: "Trumps"; in five letters (folder 53), she reminisces about Julia's visit to Providence; in six letters (folder 54), Whitman notes the difference the Spirit and the heart, mentions O'Connor, Davidson, and Ida Greeley in connection with Spiritualism. Praises "Dead Sea" by Forest and passes on Margaret Fuller's praise of Forest's book. Also notes that Sarah Gould's book has just been published.

 1856-1863
Box 2, Folder 55-60 Gill, Wiliam Fearing
6 folders

Contents Note: Handwritten signed drafts.

In five letters (folder 55), including two fragments, one evelope and a clipping fromt he Sunday "Herald" tearing apart Gill's biography of Poe. Manuscript of "Tell Him I lingered..." also included. Sents notes on Poe and his friends and names other biographers:Griswold, Ingram, Stoddard, and Curtis; in five letters (folder 56), two in the hand of Charlotte Field Dailey, Whitman showers her displeasure at Griswold's treatment of Poe and sends notes on Poe's life; in six letters (folder 57), Whitman sends Poe notes and news of other biographers; in six letters (folder 58), Whitman tells Gill of his mistakes in the Poe biography and shows her agititation about his sending the manuscript too late for the proper corrections to be made. She also says that she dislikes his criticism of Ingram and refuses to send to him an engraving of a certain Poe portrait; in five letters (folder 59), Whitman claims that Gill's theory of the "Raven" is wrong. in the letter copied by C.F. Dailey, Whitman states that the use of a biography is to bring ideas to the mind and not to record unpleasant details; in five letters (folder 60), Whitman speaks of Griswold and passes on more evidence of Poe's life.

1872-1877
Box 2, Folder 61 Griswold, Rufus
Contents Note: In handwritten draft, Whitman discusses Griswold's edition of "Female Poets" and her addition to it.

 18-- Jun 29
Box 2, Folder 62 Harris, Caleb Fiske
Contents Note: In two handwritten signed letters, Whitman mentions various Poe biographers and praises Harris's wife.

 18-- Mar 28,18-- Jun 29
Box 2, Folder 63 Holton, Mr.
Contents Note: In one handwritten draft (with copy by C.F. Dailey with notes), Whitman describes her husband, his family and their brief marriage.

 1872 Jun 13
Box 2, Folder 64 Houghton, Marie L.
Contents Note: In one handwritten draft, Whitman discusses Poe's death, Mrs. Clemm and the whereabouts of Mrs. Lewis.

undated
Box 2, Folder 65-79 Ingram, John Henry
71 items

Contents Note: Almost all unsigned handwritten drafts.

In four undated fragments, including the sonnet "What excellence inspires they tongue...", Whitman lists people with knowledge of Poe and talks of her own writings (folder 65); in four undated fragments (folder 66), Whitman discusses Mrs. Ellet and Poe, Mrs. Houghton, Stoddard and his publisher Widdleton, Poe's death and finally Poe's relationship with Mrs. Osgood; in five undated fragments (folder 67), Whitman expresses her strain due to the animosity between Poe's biographers. Gives her view of the meaning of the "Raven" and tells of the possible resemblance between her ancestry and that of Poe; in five undated fragments (folder 68), Whitman discusses Poe's death and the writing style of his letters. Speaks of people trying to interfere in Poe's love life and his liking for Anna Blackwell and Mrs. Osgood; in four undated fragments (folder 69), Whitman tells of Gill, mentions spiritualism, and speaks at length on Poe's poetry and a picture which was taken of him in Providence; in six undated fragments (folder 70), Whitman discusses her engagementwith Poe and the rupture and quotes an inaccurate account of the break-up. Mentions a few of Poe's friends; in six letter fragments (folder 71), Whitman gives information about Mrs. Osgood, Poe's death, and the origin of "Annabel Lee." A list of letters recieved from Ingram is also here. Gives support for his memoir of Poe, mentions Anna Blackwell's death and the first poem Whitman recieved from Poe; photocopy of a 13 January 1874 letter (fd 72) with location of the original unknown; in five letters (folder 73), including a partial draft of the previously described photocopy, Whitman reflects on Poe's life and his critics, and also believes that "Isadore" was not written by Poe. Mentions Margaret Fuller, Mrs. Ellet, Mrs. Botta, Griswold and Gill; in six letter (folder 74), Whitman discusses Poe's European trips. Mentions the progress of other biographies and states Poe's negative view of second marriages and remarks about his sensitive nature; in six letter (folder 75), Whitman mentions a possible mail theft, gives Poe's opinion of Whitman's portrait, goes over the engagement again and states that "Stanzas for Music" was her response to Poe's later entreaties; in six letters (folder 76), Whitman asks for the story of Ingram's life. Acknowledges both announcement and receipt of Ingram's book; in six letters (folder 77), Whitman discusses the whereabouts of Poe's letters, Mrs. Clemm, and the rising popularity of Poe in America; in six letters (folder 78), Whitman tells of her relationship with Poe and relates a recent spiritual incident involving Horace Greeley's daughters. Claims the article on Poe by Mrs. E.O. Smith is well documented and that Gill has acquired mistaken information about Poe; Whitman gives (folder 79) a bad opinion of Didier's memoir of Poe, tells of Poe's parent's death in a fire, discusses her letters from Stéphane Mallarmé, , and reports that Gill's book is soon to be published and states that all her information about Anna Blackwell and Poe is from Anna herself. Expresses anger over Ingram's attack of her in a recent London paper.

1874-1877
Box 2, Folder 80 Latto, Thomas C.
Contents Note: In three handwritten fragments of drafts, Whitman praises Latto's poems and his recent article about Poe which clears up previous inaccuracies. Discusses Poe's letters to her and their use by his biographers.

1874-1877
Box 2, Folder 81 Mallarmé, Stéphane
Contents Note: In five handwritten drafts (two of which are signed), Whitman thanks him for his praise of Poe, and also praising his "Corbeau" and other translations from Poe.

 1876-1877
Box 2, Folder 82 Moulton, Louise Chandler
Contents Note: In three handwritten drafts, Whitman speaks of Stoddard's biography of Poe and recent article by this author also regarding Poe. Praises Moulton's poem "Cupid Dead."

 1872
Box 2, Folder 83 O'Connor, William
 1876 Mar 20-1876 Dec 11
Box 2, Folder 84 Owen, Mr.
Contents Note: Whitman speaks of her translations and discusses "humble" people in 2 handwritten letters.

 18-- Sep 23-1877 Oct 8
Box 2, Folder 84 Power, Anna Marsh (Sarah Helen Whitman's mother)
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Whitman describes Bath and her activities with friends.

 1857 Jun 13
Box 2, Folder 86 Russel, Ida
Contents Note: In a handwritten letter, Whitman thanks Russel for her poem and discusses Hegelian philosophy. Mentions Poe's interest in Elizabeth Barrett. Says that the influence of great writers takes time to be felt and measured correctly.

 1846 Jan 7
Box 2, Folder 87 Sargent, Epes
Contents Note: In two handwritten drafts (one signed), Whitman discusses spiritualism and mentions George William Curtis.

 1876 Jul 31-1876 Nov 1
Box 2, Folder 88 Savage, James
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Whitman related the Power ancestry.

 1862 Jul 13
Box 2, Folder 89 Shirley,
Contents Note: In a handwritten draft, Whitman thanks her for a book.

 18--
Box 2, Folder 90 Simons, David
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Whitman discusses Simon's publishing of "Sleeping Beauty" and "Cinderella" by Whitman.

 1873 Aug 2
Box 2, Folder 91 Smith, Mrs. E. O.
Contents Note: In one handwritten draft, Whitman sends a poem in response to Mrs. Smith's request for a picture.

 undated
Box 2, Folder 92 Stoddard, Richard Henry
Contents Note: In three handwritten drafts, Whitman gives her negative view of Griswold's memoir of Poe. Sends him information concerning Poe's lady friends: Anna Blackwell, Mrs. Shelton and Maria McIntosh.

 18-- Sep 30, undated
Box 2, Folder 93 Tillinghast, Rebecca (Sarah Helen Whitman's aunt)
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Whitman discusses the Power estate.

 1860 Jun
Box 2, Folder 94 Whitmore, Mrs. Harriet B.
Contents Note: In a handwritten letter, Whitman thanks her for a sketch and speaks of the music for "Autumn Song."

 1878 Feb 9
Box 2, Folder 95 Williams
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Whitman thanks him for settling a dispute between two critics.

 undated
Box 2, Folder 96 Wilson, Henry
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Whitman says that she likes his music for "Autumn Song."

 1877 Nov 9
Box 2, Folder 97 Miscellaneous fragments
7 items

Contents Note: Fragments concerning Poe, their broken engagement, and other details. Fragment dated 18 April 1874 is to a biographer. The typed letter records their courtship and possible parallel ancestry.

 undated

Series 7. Correspondence to Sarah Helen Whitman, 1841-1878
Boxes 2-5

Container Description Date
Box 2, Folder 98 Alcott, Amos Bronson
Contents Note: In an autograph signed letter, Alcott asks for Whtiman's cooperation in presenting Ellery Channing's readings in Providence (written on a printed program).

 1852 Feb 4
Box 2, Folder 99 Bailey, William Whitman
Contents Note: In six handwritten signed letters, Bailey discusses his poetry and efforts to publish it, spiritualism and college life. Mentions John Hay, Horace Greeley, and George W. Curtis.

 1872 Jan-1876
Box 2, Folder 100 Blackwell, Anna
Contents Note: In five handwritten signed letters, Blackwell regrets having missed a call by Whitman and Poe, discusses Poe, England and the probability of a European war.

 1848-1849
Box 3, Folder 101-102 Botta, Anne Charlotte (Lynch)
2 folders

Contents Note: In thirteen handwritten signed letters (folder 101), Botta speaks of her (Anne Lynch's) efforts to publish some of Sarah Helen Whitman's poetry in "Democratic Review," "American Review," "Columbian Magazine" and "Union Magazine." Discusses Frances Sargent Osgood, Poe, Margaret Fuller and other guests of Lynch; in two handwriten signed letters, Botta discusses her parties, Whitman's poetry and a fairy tale by Whtiman also. Introduces Vibert and Schloss of the International Art Union of N.Y.

 1845-1873
Box 3, Folder 103 Brittan, Samuel Byron
Contents Note: Brittan discusses Whitman's poetry and spiritualism. Asks her to contribute to a new paper on spiritualism.

 1852 Apr 18
Box 3, Folder 104 Brockmeyer, Henry C.
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Brockmeyer sends news and asks for a return letter.

 1863 Oct 21
Box 3, Folder 105 Brown, Charles
Contents Note: In a handwritten letter, Brown asks Whitman to dinner and encloses Samuel Eastman's calling card.

 18-- Apr 3
Box 3, Folder 106 Brownson, Orestes Augustus
Contents Note: Brownson views death, Boethe, and Anne Lynch (later Botta).

 1841 Jan 23
Box 3, Folder 107 Burdge, Franklin
Contents Note: Burdge sends a pamphlet fo the last Theta Delta Chi meeting (lost) and mentions John Hay and the education of Women.

 before 1863, 1873 Nov 3
Box 3, Folder 108 Burgess, Eleanor Burrill
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Burgess expresses her symphathy over the death of Anna Power (Sarah Helen Whitman's mother).

 after 1856
Box 3, Folder 109 Bush, George
Contents Note: In four handwritten signed letters, Bush discusses spiritualism and Mrs. Whitman's neglect of God in her philosophy. Speaks of such leading spiritualists as Stilling, Prof. Tappen Swedenborg. With marginal notes by Whitman.

 1841-1847
Box 3, Folder 109a Bush, George
Contents Note: Typescript copies of originals described above (f109).

 1841-1847
Box 3, Folder 110 Channing, William Ellery
Contents Note: In five handwritten signed letters, Channing talks of showing Mr. William O'Connor's poem to Emerson. Speaks of his own preaching and reading from his works, recommends books and discusses his support of the "free social candidates." Mentions Carlyle, Tennyson, Lowell, Browning and Greeley.

 1852-1853
Box 3, Folder 111 Channing, William Francis
Contents Note: In a handwritten letter, Channing discusses pantheism.

 1877 Oct 11
Box 3, Folder 112-114 Clemm, Maria (Poe's mother-in-law)
3 folders

Contents Note: In three handwritten letters (with eight copies), Clemm discusses Poe, selling his books and Rufus Griswold (with copy of letter from Whitman to Poe in the hand of Charlotte Field Dailey). Also includes (fds. 113-114) typed copies of letters (1851-1862) which are housed in the Lilly Collection in Indiana.

 1849-1861
Box 3, Folder 115 Churchhill, Elizabeth K.
Contents Note: In one handwritten signed letter, Churchill analyses one of Whitman's poems (first line: "I love to wander thorugh the woodlands hoary") with enclosure.

 1876 Nov 21
Box 3, Folder 116 Collyer, Robert
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, collyer mentions Poe and William Pabodie, and discusses spiritualism.

 1872 Oct 30
Box 3, Folder 117 Cowing, Fanny
Contents Note: In a handwritten letter, Cowing discusses Poe [?].

 18-- Mar 6
Box 3, Folder 118-123 Curtis, George William
6

Contents Note: In seven handwritten signed letters (folder 118), Curtis discusses poems, life, death and Keats. Poem enclosed: "The Picture by Malbone." Four handwritten poems (folder 119): "An Autumn Day," "Death," "Autumn Song," and "Jane Grey." These poems were originally sent letters, but later separated. Nine handwritten signed letters (folder 120) discussing Poe, Napoleon and his travels. In seven handwritten signed letters (folder 121), Curtis talkes of his book, Horace Greeley, comments against Griswold's opinion of Poe and encloses a poem, "Farewell." In seven handwritten signed letters (folder 122), Curtis speaks of poetry and poets. In six handwritten signed letters (folder 123), Curtis announces the publishing of "Trumps" and speaks of William O'Connor.

 1845-1866
Box 3, Folder 124 Dailey, Charlotte Field (Whitman's literary executor)
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Dailey comments on travel. To "My dear Don Isle."

 undated
Box 3, Folder 125 Davidson, James Wood
Contents Note: In four handwritten signed letters to Whitman, Davidson discusses travel and death. Also enclosed is a translation of Sappho by Davidson and a handwritten signed letter by Davidson to Sarah Sigourney Rice.

 1858-1859
Box 3, Folder 126 Day, Horace H.
Contents Note: In seven handwritten signed letters, Day gives news of himself and Sarah Gould, his wife, and discusses spiritualism.

 1856-1876
Box 3, Folder 127 Day, Kate A.
Contents Note: In two handwritten signed letters, Day talks of family matters and syas that Sarah Gould has finished her book.

 Feb 18
Box 3, Folder 128 Day, Sarah Gould
Contents Note: In nine handwritten signed letters, Day discusses spiritualism, social events and family. Note by Horace H. Day in one of the letters.

 1854-1858
Box 1, Folder 129 Degraw, James I
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Degraw informs Whitman that her fairy talke "Sleeping Beauty" will appear in the August 1846 "Union Magazine."

 1846 Jun 6
Box 3, Folder 130-131 Dwight, Camiel Lyman
2 folders

Contents Note: In three handwritten signed letters, Dwight speaks of his studies of Poe and Whitman's scrapbooks. Also, "After Bull Run," a poem by Dwight, is affixed to a copy of Whitman's poem "After the Flight at Manassas" on which Sarah Helen Whitman has made corrections.

 1874
Box 3, Folder 132 Eveleth, George W.
Contents Note: In four handwritten signed letters, Eveleth discusses Sen. Sprague, praises Whitman's "Venus of Milo," and spiritualism (asks if Whitman is in touch with Poe's spirit). In a postcard to Anna Power, Whitman's sister, Eveleth expresses symphathy over Sarah Helen Whitman's death, while it was really Anna who has died.

 undated
Box 3, Folder 133-134 Freeman, Julia Deane
2 folders

Contents Note: In 17 handwritten signed letters and one note, freeman discusses personal matters dealing with mutual friends (Cora Ritchie, Anne Botta, and Octavio Levert). Discusses poetry. Also enclosed is a poem by Freeman.

 1856-1860
Box 3, Folder 135 Furness, William Henry
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Furness discusses an article which Whitman wishes to publish and one which has just appeared in the "Democratic Review."

 1845 May 18
Box 3, Folder 136-137 Gill, William Fearing
Contents Note: In nine handwritten signed letters (two with envelopes), and three handwritten signed postcards, Gill comments on the biography of Poe which he is writing and the biography which John Ingram is planning to write.

 1873-1877
Box 3, Folder 138 Greeley, Horace
Contents Note: In six handwritten signed letters (and two copies), Greeley discusses mainly spiritualism.

 1851-1853
Box 3, Folder 139 Greenough, Louise I.
Contents Note: In seven handwritten signed letters, Greenough discusses spiritualism.

 1853
Box 3, Folder 140 Hale, Sarah Josepha
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Hale wishes Whitman to contribute to her "Ladies Magazine." (See also Harris Collection: Hale, Sarah J., 21 May 1828; letter to John Winslow Whitman [Sarah Helen Whitman's husband]).

 1837
Box 3, Folder 141 Harris, Caleb Fiske
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Harris plans to discuss Poe's unjust critics at their next meeting.

 1847
Box 2, Folder 142-143 Hazard, E.H.
2 folders

Contents Note: In sixteen handwritten signed letters, Hazard priases Whitman's writing and describes his meeting with Walt Whitman.

 1868-1878
Box 3, Folder 145 Hewitt, Mary Elizabeth
Contents Note: In an undated handwritten letter (written after publication of her first book), Hewitt refers to "Poe and His Critics" by Whitman and gives news of Maria Clemm. Typed copy of a letter from Whitman to Hewitt here also.

 undated
Box 3, Folder 146 Houghton, Marie L.
Contents Note: In two handwritten signed letters, Houghton t alks of her relationship with Poe and her life since then. Also here are copies of letters [from unidentified] denouncing some of Poe's critics.

 after 1865
Box 3-4, Folder 147-161 Ingram, John Henry
Contents Note: 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
Box 4, Folder 162 Jacobs, Sarah Sprague
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Jacobs renews her friendship with Whitman.

 1876 Aug 7
Box 4, Folder 163 Jones, Albert
Contents Note: In four handwritten signed letters, Jones reminisces of Providence and invites her to Italy. Also there is one letter from Jones to T.R. Parsons concerning an article by Biundi which Whtiman translated into English for Parsons.

 1869-1874
Box 4, Folder 164 Kirkpatrick, Terence
Contents Note: Personal letter to Whitman with family news.

 18-- Nov 4
Box 4, Folder 165-167 Latto, Thomas C.
Contents Note: In seven handwritten and signed letters (folder 165), Latto speaks of Whtiman's prose, Anna Power, his son's death and Rufus Griswold's book of French poets. Also contains a poem by Latto, "A Neibor's Bairn," with notes by Whitman. In seven handwritten and signed letters, and one clipping of the poem by Latto of her portrait (folder 166), Latto includes a poem by his deceased son Alexander, and also there are two of Latto's sonnets. Discusses Poe, Ingram and female poets. The following (folder 167) are inserts contained in letters from Lattow, but separated: poems: "To Lalaze," "Now shall times all devouring sea..." (with notes by Whitman), four copies of the newspaper printing of "Your Portrait," "The Starved Mavis," and "Dissolving Views"; newspaper clippings: "Abelard and Heloise," "Youth of Shakespeare," "Communications," and "Tannahill" (the last three having unidentified corrections); two envelopes: one Latto to Whitman and one used by Whitman to stor her letters from Latto.

 1870-1878
Box 4, Folder 168 Leavitt, Edward C.
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Leavitt speaks of family news and encloses two poems: "The Tide is Ebbing" and "The shadow of night droops..."

 undated
Box 4, Folder 169 Levert, Octavia
Contents Note: In four handwritten signed letters, Levert discusses "Poe and His Critics" and the unveiling of a statue of Henry Clay.

 1860 May 5-1860 Dec 6
Box 4, Folder 170 Locke, Martha Josephine (sister of Frances S. Osgood)
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Lock wants Whitman to call, with an explanatory note by a previous cataloguer.

 undated
Box 4, Folder 171 Long, Annie B.
Contents Note: Long talks of family news with clipping of the obituary of James M. Long. Discusses her slave who Annie believes would stay with the family if she were given her freedom.

 1858 Jan 5
Box 4, Folder 172 Long, James Marsh
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Long answers her letter to his father who is on a lecture tour. Family news.

 1877? Oct 7
Box 4, Folder 173 Long, John S.
Contents Note: In five handwritten signed letters, Long discusses his feeling for absent friends, Mr. Pabodie, and whishes to review her book (1858). Sends news of Annie who has gone mad and asks about Whitman's genealogy. Finally asks her if she will give a message to his dead son James when she reaches paradise.

 1853-1878
Box 4, Folder 174 McIntosh, Maria Jane
Contents Note: In two handwritten signed letters and one photocopy of another includes one poem: "And canst thou long from earth's..." and discusses Emerson. Letter of introduction for Poe.

 1844, 1848
Box 4, Folder 175 Macready, M.
Contents Note: In five handwritten signed letters and one broadside of a poetry reading by Macready, Macready mentions Horace Day, Mrs. Clemm and Mrs. Lewis. Transacts some business.

 ca. 1854
Box 4, Folder 176-178 Mallarmé, Stéphane
Contents Note: In two translations of letters by Whitman (whereabouts of originals unknown) (folder 176), Mallarmé and M. Manet are sending her a copy of "Le Corbeau," and speak of translating those poems into French which Baudelaire missed. Says that Poe was a genius. In two handwritten signed letters with translations by Whitman, Mallarmé talks of Poe's influence on him. In three handwritten signed letters (folder 178), Mallarmé discusses his translations of Poe and Manet's illustrations for the "Raven." Speaks of his works on the Poe translations slowing down and asks Whitman to try to find a job for him as a correspondent for an American newspaper.

 1876-1877
Box 4, Folder 179 Marsh, William T.
Contents Note: In two handwritten signed letters, Marsh says that a visit to the deep South would change Whitman's views towards that "peculiar institution (1851)," and discusses attitudes toward the North by his colleagues in the North Carolina legislature.

 1851, 1861
Box 4, Folder 179 Mathewson, John
Contents Note: One handwritten signed letter to Don Jon. In a handwritten signed letter to Whitman, Mathewson discusses Susan Anna Power's poetry and announces his marriage.

 1868, 1870
Box 4, Folder 181-184 Moulton, Louise Chandler
Contents Note: In six handwritten signed letters (folder 181), Moulton discusses spiritualism, astrology and her own stories. In five handwritten signed letters including a poem by Moulton to Whitman in the hand of [C.F. Dailey?] (folder 182), Moulton discusses her own writings, Mrs. Locke and Mrs. Osgood in connection with an article of Poe that she is writing. In six handwritten signed letters (folder 183), Moulton thanks Whitman for introducing one of her poems in Whitman's Providence literary circle, and asks if she will read other poems. Also asks about spiritualism and mentions O'Connor and Stoddard. In five handwritten signed letters (folder 184), Moulton discusses spiritualism and exchanging poetry with Whitman. In a letter to the executors of Whitman's estate, Moulton shows her willingness to aid them in their publication of Whitman's works.

1855-1875
Box 4, Folder 185 O'Connor, William Douglas
Contents Note: In two handwritten signed letters and two postcards (also two fragments), O'Connor discusses books and attacks criticism of Poe's poem "Venus of Milo." Mentions Ingram's memoir of Poe, comments on Walt Whitman and womens' fashions.

 1861-1876
Box 4, Folder 186-187 Osgood, Frances Sargent
Contents Note: In one handwritten signed letter and one extract from a letter on Poe (folder 186), Osgood discusses poetry by female writers. Valentine and handwritten signed poem (2 copies) to Whitman, and also a picture of Osgood (folder 187).

 1845-1876
Box 4, Folder 188 Poe, Edgar Allan
Contents Note: Two photocopies of a Poe letter to Whitman (1848 Dec 17): Poe speaks of their next meeting which "must be delayed." Also two copies of a probable copy of a letter to Whitman from Poe (possibly in response to their broken engagement). One envelope in Poe's hand. Original of first letter in the Lilly Collection.

 1848
Box 4, Folder 189 Posey, Benjamin Lane
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Posey discusses his ancestry, recent criticism, Southern secession and predicts the future.

 1860 Dec 23
Box 4, Folder 190 Ramsdell, L.S.
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Ramsdell relates personal news of self and of Sarah Gould Day and tells of the latest fashions.

 1858 Feb 14
Box 5, Folder 191 Rice, Sarah Sigourney
Contents Note: In handwritten signed letter, Rice discusses Poe and asks for a memento.

 1878 Apr 2
Box 5, Folder 192 Ritchie, Anna Cora Mowatt
Contents Note: In four handwritten signed letters, Ritchie discusses spiritualism and the writings of Whitman. See also: J. R. Thompson's account of Poe as given to Mrs. Anna Cora Ritchie and by her relative to Mrs. [Julia D.] Freeman (Ms.30.78, HA1459) concerning Poe's relationship with Mrs. (Royster) Shelton.

 1842-1851
Box 5, Folder 193 Russell, Ida
Contents Note: In three handwritten signed letters (and one sigend poem: "Lines on receiving an accidental visit..."), Russell reflects on Whittier, Bryant, Thomas Dorr and states her opposition to hanging. Notes her reading of Whtiman's article in the "Democratic Review."

 undated
Box 5, Folder 194 Sargent, Epes
Contents Note: In four handwritten signed letters, Sargent discusses spiritualism and its critics as George W. Curtis. Attacks Emerson's views on immortality.

 1876 Mar 21-1876 Oct 6
Box 5, Folder 195 Savage, James
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Savage discusses the genealogy of the Power family. See also: James Savage letter to Hiram Fuller (Ms.15.191, HA1430) dated February 20 18--? concerning his opinion of "Poe and His Critics."

 1862 Oct 28
Box 5, Folder 196 Simons, Michael Laird
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter and a form letter also, Simons speaks about an article by Whitman which he is printing.

 1873 Oct 28
Box 5, Folder 197 Tappen, William Bingham
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Tappen discusses spiritualism, and has written to Bush to transmit to Whitman as a reply to her criticism which was also sent through Bush.

 1841 Oct 7
Box 5, Folder 198-199 Tillinghast, Rebecca Power Staples (Whitman's aunt)
Contents Note: In nine handwritten signed letters, Tillinghast describes her thoughts of Whitman, comments on Emerson, Thackenay and spiritualism. Sends her sympathy over the death of Whtiman's mother.

 1857-1858
Box 5, Folder 200-201 Updike, Wilkins
Contents Note: In nine handwritten signed letters, Updike comments on mutual acquaintances, invites Whitman to Kingston, and expresses his hopes that she will marry him.

 1845-1853
Box 5, Folder 202 Vaughan, Henry
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Vaughan discusses Whitman's poetry, the letter being attached to one hanwritten poem by Whitman.

 undated
Box 5, Folder 203 Wait, William
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Wait discusses spiritualism.

 1853 Jan 13
Box 5, Folder 204 Warner, Anna Marsh Bartlett
Contents Note: In three handwritten signed letters, Warner tells Whitman to methodise her time and to study the Bible and not to waste her time reading poetry and novels.

 undated, 1817
Box 5, Folder 205 Warner, Susan Bogert (Whitman's cousin)
Contents Note: In three handwritten signed letters, Warner talks of book, asks about the spiritual condition of their grandmother during her last days. Invites Whitman to visit and tells of a celebration after the election of President Harrison.

 1841-1845
Box 5, Folder 206 Watts, Mary R. Dailey
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Watts asks for a picture of Whitman and discusses personal matters.

 undated
Box 5, Folder 207 Wayland, M. Elizabeth Blodgett
Contents Note: In two handwritten signed letters, Wayland discusses book, religion, and friends.

 undated
Box 5, Folder 208 Whitman, James Hawley
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Whitman's brother-in-law invites her to visit in the summer.

 1866 Apr 15
Box 5, Folder 209 Whitman, John Winslow (S.H.W.' husband)
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, asks S.H.W.'s forgiveness for beign expelled from Brown. (With commentary by C.F. Dailey).

 1817
Box 5, Folder 210 Whitmore, Harriet B.
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Whitmore asks Whitman if she would write something in memory of the late Henry Wilson.

 1878 Feb 4
Box 5, Folder 211 Wilson, Henry
Contents Note: In a handwritten signed letter, Wilson expresses his appreciation for her poem "Autumn" and sends some music to accompany it.

 1877 Nov 12
Box 5, Folder 212 Unknown
Contents Note: Personal letters from unknown authors renewing their acquintances with Whitman.

 1866,1878
Box 5, Folder 213 Unknown
Contents Note: Valentine poem to Whitman from Phalanstery.

 undated
Box 5, Folder 214 Five envelopes with notes by Whitman
 undated
Box 5, Folder 215 Folder of looseleaf copies
Contents Note: Looseleaf folder of letters to Whitman about Poe that are not in the John Hay Library. Whereabouts of the originals of these items is not known.

 undated