Baltimore, Part One

Welcome to Celebrate Poe - My name is George Bartley, and this is episode 263 - Baltimore, Part 1 - and let me emphasize that this and the following episode are about the time that Poe spent in Baltimore after he left West Point - not his final days in Baltimore shortly before his earthly demise.

Transcript

Ghost of Edgar Poe - Italics text
George - plain text

Welcome to Celebrate Poe - My name is George Bartley, and this is episode 263 - Baltimore, Part One - and let me emphasize that this and the following episode are about the time that Poe spent in Baltimore after he left West Point - not his final days in Baltimore shortly before his earthly demise.

Good evening, Mr. Bartley. And I am glad you have pointed out that distinction.

Well, there you are Mr. Poe - I hope you are doing well.

Rather tolerable, Mr. Bartley.

Let’s jump right into today’s episode.  I want to begin with the letter that you sent to John Allan just after you left West Point.

Ah yes, Mr. Bartley - does the letter begin with the words “In spite of all my resolution to the contrary I am obliged once more to recur to you for assistance”

Yes, Mr. Poe and you would be doing our podcast listeners and myself if a huge favor if you would continue with that missive.  These rather dramatic sounding words  might be especially informative for those who are not familiar with your emotions after you had just left West Point.

Certainly, Mr. Bartley.

— It will however be the last time that I ever trouble any human being — I feel that I am on sick bed from which I never shall get up. I now make an appeal not to your affection because I have lost that but to your sense of justice. I wrote to you for permission to resign — because it was impossible that I could stay — my ear has been too shocking for any description — I am wearing away every day — even if my last sickness had not completed it. I wrote to you as I say for permission to resign because without your permission no resignation can be received — My reason for doing so was that I should obtain my mileage amounting to $30,35 — according to the rules of the institution. in my present circumstances a single dollar is of more importance to me than 10,000 are to you and you deliberately refused to answer my letter — I, as I told you, neglected my duty when I found it impossible to attend to it, and the consequences were inevitable — dismissal. I have been dismissed — when a single line from you would have saved it — The whole academy has interested themselves in my behalf because my only crime was being sick — but it was of no use — I refer you to Col Thayer to the public records, for my standing and reputation for talent — but it was all in vain if you had granted me permission to resign — all might have been avoided — I have not strength nor energy left to write half what I feel — You one day or other will feel  how you have treated me. I left [West] Point two days ago and traveled to N. York without a cloak or any other clothing of importance. I have caught a most violent cold and am confined to my bed — I have no money — no friends — I have written to my brother — but he cannot help me — I shall never rise from my bed — besides a most violent cold on my lungs my ear discharges blood and matter continually and my headache is distracting — I hardly know what I am writing

I wil write no more — Please send me a little money — quickly — and forget what I said about you —

God bless you —
E A Poe

Mr. Poe - I can’t see why Mr. Allan would not have replied.

Mr. Bartley, not surprisingly, I heard nothing from Mr. Allan.

So what did you eventually do?

Ah, Mr. Bartley, at that point I had left West Point, and was living in a miserable room in New York City.  Then in the spring of 1831, I left New York to be with my ailing grandmother - General Poe’s widow - my aunt Maria Clemm, my brother, Henry, and Maria Clemm’s daughter, Virginia Clemm.

Ah, Mr. Poe - Could you paint a picture for us of what Baltimore was like at that time?

My dear Mr. Bartley, Baltimore in 1831 was a city of stark contrasts and vibrant energy, much like the very essence of my tales. Picture, if you will, a bustling port town, its harbor teeming with ships from distant lands, their masts reaching skyward like the quills of some great literary beast. The air was thick with the scent of salt and possibility, mingled with the acrid smoke of industry.
The streets, oh, how they twisted and turned! Narrow cobblestone passages wound their way through a labyrinth of brick row houses, their facades a patchwork of Federal and Greek Revival styles. Gas lamps cast eerie shadows as night fell, transforming familiar corners into realms of mystery and intrigue.

Mr. Poe, I always thought of Baltimore - especially in the 19th century - as a center of commerce and intellect.

Yes, Mr. Bartley -  Baltimore was not merely a city of commerce and shadows. It was a crucible of culture and intellect. The Maryland Institute for the Promotion of the Mechanic Arts had just been established, and the air buzzed with discussions of art, literature, and scientific progress. The city's coffeehouses and taverns were alive with debate and the exchange of ideas, a veritable feast for a young poet's hungry mind.

Mr. Poe - this podcast currently has listeners in 74 countries - listeners in the United States have some kind of familiarity with the city of Baltimore - for some of those listeners in other countries, could you describe what Baltimore is like as a city, and what it was like around 1830.

My dear Mr. Bartley, it fills me with a curious mixture of pride and bewilderment to learn that my humble life and works have captured the attention of listeners across 74 nations. How strange and wondrous the world has become! But to your query about Baltimore, both in my time and yours, allow me to paint a picture with words, as is my wont.
Baltimore in 1830 was a city of some 80,000 souls, a far cry from the metropolis it has become in your time with its population of over 600,000. In my day, it was a bustling port town, the third-largest city in the young United States, its harbor teeming with ships from across the globe. The air was thick with the scent of the sea, mingled with the acrid smoke of industry and the earthy aroma of horses and livestock.
The streets were narrow and often unpaved, save for the main thoroughfares. Gas lamps cast eerie shadows as night fell, transforming familiar corners into realms of mystery and intrigue. Row houses of brick and stone lined the streets, their facades a testament to the city's rapid growth and prosperity.
Today, I understand Baltimore has grown into a sprawling urban center, covering some 92 square miles. The Inner Harbor, once the beating heart of maritime commerce, has been transformed into a tourist attraction, with museums, shops, and restaurants lining its shores. The great clipper ships of my era have given way to massive container vessels and cruise liners.
In my time, Baltimore was a city of stark contrasts, with free blacks and slaves living alongside wealthy merchants and struggling immigrants. Today, I'm told the city still grapples with issues of inequality, though the nature of these divisions has evolved.

One constant through the ages seems to be Fort McHenry, which in my day was still a recent reminder of the War of 1812. Now, I understand it stands as a national monument, a symbol of American resilience.

The Baltimore of today boasts modern marvels that would have been beyond my wildest imaginings - great stadiums for sporting events, a vast network of hospitals and universities, and towering skyscrapers that pierce the sky. Yet, amidst this progress, pockets of the old city remain. Fell's Point, with its cobblestone streets, still echoes with the ghosts of sailors past
Perhaps most surprising to me is that the modest house on Amity Street where I once resided still stands, now a museum dedicated to my life and works. How strange to think that my temporary lodgings should become a place of pilgrimage!

In essence, Mr. Bartley, while the Baltimore of today may bear little resemblance to the city I knew, its spirit of resilience, its maritime heritage, and its penchant for preserving the past while embracing the future seem to have remained constant through the ages. It is a city that, like my own tales, continues to blend the historic with the contemporary, the mundane with the mysterious.

Mr. Poe - do you have any comments on class inequality in Baltimore

Mr. Bartley - because Baltimore was a relatively large city - Baltimore also bore the scars of a nation grappling with its identity. The specter of slavery loomed large, casting a pall over the city's conscience. The contrast between the opulent mansions of the wealthy and the squalid conditions of the poor was as stark as the difference between day and night.

It was in this crucible of contradiction and creativity that I found myself, a young man of 22, seeking to forge my path in the world of letters. Baltimore, with its blend of the macabre and the magnificent, would leave an indelible mark on my psyche and my prose.

What were your first impressions of Baltimore when you arrived in 1831
Sources

Ah, Mr. Bartley, my first impressions of Baltimore in that fateful year of 1831 were indeed a tapestry of conflicting sensations. As I stepped into the city, I was immediately struck by its bustling energy and maritime character. The harbor was a hive of activity, with ships from far-flung corners of the globe docking and departing, their sails billowing like the pages of an unwritten novel.

The city itself presented a curious blend of the old and the new. Narrow, winding streets paved with cobblestones led me through a maze of brick row houses, their facades a testament to the city's rich architectural heritage. Yet, amidst this old-world charm, there were unmistakable signs of progress and industry.

What captivated me most, however, was the palpable sense of intellectual ferment in the air. Baltimore, I quickly discovered, was not merely a commercial hub but a crucible of ideas. Coffeehouses and taverns buzzed with animated discussions on literature, science, and the arts. It was as if the very atmosphere was charged with the electricity of human thought and creativity.

But make no mistake, my dear sir, Baltimore was not without its shadows. Like a character in one of my tales, the city wore a mask of prosperity that barely concealed the stark inequalities beneath. There is no way I can forget the economic disparity between classes. The contrast between the opulent mansions of the wealthy and the squalid conditions of the poor was as sharp as the edge of a razor.
In essence, Baltimore presented itself to me as a city of contrasts - a place where beauty and decay, progress and tradition, intellect and ignorance coexisted in an uneasy balance. It was this very complexity, this interplay of light and shadow, that would come to inform and inspire much of my later work. Baltimore, in all its contradictory glory, became not just my home, but a muse that would haunt my imagination for years to come.

Were there any specific cultural aspects of Baltimore that caught your attention

Ah, Mr. Bartley, your inquiry touches upon a most fascinating aspect of my early days in Baltimore. Indeed, the cultural tapestry of the city was rich and varied, offering a veritable feast for the senses and the intellect alike.
One of the most striking features that captured my attention was the city's burgeoning literary scene. Baltimore in 1831 was a crucible of intellectual ferment, with coffeehouses and taverns serving as impromptu salons where ideas were exchanged with the vigor of fencing matches. The Maryland Institute for the Promotion of the Mechanic Arts, newly established, was already fostering a climate of artistic and scientific discourse that I found most invigorating.

Mr. Poe - what about the theatre?

Ah, Mr. Bartley, the theater, too, was a prominent fixture of Baltimore's cultural landscape. By the time of my arrival, the city boasted three theaters and several theater companies, a testament to the populace's appetite for the dramatic arts. This thriving theatrical scene would later prove influential in my own literary pursuits, particularly in my critiques and reviews.
But perhaps most intriguing to me was the city's unique blend of the old and the new. Baltimore in 1831 was a city in transition, caught between its colonial past and its industrial future. The narrow, winding streets and brick row houses spoke of a rich architectural heritage, while the bustling port and the newly established Baltimore and Ohio Railroad heralded the dawn of a new era.
I was particularly struck by the Washington Monument, then a relatively new addition to the city's skyline.

Mr. Poe, lest any of our listeners be confused - the FIRST Washington Monument was built in Baltimore - perhaps the more famous Washington Monument is in Washington D.C.

Yes, Mr. Bartley - In 1831, the Washington Monument in Baltimore stood amidst what was known as "Howard's Woods," marking the northern boundary of the city's developed area. This juxtaposition of classical architecture and untamed nature seemed to me a perfect metaphor for the city itself - a place of refinement and raw potential in equal measure.

Lastly, I cannot fail to mention the city's vibrant maritime culture. The harbor
was a hive of activity, with ships from across the globe bringing not just goods, but ideas and influences from far-flung corners of the world. This cosmopolitan atmosphere, I believe, contributed greatly to the city's intellectual and cultural vitality.

In essence, Mr. Bartley, it was this unique confluence of literary fervor, theatrical tradition, architectural charm, and maritime energy that most captivated me about Baltimore. The city presented itself as a canvas of possibilities, ripe for exploration by a young writer with an imagination as restless as my own.

Mr. Poe, I believe the three largest cities in which you lived were Baltimore, New York, and Philadelphia.  From your standpoint, could you compare them.

Ah, Mr. Bartley, you ask me to compare three great American cities, each with its own unique character and charm. Allow me to paint a picture of these urban landscapes as I perceived them in my time.

Baltimore, my dear adopted home, was a city of contrasts in 1831. It was smaller and more intimate than its northern counterparts, yet it pulsed with a vibrant energy all its own. The harbor bustled with maritime activity, while the narrow, winding streets lined with brick row houses gave the city a distinctly charming character. Baltimore's cultural scene was blossoming, with a thriving theatrical tradition and a burgeoning literary community that I found most stimulating.
New York, by comparison, was a veritable colossus even then. It dwarfed Baltimore in size and population, boasting a staggering 8.5 million inhabitants in your time compared to Baltimore's mere 620,000. The city was a hive of commerce and industry, its streets teeming with people from all walks of life. New York's cultural offerings were vast and varied, with numerous theaters, museums, and literary salons that attracted the brightest minds from across the nation and beyond.

Philadelphia stood as a middle ground between Baltimore and New York in many respects. It was larger and more developed than Baltimore, yet not quite as overwhelming as New York. Philadelphia prided itself on its rich historical heritage, being the birthplace of American independence. The city boasted a sophisticated architectural landscape, with grand public buildings and elegant homes that spoke of its importance to the young nation.

In terms of climate, Baltimore and Philadelphia were quite similar, with average temperatures hovering around 15°C (59°F), while New York was slightly cooler at 14.2°C (57.6°F). All three cities experienced similar levels of humidity, making summers rather oppressive at times.

Economically, New York was the giant, with a GDP of $1280 billion compared to Baltimore's $138 billion. Philadelphia's economy, while not as massive as New York's, was certainly more robust than Baltimore's, benefiting from its strategic location between New York and the nation's capital.

In terms of culture and intellectual life, each city had its own unique flavor. Baltimore, despite its smaller size, had a vibrant literary and artistic scene that I found most conducive to my work. New York's cultural offerings were vast and varied, attracting artists and intellectuals from far and wide.

Philadelphia, with its rich history and established institutions, had a more staid, traditional cultural atmosphere.

Transportation in New York was more developed, with an extensive public transit system that Baltimore and Philadelphia could only aspire to.
However, Baltimore's smaller size made it easier to navigate, a quality I found quite appealing.

In essence, Mr. Bartley, while New York might be seen as the pinnacle of urban development and Philadelphia as a city of historical importance, Baltimore held its own unique charm. Its blend of Southern hospitality and Northern industry, its intimate size yet cosmopolitan outlook, made it a fascinating city.

Yes, Mr. Poe - I began my real interest in your life in Richmond, Virginia but have come to the conclusion that your heart was almost equally - more, according to some sources, devoted to Baltimore.

Yes, Mr. Bartley,  You see, Although Richmond is the place I  most considered home, many believe that Baltimore defines the beginning and the end of my life. Born while my parents, both actors, were traveling in Boston, my family roots were firmly set in the soil of Baltimore and here my earthly remains rest for eternity. My great-grandfather, John Poe, established the Poe clan in Baltimore in 1755, only a year before his death. Poe’s grandparents, David and Elizabeth Cairnes Poe, raised seven children and achieved here a place of prominence if not wealth through patriotism, hard work and community service.

And Mr. Bartley, When asked about my origins, I was fond of saying that I was a Virginian gentleman, but it was in Baltimore that I sought refuge when I had feuded with his foster father, John Allan, and was compelled to leave the house. And It was in Baltimore that I found my future wife, Virginia Eliza Clemm. Perhaps most revealing, when I was asked for the place of my birth, I turned my back on Boston and claimed Baltimore instead.

And Mr. Bartley, with those observations, I must take my leave until the following episode - also regarding the charming city of Baltimore.

Farewell, Mr. Bartley

Goodbye, Mr. Poe. 

Join Celebrate Poe for Episode 264 - Baltimore, Part Two - where Mr. Poe and I continue to take a look at a city that was extremely important in Mr. Poe’s career, as well as the city where he met his wife.

Sources include  Edgar Allan Poe: A Critical Biography by Arthur Hobson Quinn, The Poe Log: A Documentary Life of Edgar Allan Poe by Dwight R. Thomas and David K. Jackson, the Baltimore Edgar Allan Poe website, as well as the website of The Edgar Allan Poe House in Baltimore, and the Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe.

Thank you for listening to Celebrate Poe.