On June 2, 1899, Paul Laurence Dunbar was recovering from pneumonia in New York City. His wife Alice was serving as his nurse while his mother Matilda remained at their home in Washington, D. C. Matilda was very anxious about Paul's health, so she wrote frequently and even took a trip to New York to see him. Both Paul and Alice grew frustrated with Matilda's apprehension. Alice sent a brusque postcard advising her to stop worrying.
I hope you won't worry unnecessarily or send any more telegrams. Paul is going on well enough. There is no need for anxiety. Please be calm, and take care of yourself.
Alice Moore Dunbar to Matilda Dunbar, June 2, 1899. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).
Once he was well enough to write, Paul sent a letter to Matilda with the same advice.
Dear Mother, will you ever get done complaining? Sometimes it is because I don't write to you with my own hand and sometimes because I send you [a] message. You must remember that I am still a sick man and the least thing puts me back. I have only been downstairs as far as the bathroom, you know. I am not allowed to dictate or write if the doctor knows it.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Matilda Dunbar, June 12, 1899. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).
Matilda's anxiety was understandable, since she had already experienced the death of her daughter Lizzie in 1876, and letters from her friends and relatives in Dayton were full of reports of sickness and death.
I was very glad to receive a letter from you, but sorry to learn of Paul's poor health. I hope he is improving. Alphonso had a very bad cold but it is much better now. He has throat trouble, bronchitis. The doctor says he is better. Alphonso will be seventeen Friday.
Marla Nesbitt to Matilda Dunbar, February 1, 1899. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).
Dear Sister, there is a great deal of sickness and death here now. Jim Cowens died and was buried about three weeks ago. Everyone was astonished to hear of his death. Aunt Charity Broady died in Chicago and was brought here to Dayton to be buried. She was a lovely corpse and lived to be age of 98 years. Alphonso Nesbitt is sick and has been for some time. They say that it is doubtful whether he will get up again or not.
Rebbecca Voss to Matilda Dunbar, March 20, 1899. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).
Dear Sister, we hope at this writing that Paul is much better. Alphonso Nesbitt is dead and was buried last Thursday a week ago. Mrs. Nesbitt fainted as they were taking the corpse out of church. I would have told you about Alphonso's death when I wrote before but I thought you would be so worried about Paul and to hear more sad news would make you feel worse. George Williams looks terribly bad. He cannot last long.
Rebbecca Voss to Matilda Dunbar, May 15, 1899. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).
I have to break the sad news to you that I have lost my dear boy Alphonso. I received your letter and hope that this one will find Paul better. You will have to excuse me for not writing sooner, but the loss of my son made everything go wrong. George Williams was buried last Tuesday. I will next time try to write more.
Marla Nesbitt to Matilda Dunbar, May 28, 1899. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).