The Truth The Death of Poe
Oct 29, 2014
Matthew Mercier, a caretaker of Edgar Allan Poe's estate, shares his eerie and humorous experiences surrounding Poe's mysterious death. He discusses a bizarre encounter with a man obsessed with resurrecting Poe's spirit, blending historical insights with a touch of the macabre. The conversation takes a whimsical turn as humor arises from characters tackling a pesky rat, reminding listeners of Poe's themes of identity and madness. This captivating mix of spooky tales and quirky anecdotes illuminates Poe's enduring legacy.
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Man in Purple and Poe's Death
- A man in purple vestments claimed he would raise Edgar Allan Poe's spirit on the anniversary of Poe's death.
- He explained Poe died on election day, potentially a victim of "cooping," a violent election fraud tactic involving forced multiple voting in disguise.
Cooping Explains Poe's Death
- Poe was found disoriented and wearing another man's clothes in Baltimore, suggesting coercion during election-day violence.
- "Cooping" involved gangs forcing people to vote multiple times under threat, often disguising them in different outfits.
Difficult Vote Mark Refuses Drink
- Matthew demonstrates encountering a non-drinking potential "mark" for cooping who insists on voting Democrat and keeping his head clear.
- The man refuses drinks, complicating the coercers' plan to get votes by plied liquor and manipulation.