On January 31, 1898, Paul Laurence Dunbar was ill, but nevertheless made a public appearance in Washington, D. C. He described his condition in a letter to his fiancée Alice Ruth Moore in Brooklyn.
I am still a miserable sick boy. I felt so badly I had to stop [working] here Monday. Well Monday night I recited, sick as I was and with a good deal of mucus. Doctor says I must give up working at night.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, January 31, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Paul recited at a benefit for a Washington charity, which meant he had to sacrifice part of his normal reading fee.
I am getting $50.00 out of it, but have promised to donate $20.00 to the girls' dorm for which it is given. These things must be done, you know.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, January 20, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
On Monday evening January 31st, our distinguished poet, Paul Dunbar, will give a reading at the 19th Street Baptist Church, for the benefit of the Home for Friendless Colored Girls situated on Meridian Hill. This institution is entirely dependent upon voluntary subscriptions and there is no worthier charity within our District. It is hoped and urged that a full house may therefore respond to this appeal, and that those who cannot attend in person will purchase at least one ticket -- for Sweet Charity sake.
"Paul Laurence Dunbar and the Home for Friendless Colored Girls." The Washington Bee (Washington, D. C.). January 29, 1898. Page 4.
The institution was founded almost a decade ago by the Woman's Christian Union, and has given shelter and aid to many colored girls who might otherwise have found their way to the work house or jail. It has taken in and cared for more than a hundred inmates, some of whom have been provided with homes. Several have died, and others have been returned to their relatives.
"Mrs. Cleveland a Patroness." The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.). February 3, 1896. Page 3.
Anticipating his marriage to Alice, Paul was in the process of furnishing his home. He hoped that she could come to Washington to attend the recital and advise him on the house. However, Alice was unable to leave Brooklyn for a Monday night event, since she taught school on weekdays.
Couldn't you come down? There are so many things I want to talk to you about right in the house when you can see what is needed. My den and the dining room are the only rooms that are nearly complete. I should like to have your opinion on the bedrooms and the parlor.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, January 18, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
I wish it were possible for you to come up on the 31st. I don't know that the recital is going to be such a great affair, but I should like to have you here to go with me.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, January 20, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
The 31st? Dear heart, I wish I could, but you know it is impossible for ever so many reasons.
Alice Ruth Moore to Paul Laurence Dunbar, January 22, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).