WCP7193

70 Great Russell St,

London, W[est]. C[entral].

England,

M[ar]ch. 5. 1904

My dear Mr. Riley:

You have doubtless heard of the English controversy that has broken out afresh in regard to your "Leonainie".¹ In the Jan[uar]y "Fortnightly"² the eminent scientist Dr. A. R. Wallace, F. R. S. &c had a long article on "Leonainie" as a new Poe³ discovery! I wrote him at once calling attention to the story of the hoax, quoted references to books, papers &c gave him Nicholson's⁴ "Hoosier in Literature"⁵ &c. &c. but the old man will not believe unless you say you are the author & say when & where the poem first appeared. It is not enough that "L" is in your "Armazindy"⁶ vol. He says if you were [the] author it ought to be chronologically in your earlier vols. I told him the Scribner⁷ vols are not arranged chrono- [2] logically except towards the last numbers, that the hoax is well known to all American writers, & that you have circumstantially exposed it. No use — you should have had such notes about it besides the Poem in your authorised collected works. He really thinks the existence of the poem dates prior to your first announcement! Several of the leading London papers have taken up the matter & I have stood up for your authorship. In view of the eminence of Dr. Wallace & the high standing of "The Fortnightly" &c. would you mind sending a personal statement in regard to "Leonainie", particularly noting first appearance in print, where & how? I am at present temporarily here in connection with World's Fair⁸ business. You will remember meeting me at my home in Lancaster P[ennsylvani]a.

With kind regards | Sincerely, | James D. Law [signature]