Writing

- After the death of his brother he became more serious about his career as a writer.

- After early attempt in poetry he turned his attention to prose.

- The short story "Ms. Found in a Bottle" brought him to the attention of John P. Kennedy.

- He helped Poe place some of his stories and introduced him to Thomas W. White who was
the editor of Southern Literary Messenger in Richmond.

- He became assistant editor to the periodical, but was discharged a few weeks later after his
boss found him drunk.

- In the summer of 1839 he became assistant editor of Burton's Gentleman's Magazine.

- After a year he left he became assistant at Graham's magazine.

- After becoming a drunk his career as a writer declined.