On September 6, 1898, Alice Moore Dunbar in West Medford, Massachusetts, wrote to her husband Paul Laurence Dunbar in Washington, D. C., observing that they had been married for exactly six months.
Heart's dearest, Six months today! And your 'ittle wifie is happier than ever and loves you more and more. A heart greeting to you, my own, and may our next six months be even more filled with happiness and love.
Alice Moore Dunbar to Paul Laurence Dunbar, September 6, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Despite the cheerful tone of her letter, Paul and Alice were experiencing a long separation due to domestic conflict. She had left their home in Washington and was living with her family near Boston. On the day of his half-anniversary, Paul was in Ohio for a poetry recitation. He told his mother Matilda that he hoped to reunite with Alice soon.
Paul Laurence Dunbar, of Washington, D. C., will be in the city until Wednesday morning, and would be glad to see any of his friends at 1608 East Fifth Street.
"Personal Mention." The Dayton Evening Herald (Dayton, Ohio). September 6, 1898. Page 3.
I arrived yesterday all safe and sound after a long journey and found everything all right. Had a very poor crowd at Cincinnati, but you know that I get a certain amount anyhow. I have written to Alice and hope to have her home about the middle of the month.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Matilda Dunbar, September 10, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
On the same day, Paul wrote two letters to Alice urging her to rejoin him in Washington. The Dunbars had been apart for two months.
I do love you so much and want you so badly. I can think of nothing else. The very house oppresses me. There are so many things I have to tell you that can only be told with you tightly folded in my arms. Dearest, I hate to say it, but won't you come home now? It seems like years since I have seen you, and there is a gnawing ache in my heart that only you can cure. God knows that I will try to make this next six months very different from the first six. But with all the heart-burnings we have had I would not untie the knot if I could. I want you home, sweetheart wife. Will you come? I am going to send you a check tonight.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Moore Dunbar, September 10, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
I enclose herewith a check for $20.00 which will, I hope, pay your fare home. I have grown suddenly very impatient. I don't want to press you or to ask you to do what you do not wish to do, but oh I want you so much -- to quarrel with perhaps. Write me as soon as you decide what you are going to do, for I shall be in suspense until I hear from you. I long for a little brown head tonight and a pair of warm lips pressed on my own. How long must I wait?
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Moore Dunbar, September 10, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).