On April 28, 1893, David Sinclair wrote a letter of reference for Paul Laurence Dunbar. Sinclair was secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association in Dayton, and the letter was typed on YMCA stationery.
The writer has known the bearer, Mr. Paul Dunbar, for some time and has a very high regard for his character. He was a close student while at school and was highly esteemed by his classmates. He is ambitious and active and if given an opportunity will surely win for himself a name or bring credit to his race. He is the author of a book of poems, "Oak and Ivy," in which he has shown considerable ability. As a reader, both of his own selections and those of other authors, he has received the highest praise. We believe that any confidence that may be put in him and opportunities that may be given for developing his talents will not be misplaced.
Letter of reference from David A. Sinclair, April 28, 1893. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 4).
David Sinclair was a respected educator for whom today's Sinclair College in Dayton is named. Paul also obtained a letter of reference from W. F. McCaughey, secretary of the YMCA in Richmond, Indiana.
This will introduce you to Mr. Paul L. Dunbar, of Dayton, Ohio, poet and reader. Mr. Dunbar gave an entertainment in our rooms last night that was most pleasing and satisfactory. Indeed he displayed ease, grace of manner and talent that would do credit to men of greater reputation and experience. His dialect stories are true to life. We take pleasure in introducing him to any who have use for his services.
Letter of reference from W. F. McCaughey, March 15, 1893 (quoted in an unidentified newspaper clipping). Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 4).
Paul was 20 years old and had not yet achieved national prominence. He needed letters of reference because he soon left Dayton and went to Chicago to find employment and a broader audience for his writings at the World's Columbian Exposition.
DAYTON, O. -- Paul Dunbar, the poet, left last Friday for Chicago, where he will accept a position as editor of a paper.
"Harris - Morris." The Cleveland Gazette (Cleveland, Ohio). May 6, 1893. Page 2.
Poet Paul L. Dunbar is now in Chicago where he will be certain to give readings from his poems. If he ever gets fairly introduced to Chicago people he will be "the rage." He writes that if he can once break the ice of reserve and doubt and can get the ears of Chicago people that he believes he will be able to hold them for the better, truer and deeper things which he will subsequently write.
"Dunbar in Chicago." Unidentified newspaper clipping [Richmond, Indiana, 1893]. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 4).