On July 15, 1897, Paul Laurence Dunbar in Somersetshire, England, wrote to his fiancée Alice Ruth Moore in Brooklyn. Paul was in England for a recital tour and to find an English publisher for his book Lyrics of Lowly Life. He had been living in London, but left the city for a visit to the countryside.
I have been spending a week with friends in Somersetshire, a grand old mansion with magnificent grounds. As I have walked through the fields and gardens under the full moon, I have thought of you and longed for you, my darling. I had expected to sail for home next Saturday but I made such a hit last night that they want me to recite at several other places in the provinces and so stay a month or two longer but I don't know whether I shall do it or not, for I am anxious to see my little lady. I bought you a little birthday remembrance and mentally wished you many happy returns. I did not send the former because I expected to bring it, but if I decide to stay, I will send it over. My white friends are very good and loyal and urge me to return for a series of lectures this winter if I insist on going now.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, July 15, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
A full moon occurred on July 13, and Alice's birthday was July 19. Paul wrote another letter to his mother Matilda describing his experiences in Somersetshire.
I have been spending the week at Somersetshire with some friends. I had intended to come home next week, but made such a hit last night in my recital that they wish me to stay a little longer. I may sail next Saturday and may remain a month or two longer. While I am not making money, I shall have some by the time I get home, so keep heart. I have about finished my new book and shall remain in New York long enough to place it.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Matilda Dunbar, July 15, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
The new book that Paul referred to was his first novel, The Uncalled. In an autobiographical sketch, he described how he completed it while in Somerset.
I continued reading, publishing Lyrics of Lowly Life, went to England where in spite of the opposition which British sentiment offered to my having a woman-manager, I had a most enjoyable time. There my book was handsomely republished. And there in the heart of a typical English home among the hills of Somerset, I finished my novel "The Uncalled" which is to appear in the May Lippincott's.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to A. S. Lanahan, February 17, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).
An inscription on the back of this photograph says it is of Paul with his "English friends and advisors." Courtesy of the Ohio History Connection. Paul Laurence Dunbar Collection, P 70; Box 1, Folder 2. Image AL05267.tif.
While in Somerset, Paul visited Helen Bright-Clark, a social and political reformer who advocated for women's suffrage and racial equality. She had previously hosted Frederick Douglass during his visits to England. After much indecision about how long he should stay, Paul left England on July 31 and never returned.
While I am not very well in health all goes well with me. I have caught cold and it has settled in my throat to some extent. I expect to sail for home one week from next Saturday. I have been truly blessed with friends who are wonderfully kind to me. I am the guest today of Mrs. Helen Bright-Clark, the daughter of the famous old John Bright. They have also a handsome home -- Mill Field by name -- and are very kind to me. I shall probably recite tonight if I am well enough.
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).
I am counting the hours until I shall fold you to my heart again and kiss away my soul-hunger for you. I have at last, much against the wishes of my friends, decided to sail on the 31st. One friend even offers to take me over to France if I will remain, but I can only reply that America is still more attractive. It is such a nuisance to wrap things up for the transatlantic journey.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, July 20, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).