On June 13, 1901, Paul Laurence Dunbar gave a poetry reading at the Library of Congress in Washington, D. C. He had resigned from the Library in 1898, but still made occasional appearances there. Paul was scheduled to read on June 15, but changed the date in order to travel to New York City.
The following changes in the weekly program for the benefit of the patrons of the reading room for the blind, Library of Congress, are announced: Mr. Paul Laurence Dunbar will read today instead of Saturday, as he returns to New York on that day. Rev. Teunis Hamlin will read on Saturday, instead of Thursday.
"Change in Blind Program." The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.). June 13, 1901. Page 1.
Paul frequently traveled to public appearances, leaving his wife Alice at home, and they typically wrote to each other every day when they were apart. While Paul was in New York, Alice wrote her last letter to him known to exist. Their marriage was stable at the time, so the letter was affectionate and there was no hint of finality. Alice referred to Paul's birthday on June 27.
It is hot here and I know what it must be in New York. I have done nothing but lay all day in a kimono. I hope you will get this on your birthday darling and I hope you will see fifty-nine more. I wish you could be here to spend it with me. How soon are you coming? Please let me know so I can have the liquid material on hand. Come soon, heart of mine, and let me know.
Alice Moore Dunbar to Paul Laurence Dunbar, June 23, 1901. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Alice wrote the letter in ink, and sometime afterward Paul underlined certain phrases in pencil, such as "How soon are you coming?" and "Come soon, heart of mine." Beneath Alice's signature, Paul wrote: "I have cried my heart out over this. Were you playing all the time? I don't believe it. Please send back my letter. It is all I have, now."
As Paul continued his travels, he visited Charleston, South Carolina, in early 1902. He wrote to Alice several times and was frustrated when she did not reply.
Mr. Paul Laurence Dunbar, the poet, song writer and magazine contributor, who has been in the city a few days, is one of the most distinguished men of his race in the world. Mr. Dunbar has been cordially welcomed in Charleston by his own race and when he returns he will carry with him many pleasant memories of his brief stay here.
News and Courier (Charleston, South Carolina). January 16, 1902.
Here I am in this quaint old city by the sea safe and, except for a cold, sound. I am beautifully situated with a large and handsomely furnished house and I give thanks for an oil stove in my room for it is very cold down here. I am thinking of you, dear, and longing to be home with you and if I can get out of the other reading I will come at once. Am going to practice now. I wish you could hear these people talk.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Moore Dunbar, January 13, 1902. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Yours Lonely got in somewhere about two o'clock this morning and at half-past eight, having had coffee in bed, returned to his infant slumbers and did not arise until 11:30. Tonight there is a reception for me here and Friday night a card party. As usual, I am being much petted, spoiled and bewomaned, though the principal woman is old and motherly, and the rest are not dangerous. They sit calmly at the table and discuss what they call my perfect form, my hands or my feet, and I have to look like a rock.
My address is 122 Smith Street. I wish you would write to me.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Moore Dunbar, January 15, 1902. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
What is the matter that you do not write to me? You must be having a very good time that you cannot drop me even a card. If I do not get a letter by this afternoon's mail, I shall go out and have a time just for spite. You profess so much when I am there and forget to write as soon as I am away. Better get a handle on yourself.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Moore Dunbar, January 16, 1902. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
About nine days later, Paul and Alice had a violent encounter in their home. Paul left Washington and they never saw each other again.