On July 3, 1901, Paul Laurence Dunbar in West Medford, Massachusetts, wrote an apologetic letter to Paul Reynolds in New York City. Reynolds served as literary agent for both Paul and his wife Alice. The Dunbars were visiting Alice's family near Boston, but they had been in New York a few days earlier.
We are so sorry, Mrs. Dunbar and myself, to have missed you and Mrs. Reynolds when you called. Mrs. Dunbar had already left the city and I was unfortunately out, but when we come to New York again we hope to see you.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Paul R. Reynolds, July 3, 1901. Paul Laurence Dunbar collection, New York Public Library, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (Microfilm edition, Roll 3).
About six months later, the Dunbars separated permanently and communication between Paul and Alice was broken. However, they both stayed in contact with Reynolds regarding the publication of their stories and poems. While their letters to family and friends revealed the turmoil of marital strife, correspondence with Reynolds remained businesslike. In her early letters to Reynolds, Alice signed her name as "Mrs. Paul Laurence Dunbar," but after the separation she simply wrote "Alice."
What a perfect ingrate I must seem not to have answered your kind letter, but you will understand when I say that I have been away from here and your letter was among a lot of mail that I did not get until quite late and even then did not open. I thank you for your good offer and for the check which I received this morning. You will be able to do me a favor in a day or two and that is to help me cash (as usual) a Dodd and Mead check as it is yearly settling time.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Paul R. Reynolds, no date [February 2, 1902]. Paul Laurence Dunbar collection, New York Public Library, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (Microfilm edition, Roll 3).
Would you mind telling me to whom you sold the story "The Ball Dress"? I would like to look out for it when it is published. I hope you will be equally successful with one of the others that you have.
Alice Moore Dunbar to Paul R. Reynolds, February 11, 1902. Paul Laurence Dunbar collection, New York Public Library, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (Microfilm edition, Roll 3).
I received your check for $34.96 yesterday for which let me thank you very much. The story "The Locket" also came back. I am sorry it was so unsuccessful. I do not know whether you have any other stories of mine, but I hope, at any rate, to have something new to send you in a few days.
Alice Moore Dunbar to Paul R. Reynolds, February 18, 1902. Paul Laurence Dunbar collection, New York Public Library, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (Microfilm edition, Roll 3).
I have your check the other day and should have acknowledged it sooner but I have been ill. Thank you very much for it. I have been trying to get down to see you for several days, but I am either ill or the weather is worse than ill. I shall come, however, in a day or two or if I find that I cannot I shall ask you to come here. There are some matters on which I wish to speak.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Paul R. Reynolds, February 21, 1902. Paul Laurence Dunbar collection, New York Public Library, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (Microfilm edition, Roll 3).
I am sending you another little story which I hope you may dispose of soon. If you don't mind, I shall have another ready in a few days.
Alice Moore Dunbar to Paul R. Reynolds, February 26, 1902. Paul Laurence Dunbar collection, New York Public Library, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (Microfilm edition, Roll 3).
However much pleasure it may give you to tell me that you have sold "The Trousers," you must know that mine exceeds yours. I had faith in that story. I thought that it was humorous, and at least fairly well told, and I bow to the taste of the 25th editor. Whenever the money comes it will be acceptable. You have proven very conclusively that perseverance and a literary agent pay.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Paul R. Reynolds, March 1, 1902. Paul Laurence Dunbar collection, New York Public Library, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (Microfilm edition, Roll 3).