“I am sorry to see you in such plight as your letter shows you in.  It is strange that just at this time, when everybody is praising you, and when fortune is beginning to smile upon your hitherto wretched circumstances, you should be invaded by those blue devils.  It belongs, however, to your age and temper to be thus buffeted—­but be assured, it only wants a little resolution to master the adversary forever.  You will doubtless do well henceforth in literature, and add to your comforts as well as to your reputation, which it gives me great pleasure to assure you is everywhere rising in popular esteem.”

But he could not bear his good fortune.  On receiving a month’s salary he gave himself up to habits which only necessity had restrained at Baltimore.  For a week he was in a condition of brutish drunkenness, and Mr. White dismissed him.  When he became sober, however, he had no recourse but in reconciliation, and he wrote letters and induced acquaintances to call upon Mr. White with professions of repentance and promises of reformation.  With his usual considerate and judicious kindness that gentleman answered him: 

“My dear Edgar:  I cannot address you in such language as this occasion and my feelings demand:  I must be content to speak to you in my plain way.  That you are sincere in all your promises I firmly believe.  But when you once again tread these streets, I have my fears that your resolutions will fail, and that you will again drink till your senses are lost.  If you rely on your strength you are gone.  Unless you look to your Maker for help you will not be safe.  How much I regretted parting from you is known to Him only and myself.  I had become attached to you; I am still; and I would willingly say return, did not a knowledge of your past life make me dread a speedy renewal of our separation.  If you would make yourself contented with quarters in my house, or with any other private family, where liquor is not used, I should think there was some hope for you.  But, if you go to a tavern, or to any place where it is used at table, you are not safe.  You have fine talents, Edgar, and you ought to have them respected, as well as yourself.  Learn to respect yourself, and you will soon find that you are respected.  Separate yourself from the bottle, and from bottle companions, forever.  Tell me if you can and will do so.  If you again become an assistant in my office, it must be understood that all engagements on my part cease the moment you get drunk.  I am your true friend, T. W. W.”

A new contract was arranged, but Poe’s irregularities frequently interrupted the kindness and finally exhausted the patience of his generous though methodical employer, and in the number of the “Messenger” for January, 1837 he thus took leave of its readers: 

“Mr. Poe’s attention being called in another direction, he will decline, with the present number, the editorial duties of the Messenger.  His Critical Notices for this month end with Professor Anthon’s Cicero-what follows is from another hand.  With the best wishes to the magazine, and to its few foes as well as many friends, he is now desirous of bidding all parties a peaceful farewell.”