On March 3, 1899, Paul Laurence Dunbar in Philadelphia wrote to his wife Alice Moore Dunbar in West Medford, Massachusetts, about a visit he made to Knoxville, Tennessee. Paul was traveling on a recital tour while Alice was taking care of her ill sister.
I am on my way out to speak this afternoon. I am well but do not feel like giving two readings. However, I must and so go to the work as cheerfully as possible. My work at Knoxville met with a veritable ovation. My whole southern trip turned out delightful.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Moore Dunbar, March 3, 1899. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
After resigning from the Library of Congress, Paul depended on public appearances for much of his income, so that kept him on the road frequently. He had recently given a literary recital at Knoxville College, which was founded in 1875 to educate people who had been enslaved.
Paul Laurence Dunbar gave an enjoyable reading from his works in the chapel of the Knoxville College (colored) last night. A large audience of both colored and white people greeted him, and listened with delight to what he had to say. His ability to recite was second only to his ability to write, and with such a rare combination, the entertainment was all that anyone could hope for.
"Paul Laurence Dunbar, the Negro Poet." The Knoxville Sentinel (Knoxville, Tennessee). March 1, 1899. Page 3.
A large audience gathered last night in the chapel of the Knoxville College to hear readings by Paul Laurence Dunbar, the Negro poet and litterateur. The chapel was crowded, both the white and colored races being represented. And everyone came away well pleased with the entertainment.
"At Knoxville College." Unidentified newspaper clipping [March 1899]. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 4).
Paul Laurence Dunbar delighted a large audience of colored people, and a few white people, at the Knoxville Colored college one night last week. He is a thorough master of the dialect, the manners, and the buoyant spirit of his race. His work has been well done, as every impartial critic must admit. Race distinctions cannot exist in the literary world. The Negro's work must be called good, if it is good.
"Literary Chat." The Knoxville Sentinel (Knoxville, Tennessee). March 7, 1899. Page 4.