On April 2, 1895, Maud Clark wrote an anguished letter to Paul Laurence Dunbar, who was 22 years old and living in Dayton with his mother Matilda. Maud was a friend of the Dunbar family and she occasionally helped Matilda with tasks around the house.
I suppose you are annoyed with me. I cannot help it, Paul, for you have not been just to me. Why did you propose to me? It was your duty to me as well as yourself to have thought things over before you took upon yourself to ask so serious a question. I shall not write again nor try to see you until I hear something definite from you that I may know how we stand towards one another; I do not wish to add to your burden Paul, but I must be released from this suspense.
Maud Clark to Paul Laurence Dunbar, April 2, 1895. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
In another letter, Maud described her disappointment at Paul's behavior toward her. Just a few days afterward, Paul began corresponding with Alice Ruth Moore, who eventually became his wife.
Once more I ask of you, please to return my photos. What have I done that you should treat me as you do Paul? You do not even respect me or you would not ask girls to come to your place of business to go home with you. If I had allowed other men to walk with me it would have been a direct insult to you. My heart is choking me Paul. Had you cared anything for me, I would have gladly waited one or two years. I spoke to your Mother and we thought I could have made my home with her. We could have made a good living and leave you free of the burden of keeping a home.
Maud Clark to Paul Laurence Dunbar, April 12, 1895. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
As a young man, Paul had many female admirers. His good friend Bud Burns joked about Paul's popularity with women.
Well, I am glad you still have a good supply of the fairer sex to cheer up your dark moments old fellow -- but here am I alone, with no one to love me. What shall I do?!! Curtain.
William "Bud" Burns to Paul Laurence Dunbar, October 14, 1894. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
Excerpted below are brief passages from letters written to Paul by Eugenia Griffin in Chicago; Carrie Bayless in Springfield, Ohio; Rebekah Baldwin in Washington, D. C.; and Nettie Christy in Indianapolis.
Paul today is my birthday and I am 19 years old. Getting pretty old but still in the ring. I cannot describe my intense delight at your poem. It is simply lovely. I can't express my feelings more or better. I may be in Dayton before long, but only for a short stay. Have you seen my photograph yet? I sent ma one. What is going on in Dayton? Love to your mamma and all of my friends which are few. If you condescend to answer do so immediately for I may leave here almost immediately.
Eugenia Griffin to Paul Laurence Dunbar, March 7, 1892. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
I dreamed a dream last night and it worried me so. Oh, it was horrid! I thought that you were married. Oh, I hope it is not true and never will be true! It would break my heart. Oh, Paul do not let it be true. I would die of a broken heart. I dreamed that you were married, but you were displeased with the marriage. You came to me and fell on your knees and said, (I shall never forget the tone of that pitiful voice, e'en though it was a dream.) "Cad, all is over between us now. O, my darling." Paul don't think me "soft and sickening" but I could not help writing this. Paul, you do not know how I miss those delightful times we had together while I was in Dayton. Mr. Dickson said if you and your Mother would come to Springfield he would give you a reception. Won't you come Paul. Do for "Cad's" sake. Closing, hoping to hear from you soon. I remain your only Love.
Carrie "Cad" Bayless to Paul Laurence Dunbar, February 16, 1894. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
Your letters, Paul, are to me like some rare nosegay, the beauty of whose flowers dazzles me and whose perfume intoxicates me. When I read your letters, Paul, I love you. Somehow they touch a something in my heart that warms it into love for you. Do I love you when I read your letters because you love me when you write them? Tell me, do you like me just when you write me? I keep your letters, Paul, I could no more destroy them than I could some delicate perfume breathing flower. Indeed, as I have said, your letters are flowers, and I am engaged in the delightful task of making them into a bouquet whose fragrance I shall inhale for all time.
Rebekah Baldwin to Paul Laurence Dunbar, October 7, 1894. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
My birthday was yesterday. Guess how old I am. I shall not tell for you know I am over 16. But Nettie Maud has not passed the meridian yet but alas she is an old maid. Don't laugh. How I envy you your situation. To be at the Lakeside with you would be the joy of my life. I could see the storm as you pictured it so vividly in your letter. And sincerely glad am I that the waves, storm or something made you think of "heartbreak songs" and me in connection with them and actually forced you to smile. Your friends miss you and desire your presence. There is that void your absence has made that is not yet filled.
Nettie Maud Christy to Paul Laurence Dunbar, August 18, 1895. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).