On July 9, 1896, Joseph Cotter, Sr., of Louisville, Kentucky, wrote a letter full of advice to Paul Laurence Dunbar in Dayton. Several days earlier, Paul's book Majors and Minors had been favorably reviewed in Harper's Weekly by William Dean Howells, the most influential literary critic in America. Cotter urged Paul to take advantage of the exposure he had gained from the article.
Mr. W. D. Howells has done you a great and just favor. Profit by it. You and Gov. McKinley are close together in Harper's. Do you see the point? If he is made President, get your friends to speak for you. It may bring you a position in Washington worth $1000 or $2000 a year. If you can get some New York house to bring out your book, a little fortune will be yours. By all means arrange and give some readings in New England. If Howells hears you read, he will say something that will mean thousands in your pocket. Don't wait for an invitation. Go to New York and be your own manager. Howells will be anxious to hear you. Why not make him a visit and recite "The Pahty," "An Antebellum Sermon" and "Whistling Sam." "Whistling Sam" will carry New England. You now hold the key to your future success. Neither lose it nor let it rust in your hands. If you can carry this point with Howells, your audience will be the whole of New England.
Joseph S. Cotter, Sr., to Paul Laurence Dunbar, July 9, 1896. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
Cotter was a Black poet and educator with a great appreciation for Paul's talent. Long before the review in Harper's Weekly made him famous, Cotter established a Paul Laurence Dunbar School in Louisville, and he arranged for Paul to give a reading of his works at a Louisville church. Cotter's letter was full predictions about Paul's future, and some of them came true. Cotter wrote: "You and Gov. McKinley are close together in Harper's. Do you see the point?" A large picture of William McKinley appeared on the front page of Harper's Weekly in the same issue in which the review of Majors and Minors was published. McKinley was governor of Ohio and had just been nominated as the Republican candidate for president.
The eleventh National Convention of the Republican party was held in St. Louis last week. It nominated William McKinley, of Ohio, for President, and Garret Augustus Hobart, of New Jersey, for Vice President.
"The Republican Convention," by F. E. Leupp. Harper's Weekly (New York, New York). June 27, 1896. Page 642.
Cotter also wrote: "If he is made President, get your friends to speak for you. It may bring you a position in Washington worth $1000 or $2000 a year." McKinley was elected President later in the year, and Paul's friend Robert Ingersoll helped him to obtain a position in Washington (though his salary was well below Cotter's prediction).
Dear Mother: I have just received a letter from Col. Robert Ingersoll which I copy for you. He says: "My Dear Dunbar, It seems to me that the President would like to recognize your ability in some way."
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Matilda Dunbar, July 20, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar collection, New York Public Library, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (Microfilm edition, Roll 3).
About 180 negroes have received appointments in the national service and about 125 others have received promotions since President McKinley's inauguration. Colored men are employed in many of the libraries connected with the Government. Daniel Murray, attendant in the national library, is an unusually intellectual Afro-American. He receives $1,400 a year. Librarian Young about a week ago conferred a similar position upon Paul L. Dunbar, of Ohio, the celebrated negro poet.
"Well-Paid." The Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky). November 15, 1897. Page 3.
Cotter also wrote: "If you can get some New York house to bring out your book, a little fortune will be yours. By all means arrange and give some readings in New England. If Howells hears you read, he will say something that will mean thousands in your pocket. Why not make him a visit and recite 'The Pahty,' 'An Antebellum Sermon' and 'Whistling Sam.'" Paul did go to New York, where he signed a contract with a publishing firm, recited his poetry (including some of the poems suggested by Cotter) and visited William Dean Howells (who loaned him a coat to wear).
Paul Laurence Dunbar has been for several years the elevator boy in a public building in Dayton, O., and, in fact, still retains that place. His recent visit to New York was marked by one important event in his life. Dunbar has never had any more money than the salary paid him by his employers, and despite the attention which his literary work has attracted recently, his books have yielded him no profit. But two weeks ago, the publishing firm which is to bring out his new book of poems, paid Mr. Dunbar $400, and never in his life before had he had so much money.
"Our Leading Poet." The Cleveland Gazette (Cleveland, Ohio). September 26, 1896. Page 1.
Paul Laurence Dunbar, whose verses have won much favorable comment in literary circles, pleasantly entertained an invited audience yesterday afternoon at the Lyceum Theatre, New York, with recitations from several of his own poems. He was at his best in the negro dialect selections and his humorous bits were most appreciatively received. "When Malindy Sings" proved a favorite and was illustrated by the singing of a bar of two from some well known airs. "Whistling Sam," "Accountability" and "The Party" were especially good.
"Readings by a Negro Poet." The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (New York, New York). September 9, 1896. Page 7.
Dear Mr. Howells: This note should have been written yesterday when I returned your coat by the National Express. Let me thank you again for your kindness, although the circumstances brought to my mind the old fable of the ass in the lion's skin. Notwithstanding all my precaution I have taken cold. I hope that you are more fortunate and that this note will find both you and your family well.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to William Dean Howells, September 19, 1896. Howells family papers, Houghton Library, Harvard University. MS Am 1784 (133).
Paul showed his appreciation for Cotter by writing a poem for him about the importance of friendship. It was inscribed inside the front cover of a copy of Oak and Ivy, Paul's first book of poetry. The verse remained unknown for more than a century until published in 2009 by Dr. Herbert Woodward Martin.
To my friend - Joseph S. Cotter, December 18th, 1894
I had searched thro' the world for the world’s greatest treasure --
In the temple of Art, in the palace of Pleasure;
In the marts of the cities where riches and pride
Sprang up from the compost and bloomed side by side.And still did I search but its prize still eluded,
Till weary of wandering, sad and deluded,
I would fain have abandoned the quest in the end --
But the treasure appeared in the love of a friend."To My Friend -- Joseph S. Cotter," by Paul Laurence Dunbar. Quoted in "Forgotten Manuscripts," by Herbert Woodward Martin. African American Review (Baltimore, Maryland). Summer/Fall 2009. Page 358.