[Paul Hamilton Hayne] Autograph Letter Signed "Paul H. Hayne" to [the wife of Henry M. Alden, editor of Harper's Monthly], about publication of a poem.

Two pages, 8vo, a small stain, fold marks, mainly good condition. He begins by saying that he has an "uncomfortable feeling" that he's about to impose of her kindness. But "Nothing but the presence of a stern necessity, just at present, could have emboldened me to again [underlined] address you and again [underlined] solicit your good offices in the disposition of one of my poems. | But verily, I am hard-[bestead?] and I must spare no effort to sell these and other compositions, if indeed I would successfully accomplish a purpose, near my heart. Pardon thus much of explanation. 'Midsummer in the South' [underlined] may possibly suit 'Harper's Monthly' [underlined]. If you think so, could you hand it with the author's compliments to Mr. Alden [editor of Harper's], and say he can have the piece on his own (pecuniary) terms. | If not - why then use your own discretion, and send it to any periodical or paper you prefer. Price [underlined] can be determined by the Editor who accepts the verses, (should anybody [both underlined], in fact, accept them)." He acknowledges his taking a liberty but "Ah! Madam! [underlined] if you only knew how forlornly situated are all artists or literary men at the South - you would understand & forgive me." He acknowledges her last note and he gets 'The Independent' regularly now (and should hear from its proprietor about another work of his. In a postscript, he adds: "I shall not fail to bring my case of hair [phrase underlined] to N York, and I am pretty sure there is eno' to spare you a strand of keats' hair or Shelly's [sic] [...]