On October 15, 1896, Paul Laurence Dunbar in Washington, D. C., wrote an optimistic letter to his mother Matilda in Dayton. Paul was 24 years old and visiting Washington for a speaking engagement.
I arrived safe in Washington and am very cozily ensconced in Mrs. Baker's lovely home. The people have proven very hospitable here, and I have had good fortune to fall in with the very cream. You can't imagine how they seem to appreciate me here. It is so different from Dayton. Everything is moving smoothly, and even if I do not have a great crowd, I will at least have the very cream of Washington.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Matilda Dunbar, October 15, 1896. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
Although Paul would later live in Washington, on this occasion he was in the city only briefly to participate in a literary and musical recital.
Paul Laurence Dunbar, the poet, at Church of Our Father, Monday evening October 19th, at 8 o'clock. Tickets, 25c. Reserved seats, 35c.
Advertisement. The Morning Times (Washington, D. C.). October 18, 1896. Page 11.
Paul Laurence Dunbar Assisted by Eminent and Popular Local Talent Will Make His First Appearance Before a Washington Audience at The Church of Our Father, Corner 13th and L Streets, N. W., Monday Evening, Oct. 19, 1896
Recital program, October 19, 1896. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 4).
Paul described his Washington visit in a letter to his future wife Alice Ruth Moore in West Medford, Massachusetts.
I tried to slip in here quietly, but lo, I fell among friends and verily I have been snatched up and carried away in the whirl. I may be off my feet but I haven't lost my head, be sure of that (of course I can't lose my heart, when you have it there with you at West Medford). Anyway, Joe D. is waiting for me to go driving so I must away -- au revoir. Let me hear from you within the week.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, October 15, 1896. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Paul referred to Joseph Douglass, a grandson of Frederick Douglass. Their joint recital in Washington was a success.
Paul Laurence Dunbar, the gifted poet, who is touring the principal cities, gave one of his excellent readings in Washington, D. C., Oct. 19th, to a large and appreciative audience. Joseph Douglass, the accomplished violinist, assisted in the entertainment.
"The Stage." The Freeman (Indianapolis, Indiana). October 31, 1896. Page 3.
Mr. Paul Laurence Dunbar was the attraction at the church of Our Father on last Monday night. The church was well filled with a distinguished and classic audience. Mr. Dunbar acquitted himself well. His selections were well rendered and enthusiastically received. Dr. Rankin, of the Howard University, introduced Mr. Dunbar as the great Afro-American poet. He was received with enthusiasm. There were fully 700 people present.
"Amusements." The Washington Bee (Washington, D. C.). October 24, 1896. Page 8.