On June 17, 1902, Alice Moore Dunbar in Washington, D. C., wrote an agitated letter to her mother-in-law Matilda in Chicago. Alice was annoyed by rumors that had been circulating since she and Paul Laurence Dunbar permanently separated five months earlier. Paul was living in New York City at the time.
When it was brought to me that Paul had said disgraceful things about me down at a saloon on the Avenue, I cried and said nothing, for I was so shocked. Then I got a lot of letters from people in New York, and folks here brought me a lot of stuff that Paul had said about me. Mrs. Curtis said that Paul told her in New York that he had slapped me in Denver and I didn't seem to mind it then, and he wondered why I minded it now. One of our good friends remarked that he was always afraid to see us out together, for he did not know when I would have my face slapped in public. Even the Colored American here has had a lot to say, and hardly a week passes that it does not have some allusion, either veiled or otherwise. Oh, Ma, sometimes, I feel that I would like to go away off somewhere and hide forever. I get so tired of being in the public eye, and hearing a lot of stuff. But I hold up my head, and pretend I am not bothered and when they come to me with lies, I look at them, and look foolish and don't answer. You know I can do that.
Alice Moore Dunbar to Matilda Dunbar, June 17, 1902. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).
Although Alice no longer communicated with Paul, she stayed in contact with his mother Matilda. Alice's letter mentioned The Colored American, a Black newspaper published in Washington. It occasionally carried brief notices about the Dunbars, making it clear they were no longer living together as a couple.
A letter from New York states that Paul Laurence Dunbar is convalescent, and expects to leave shortly on a visit to his brother in Chicago.
"City Paragraphs." The Colored American (Washington, D. C.). March 15, 1902. Page 15.
Mrs. Paul Laurence Dunbar is serving as substitute teacher at the M street High School.
"Mirror of Washington Life." The Colored American (Washington, D. C.). April 12, 1902. Page 5.
Paul Laurence Dunbar continues ill in Chicago.
"Washington under the Calcium." The Colored American (Washington, D. C.). July 5, 1902. Page 10.
Mrs. Alice Ruth Moore Dunbar may accept an offer to teach in the South.
"Washington under the Calcium." The Colored American (Washington, D. C.). July 12, 1902. Page 10.
Mrs. Alice Moore Dunbar left Thursday for Wilmington, Del. where she has accepted a position in the High School.
"City Paragraphs." The Colored American (Washington, D. C.). August 30, 1902. Page 16.
Constant inquiries are coming to this office from many persons wishing to know the address or whereabouts of Mr. Paul Laurence Dunbar, the poet. A number of letters are also at this office for him. Anyone knowing his address will oblige us by sending it to the office of The Colored American, Washington, D. C.
"Where is Paul Dunbar?" The Colored American (Washington, D. C.). October 25, 1902. Page 4.