Cambridge Sept. 28
                 1850

Sir,
I think you must be mistaken in saying that I “showed you a series of papers” in reference to “The Haunted Palace” and “The Beleaguered City”; for I do not remember that I even had any in the “Southern Literary Messenger”, November 1839. I sent it to Mr. White, the Editor of that work, who had solicited a contribution from me. I do not believe Mr. Poe even saw it till it was published; for he was not then, I think, connected with the Messenger, and could not hence had this manuscript in his hands, for Mr. White did not, publicly, receive it thence the first of October; and it is the first entry (?) in the November Vo. of the Messenger.
    “The Beleaguered City” is founded on an old tradition, which you will find mentioned somewhere in the Notes of Scott’s “Minstrelsy” out of it. I detest (?) all controversy and violent discussion; and never have taken part in any, and never intend to do so.

I remain Your Abl. Sert.
Henry W. Longfellow.