On April 12, 1898, Paul Laurence Dunbar in Washington, D. C., wrote to Colonel Robert Ingersoll, an American lawyer known as "The Great Agnostic." An agnostic is someone who believes it's impossible to know for sure if God exists. At the time, this viewpoint was very peculiar.
I thank you for your good letter to me, and the kind offer it contains. My way looks pretty clear before me for the present. I am taking the liberty of sending you under another cover a copy of my latest book.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Colonel Robert G. Ingersoll, April 12, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).
Ingersoll took an interest in Paul because of their mutual friend, Dr. Henry Tobey, superintendent of the Toledo State Hospital. Tobey sent Ingersoll one of Paul's books, and even marked certain poems for him to read. While Paul was in England in 1897, Ingersoll told him some important news, which Paul conveyed in a letter to his mother Matilda.
Dear Mother: I have just received a letter from Col. Robert Ingersoll which I copy for you. He says:
"My Dear Dunbar, The other day John Russell Young was appointed librarian at Washington. I know Mr. Young well and it may be that I could induce him to give you a place. I will try. It seems to me that the President would like to recognize your ability in some way. I will see -- if the library fails -- what can be done in that direction. I will write Mr. Young today (July 5th). Hoping that you are well and hopeful. I remain yours always, R. G. Ingersoll."
This letter is good but don't hope too much from it. We have been disappointed as often.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Matilda Dunbar, July 20, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar collection, New York Public Library, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (Microfilm edition, Roll 3).
John Russell Young was director of the Library of Congress in Washington. When Paul returned to the U. S., he remained in New York City for a while, but followed up on the opportunity that Ingersoll mentioned. Paul visited Washington and secured the job at the Library, as he described to Matilda and his fiancée Alice Ruth Moore.
I have only time to drop you a line and say that I have arrived safe and sound. I cannot come across to Chicago at once as business will hold me here about two or three weeks longer. I shall try to see Col. Ingersoll and find out how matters are going. I may have to run down to Washington.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Matilda Dunbar, August 8, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
I thought of you all the way here. It was a pleasant journey except for the inconvenience of my cold. Tomorrow is the momentous day and I do not know what the outcome will be. I am hoping for the best issue on tomorrow.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, September 26, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
It is Monday morning and I have been here since Saturday night. I am all right except for one of my usual summer colds. I am going out this morning to attend to business as soon as I can get away. I will either telegraph or write as soon as I know anything. I shall stay here about five days or a week and then go back to New York with my novel. I shall come west of course but shall not stay long as the money seems to be in the east. My hands are more full than I can tell you, and it may not be a bad thing for me if this matter does not pan out.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Matilda Dunbar, September 27, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
Everyone is amazed at the quietness with which I slipped down here and worked this matter. No one knew what was going to happen until it had happened. The authorities in charge have been very kind to me and given me a week's leave so that I can go home and arrange my affairs then to bring my mother. My pay goes on just the same while I am gone. I must see my little mother so I cannot reach Ohio too soon.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, October 7, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
Thanks to Ingersoll's influence, Paul was hired at the Library of Congress. However, he earned only $720 a year, while one of his coworkers was paid much more.
Paul Dunbar is now assured all freedom from anxiety regarding his means of livelihood while cultivating his muse. The government has taken him under its protecting wing and by giving him a place in the congressional library will enable him to polish that talent as a versifier. The appointment of Dunbar is undoubtedly due to the regard entertained by Congressional Librarian Young for all promising literary chaps. The colored race cannot complain that it is being ignored by the present administration.
"Dunbar's Good Luck." The Syracuse Courier (Syracuse, New York). October 7, 1897. Page 4.
About 180 negroes have received appointments in the national service and about 125 others have received promotions since President McKinley's inauguration. Colored men are employed in many of the libraries connected with the Government. Daniel Murray, attendant in the national library, is an unusually intellectual Afro-American. He receives $1,400 a year. Librarian Young about a week ago conferred a similar position upon Paul L. Dunbar, of Ohio, the celebrated negro poet.
"Well-Paid." The Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky). November 15, 1897. Page 3.
At about this same time period, Paul came to Ingersoll's mind when a Cincinnati newspaper reporter asked him to name the greatest Americans.
Colonel Robert G. Ingersoll, the most renowned agnostic of the age, arrived yesterday to lecture this afternoon at the Grand Opera House on "Why I am an Agnostic." Always ready to answer questions about anything, the following verbatim dialogue ensued between The Enquirer man and the Colonel:
"Whom do you consider the greatest American?"
"In the realm of invention -- Edison. The best actress in modern plays is Minnie Maddern Fiske. The best poet among the colored people is Paul Dunbar. I am not certain about the rest."
"Ingersoll Sizes Up Mark Hanna." The Enquirer (Cincinnati, Ohio). November 14, 1897. Page 4.
After Paul moved to Washington, he remained in contact with Col. Ingersoll.
From the depth of this, the meanest, most unliterary town in America, I send you a copy of my first long story, "The Uncalled." Whether there be much or little to it, I mean all I say in it, and mean it very much.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Colonel Robert G. Ingersoll, October 2, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).