On April 26, 1901, Paul Laurence Dunbar wrote to his wife Alice about the attention he was being given by other women. Paul was serving as a guest lecturer at the Tuskegee Institute, a school in Alabama that provided vocational training to African Americans, while Alice remained at their home in Washington, D. C.
My labors close today with a literary reading. I am again a professor, and a man addressed me this morning as "Doctor." Whether I shall come out finally as "Professor," "Doctor" or "Colonel" is still a matter of debate. I went driving yesterday with Miss Spears. I hasten to tell you because I know you would get it anyway. I am as usual being bored by a woman. She is a teacher but she comes to my class, pretends to be deeply interested, asks questions -- and then makes me walk home with her. I wouldn't mind it, but she is fat, wears glasses and teaches art. What a combination.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Moore Dunbar, April 26, 1901. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
While on the same trip, Paul had visited Jacksonville, Florida, where local women were also very affectionate. He wrote jokingly about their visits, flowers and letters.
I had great fun yesterday evening. Two rival girls, teachers, called on me and ran across each other and for two mortal hours sat and glared trying to outstay her opponent. Finally like a coy maiden with a fear of suitors, I had to excuse myself to go and dress to go out. Then the girls went off together to have it out. Everyone is on to this way the girls are acting and it has come to be a standing joke. Among all the flowers I got the other night, all were from fool women. My landlady who sports me very much says, "I never did see a man bothered by women like you is. They like flies around spilt molasses. I'm knowing you can't he'p it." I [am] bursting with things to tell you when I get home. I am bringing home a lot of love letters. All I ask is that you promise me not to read them until they are sorted out. There is one particular one I want to keep for future use.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Moore Dunbar, April 11, 1901. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Paul often wrote to Alice about flirtatious women he met on his travels, and she responded to his reports with good humor. When she wrote "'Mencin' to 'fess already?" she meant "Are you starting to confess already?"
So you haven't been naughty, only a little flirty, eh? 'Mencin' to 'fess already? All right out with it, what's next? You must have had a sweet old time with all those women. Be sure to prepare a full account by the time you get home.
Alice Moore Dunbar to Paul Laurence Dunbar, April 22, 1901. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
While Paul was still single, he also wrote about how women bothered him. He told Alice he looked forward to being married to her.
I was out last night for a little while and I was positively nauseated. I do hate to be looked upon as a ladies' man. I am positively becoming rude in order to counter all the effects of the boldness of women. Last night at table one woman kept her daughter at my side till I almost shrieked. Her daughter is a widow and the old dunce sat there before the young woman and told me about her husband dying eight months before their baby was born et cetera ad nauseum. Then another girl took possession of me and made me dance with her and her alone, while a little married woman who is crooked tried to be attractively suggestive. Bah! I am sick of it all and I want your companionship and protection. Strange, indeed for a man.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, February 3, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
The tension is too much for me. Dear I have so many more temptations than you can possibly imagine. Temptations you could help me withstand because, my darling, I love you so supremely that I can be anything for your sake. But oh weakness! I need you near.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, February 21, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).