February 11, 1898, was a day that Paul Laurence Dunbar looked forward to for a long time. He planned to recite his poetry at an event in New York City, and hoped to spend time with his fiancée Alice Ruth Moore while he was there. Paul lived in Washington, D. C., where he worked at the Library of Congress, while Alice taught school in Brooklyn. For weeks prior to the date, the couple wrote to each other about their anticipated meeting.
I am considering with impatience the seemingly endless days that stretch between the 28th and the 11th. How far off it seems. It hardly appears possible that I shall wake up one morning and find that it is the 11th and get on a train and hurry away to you. What a joyous travel it will be for me. I shall feed fat my hungry heart in those three days. What a wealth of kisses I have to place on your lips, your eyes, your neck, your hair, yes even on your dear turn-up nose. Wish tomorrow was the eleventh.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, January 28, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
I thought I was the only foolish one who was counting moments before the 11th. I watch the calendar and wonder how the time will fly. I'm going to try and fill in every minute so that time will slip by, but I know it won't. You're going to give every minute to me, aren't you? Go where I want and all? Oh, Paul, to feel your arms about me once more, won't it be heavenly? I wish I had you here this minute. I would let my lips rest on yours until it would seem that we would merge into each other's beings.
Alice Ruth Moore to Paul Laurence Dunbar, January 29, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Dear, there are times when I feel that [I] just must break away from everything and come to you. But think now there are only nine days between us, unless Librarian Young should refuse to let me go.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, January 31, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Just you sit down and look at the calendar and count the days that are to elapse before I hold you in my arms close -- close to my heart. Is it really a week from tomorrow darling that I am to see you? Fly, sluggard time.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, February 3, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Only a week today, and I'll be able to kiss you, my darling, my own precious one. Yum-yum.
Alice Ruth Moore to Paul Laurence Dunbar, February 4, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Friday the 11th is slowly but surely coming. My heart has gone hungry long enough and I will continue to starve it no longer. I want to hear from you every day until I come in order to keep my spirits up through the remaining days. My impatience is something awful. Far faster than the days my swift heart runs, as winter winds speed on to summer suns. Love that couplet. I may want it someday to buy a pair of shoes.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, February 4, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
I haven't written to you these two days because I was so greatly worried until all uncertainty about my coming was cleared. My cause of fear was that the library authorities would not let me go -- Mr. Young having been suddenly called away -- but I fixed that all right today and can breathe again. I expect to start for New York Thursday evening as soon as [the] Library closes and I hope to see you that night if I do not get in too late.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, February 8, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Another day between you and me darling and oh how the time drags! I feel that I have so much to say to you and when I get there I suppose I shall be dumb in your presence as usual and only sit and hold your hand. Oh if I can only see you Thursday night when I come. It seems too long to wait until Friday when we are both in the same town. Write to me once more sweetheart mine, before I come.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, February 9, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
I do have so many fancies about you, dear. Sometimes I quarrel with you just for the sweetness of making up. At other times I hold you close in my arms and kiss you passionately, burningly, until you blush and hide your face on my breast -- and in a day more it may no longer be a dream.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, February 9, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Paul's public appearance was at a benefit for the Hampton Institute, a Virginia school that provided vocational training to African Americans. Representatives of Hampton were in New York for a series of fundraisers to coincide with Abraham Lincoln's birthday on February 12.
Dr. H. B. Frissell, the principal of the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, will speak of the school's work, and a negro graduate will give graphic pictures of Southern life, and of changes wrought by work of Hampton students in the twenty counties of Virginia that he has visited. The Hampton Quartette will sing old plantation melodies, some of which have never been heard in the North before.
"Social Church Notes." The Standard Union (Brooklyn, New York). February 7, 1898. Page 3.
Despite all the weeks of planning, Paul didn't know the time or place of his February 11 speaking engagement. As soon as he found out, he hurriedly sent a telegram to Alice.
The Western Union Telegraph Company
Received at 369 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, N. Y.
To Alice R. Moore
Just found recital Waldorf Astoria two-thirty come at oncePaul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, February 11, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Paul Laurence Dunbar appeared at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York the other afternoon for the benefit of the Hampton Institute. Paul Dunbar is a great attraction. His method of reciting shows the fine originality of the man, as well as the verses show that of the poet. This before an audience of wealth and fashion numbering some 500.
"Of Current Interest." The Kansas City Journal (Kansas City, Kansas). February 21, 1898. Page 4.