On May 6, 1899, Paul Laurence Dunbar was critically ill in New York City. He lived in Washington, D. C., with his wife Alice and mother Matilda, but had come to New York for a speaking engagement.
The Colored Home and Hospital celebrated its sixtieth anniversary and dedicated its new buildings yesterday. The main building is four stories high, containing a general hospital on the top floor. The patrons gathered in the chapel of the home in the afternoon. The Rev. W. Merle Smith made the address of dedication. Paul Dunbar recited a few verses and Samuel Burleigh sang.
"Colored Home and Hospital." The World (New York, New York). April 30, 1899. Page 10.
The new buildings are commodious and have all the modern improvements for surgical and medical aid. The patrons of the institution gathered in the chapel of the Home yesterday afternoon and the Rev. W. Merle Smith made an address. The only colored persons on the program were Paul Laurence Dunbar, the colored poet, who recited a few verses appropriate to the occasion, and Samuel Burleigh, who sang a few songs.
"Colored Hospital Dedicated." New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York), April 30, 1899. Page 5.
Paul collapsed from pneumonia and spent the next several weeks in poor health. Alice left Washington and helped to care for him in the New York apartment of Paul's friend Sallie Brown.
It is said at No. 131 West Thirtieth street today, where Paul Laurence Dunbar is lying ill with pneumonia, that he was resting quietly. Mrs. Dunbar, who is in attendance at her husband's bedside, seemed to think he is holding his own thus far. Mr. Dunbar, who came from Washington Saturday to attend the dedication services at the Colored Home and Hospital, was taken ill Sunday, and has since been confined to his bed.
"Paul Dunbar Resting Quietly." The Evening Telegram (New York, New York). May 5, 1899. Page 2.
Paul's mother Matilda remained at their home in Washington, where she was frantically worried, having already experienced the death of a child. Alice wrote her a reassuring letter, downplaying the seriousness of Paul's illness. Although he couldn't even sit up in bed, Alice told Matilda they might return to Washington in a few days.
Paul has had a bad little spell, owing to his bad cold, but everyone says he is much better now, and I think so too. He has been well taken care of. Everyone has been so kind to him, the room is full of fruit and flowers, and he has a very good doctor. He is too weak to travel just now, but as soon as he is stronger we will be home. Try and keep up good cheer, there is nothing serious. I will write you every day. Don't be worried, and keep in good health. We may be home in a day or two.
Alice Moore Dunbar to Matilda Dunbar, no date [before May 7, 1899]. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).
Two friends of the Dunbars wrote similar letters to Matilda, attempting to put her at ease about Paul's condition. Victoria Earle Matthews was a journalist and social reformer who had, two years earlier, brought Paul and Alice together for the first time. Sallie Brown was a longtime friend of Paul's, and he often stayed at her apartment when he was in New York.
I have just seen Mr. Dunbar and his doctor, and am now sitting in our dear Sallie's little house. As a mother, I say to you there is no cause for you to worry. He is comfortable. The doctor says he needs absolute rest, and that in a few days he hopes to have him on the way home, so please don't be worried.
Victoria Earle Matthews to Matilda Dunbar, May 8, 1899. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).
Paul has talked so much to me about his dear mother that I really feel as if I knew you. As you know, he has pneumonia, but has now passed the crisis. At no time has he been in real danger, but Paul is very frail and that has made the attack more serious. But I assure you, dear friend, that if at any time I had thought his mother was needed at his bedside I should have at once sent you word and would do so now. Alice has proved herself a wonderfully good nurse.
Sarah "Sallie" Brown to Matilda Dunbar, May 9, 1899. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).
Matilda was not convinced by these comforting claims about Paul's health. Soon afterward she traveled to New York to be with her son.