Letter: Edgar Allan Poe to Maria Clemm, September 18, 1849, copy probably made by Maria Clemm

              Richmond Va
Tuesday--Sep 18--49.

My own darling Muddy,

On arriving here last night from Norfolk I received both your letters, including Mrs Lewis's. I cannot tell you the joy they gave me--to learn at least that you are well and hopeful. May God forever bless you, my dear dear Muddy--Elmira has just got home from the country. I spent last evening with her. I think she loves me more devotedly than any one I ever knew and I cannot help loving her in return. Nothing is as yet definitely settled--and it will not do to hurry matters. I lectured at Norfolk on Monday and cleared enough to settle my bill here at the Madison House with $2. over. I had a highly fashionable audience, but Norfolk is a small place and there were 2 exhibitions the same night. Next Monday I lecture again here and expect to have a large audience. On Tuesday I start for Phila to attend to Mrs Loud's Poems--and possibly on Thursday I may start for N. York. If I do I will go straight over to Mrs Lewis's and send for you. It will be better for me not to go to Fordham--don't you think so? Write immediately in reply and direct to Phila. For fear I should not get the letter sign no name and address it to E. S. T. Grey Esqre[.] If possible I will get married before I start--but there is no telling. Give my dearest love to Mrs L. My poor poor