On August 19, 1904, Martha Wright Evans in Columbus, Ohio, wrote to Paul Laurence Dunbar in Dayton, thanking him for sending her some books of his poetry. Paul was 32 years old, in poor health and being cared for by his mother. Evans humorously speculated about who Paul might have been in a previous life, and what animal she might become in her next life.
I wish it were possible this morning for me to thank you in person for the beautiful lines inscribed by you in my books. You were indeed very kind and I thank you more than I can say. I count them among my dearest treasures. Do you know as I was turning the pages of "Lowly Life" I found myself wondering, what if after all the Theosophists were right in their belief? If it be true, then Mr. Dunbar is not himself, and if not, who in the world are you? Who has made it possible for you to tower far and above any of your people? Whose fine nature do you possess? To whom are you indebted for your bright intellect? A strange belief isn't it? Am very sure that I for one have no desire to be other than myself -- neither have I a hankering to ever become a cat, a dog, nor donkey, although I have during my lifetime met a very few people whom I felt had they made the slightest effort might have done some fine braying. Am heartily glad I am a Methodist and do not believe in reincarnation. No, no. I am myself -- and you to my mind are simply Mr. Paul Laurence Dunbar, a man with a rare talent, a most courteous gentleman and may I add -- without presuming -- my friend? Once more let me thank you for the sweet violets placed by you between the leaves of my little books.
Martha Wright Evans to Paul Laurence Dunbar, August 19, 1904. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
Evans' letter referred to the concept of reincarnation popularized by the Theosophical Society.
The two other central ideas of theosophy are reincarnation and the law of cause and effect, which we call Karma. While reincarnation is abundantly proven to the student of theosophy, we prefer to offer it for public consideration as a hypothesis to account for many and great differences found in the human race, as well as the many environments and conditions of life. Souls are reborn in these conditions by reason of their acts in their past lives that caused such births. Karma, which is law, never errs. It always metes out exact justice.
"Defends Theosophy," by J. D. Hawes. The Sunday Oregonian (Portland, Oregon). February 13, 1898. Page 11.
Several months later, when Evans heard reports that Paul had been injured, she wrote another letter full of comforting words and probing questions.
You cannot imagine how shocked I was when I learned of your terrible fall and of your being obliged to carry your right arm in a bandage. Why it must have caused you no end of suffering. How did the accident occur and when? Were any bones broken? You must have had a horrible shaking up. I feel very anxious to know the particulars. I am so sorry this misfortune should have overtaken you as you were so very weak at best and had apparently all that one mortal should be required to battle with. How wisely God measures our strength, doesn't He? Never sending us more than we can bear. I wish however you might have been spared this. But then I often wish you might have been spared much that has come to you in your short life. I want very much to see you again. I wish to better understand your present condition, whether you are gaining or losing ground. I cannot but think with proper diet taken at regular intervals, you would gain in strength, and that is the all-important thing just now. I will write again in a few days. Be very good to yourself and believe me to be your sincere friend.
Martha Wright Evans to Paul Laurence Dunbar, January 10, 1905. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
After Paul's death, Evans wrote to his mother Matilda, referring to the sense of loss that they both felt.
I am sure you are lonely, very lonely at times. Of course, [with] friends coming in through the day you do not have the same time to think as in the evening when you are alone, and then it is your heart and arms seem empty. Dear dear Mother Dunbar, you don't know how I miss Paul, how I want to see him. I thank you so much for the "Watchword" and "Times" [you] sent me. I am so glad of any articles or clippings I can get that in any way refer to Paul. I want to read them and keep them. Dear Mother Dunbar, can't something be done that I have a good picture of Paul? I do want one. Again I thank you for the papers. Anything that reminds me of Paul you know is precious to me.
Martha Wright Evans to Matilda Dunbar, March 11, 1906. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).