On July 8, 1894, Paul Laurence Dunbar visited Springfield, Ohio, which is about 25 miles northeast of his hometown of Dayton.
Springfield, O. - Mr. Paul Dunbar, of Dayton, was here last Sunday, the guest of Mr. William Dickson.
"Social and Personal Notes and Other Items." The Cleveland Gazette (Cleveland, Ohio). July 14, 1894. Page 1.
Paul visited William Dickson, but also spent time with a woman named Cad Bayless, who had urged him to come to Springfield as Dickson's guest. Cad wrote several emotional letters to Paul expressing her feelings for him.
I dreamed a dream last night and it worried me so. Oh, it was horrid! I thought that you were married. Oh, I hope it is not true and never will be true! It would break my heart. Oh, Paul do not let it be true. I would die of a broken heart. I dreamed that you were married, but you were displeased with the marriage. You came to me and fell on your knees and said, (I shall never forget the tone of that pitiful voice, e'en though it was a dream.) "Cad, all is over between us now. O, my darling." Paul don't think me "soft and sickening" but I could not help writing this. Paul, you do not know how I miss those delightful times we had together while I was in Dayton. Mr. Dickson said if you and your Mother would come to Springfield he would give you a reception. Won't you come Paul. Do for "Cad's" sake. Closing, hoping to hear from you soon. I remain your only Love.
Carrie "Cad" Bayless to Paul Laurence Dunbar, February 16, 1894. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
The day after Paul's visit to Springfield, Cad wrote an affectionate letter asking about his train ride back to Dayton.
My dearest little Paul: I know you will be somewhat surprised when you receive this note. But for the present it will have to answer in the place of me. It is utterly impossible for me to come before Saturday. I hope you will not feel disappointed. I have sewed until quite late and am so sleepy now that writing is almost impossible, yet I find pleasure in writing to you. I only wish you were here by me instead of having to write. Did you have to wait on your train very long? We found that our clock was a little fast. Well, dearest, be content until I come. From your loving little Cad, goodbye, three kisses.
Carrie "Cad" Bayless to Paul Laurence Dunbar, July 9, 1894. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
Later in the year, Cad sent a letter to Paul reasoning that, since he was a writer, he should write to her more often.
Dearest Paul: You are angry with me, are you not? I have been very neglectful, but believe me, I will do better in the future. But Paul, I think you might write to me, if I don't write to you quite so often. You write so much that writing should not be a task to you. If nothing prevents, I may come over next Sunday. Hoping that I may soon hear from you. I will close, truly and lovingly yours.
Carrie "Cad" Bayless to Paul Laurence Dunbar, November 5 and 6, 1894. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
Months later, Paul was in a relationship with another woman named Maud Clark, to whom he proposed marriage.