On January 22, 1898, Paul Laurence Dunbar in Washington, D. C., and Alice Ruth Moore in Brooklyn both wrote letters expressing disappointment in each other. When their courtship began, Paul lived in Dayton and Alice in New Orleans, so letters came slowly and visits were impossible. After they both moved to the East, letters arrived almost daily and the distance between them could be traveled fairly easily by train. This resulted in higher expectations and, on this day, Paul was eager for a letter from Alice, while she hoped for a visit from Paul.
If you knew how much your letters meant to me, I don't believe you would let me go so long without a word from you. I was disappointed when I did not receive the promised one yesterday morning. But when again this morning nothing came from you, I was positively ill -- not only heart-sick but physically ill. I know it is very foolish but I cannot help it. Your letters always begin the morning for me and when I do not get them, the rest of the day drags away slowly and uncomfortably. I know that I am disappointing you by not coming today but don't, my loved one, don't take such dire vengeance upon me. It has been two days since I heard from you -- it seems like a month. If I do not get a letter Monday, I don't know what I shall do. Don't keep me in suspense this way, darling. How glad I shall be when this probation is over.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, January 22, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Despite the fact that you told me not to expect you today, I was horribly disappointed when I came in tonight and found you were not here. I have not written you for so long, expecting to see you, until it seemed I was bottled up with so much. I could have cried when I didn't see you here. I even found myself looking in corners and behind doors as if you were hiding to tease me. My heart fairly ached with disappointment. Why did I not write you? Oh, I don't know exactly. Things went generally wrong all of last week and I couldn't write a line anyway. I feel all worn out in consequence. I wish I could write you a decent letter, but I'm so disappointed I'm afraid this is unsatisfactory, so I'll cut it short.
Alice Ruth Moore to Paul Laurence Dunbar, January 22, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Soon afterward, the correspondence between Paul and Alice became more frequent and friendly. Though their letters refer to Alice as Paul's wife, they were not yet married.
I am afraid that the letter I wrote you last night was not only unsatisfactory but actually mean. I did feel so badly, so disappointed. Well, in spite of it all, I have been looking for you all day. Every ring of the bell, every sound in the street. I hoped it would be you. Dear heart, I was so disappointed.
Alice Ruth Moore to Paul Laurence Dunbar, January 23, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
No letter yesterday and none today. Now Paul, that isn't fair, no revenges here. You won't do it again, will you, dear? I have watched the postman all day, and every time he rings my heart gives a big leap, but no letter from Paul. Write to me, won't you sweetheart? Your wife wants to hear from you.
Alice Ruth Moore to Paul Laurence Dunbar, January 26, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
I haven't any decent paper to write on, but I am going to write anyway. I wasn't taking revenge on my little wife at all. I was just out of sorts and selfish. Sometimes mean broodings come up to fight with my love, but I do love you dear and the love always conquers.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, January 26, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Aren't you tired of reading now? More next time. Write to me more. Forgive my long silence of this week. I'll be good.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, January 28, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).