Letter: Edgar Allan Poe to Mrs. William Clemm [Maria Clemm] and her daughter Virginia, August 29, [1835], copied by V. C. [Virginia Clemm] Poe

              Aug: 29th [1835]

My dearest Aunty,

I am blinded with tears while writing this letter. I have no wish to live another hour. Amid sorrow, and the deepest anxiety your letter reached - and you well know how little I am able to bear up under the pressure of grief. My bitterest enemy would pity me could he now read my heart. My last my last my only hold on life is cruelly torn away. I have no desire to live and will not. But let my duty be done. I love, you know I love Virginia passionately devotedly. I cannot express in words the fervent devotion I feel towards my dear little cousin - my own darling. But what can I say. Oh think for me for I am incapable of thinking. All my thoughts are occupied with the supposition that both you and she will prefer to go with N. Poe; I do sincerely believe that your comforts will for the present be secured - I cannot speak as regards your peace - your happiness. You have both tender hearts, and you will always have the reflection that my agony is more than I can bear - that you have driven me to the grave - for love like mine can never be gotten over. It is useless to disguise the truth that when Virginia goes with N. P. that I shall never behold her again - that is absolutely sure. Pity me, my dear Aunty, pity me. I have no one now to fly to. I am among