On October 29, 1897, Paul Laurence Dunbar in Washington, D. C., wrote three letters to his fiancée Alice Ruth Moore in Brooklyn. Paul hoped to marry Alice soon, but they were both in poor financial condition. Paul had recently begun working at the Library of Congress and was anticipating his first paycheck. He was also giving recitals, writing stories and finishing his first novel in order to earn more income. One of Paul's letters was written at work on Library stationery.
I am stealing a minute from work to say "howdy" to you. I have just had another letter from Philadelphia. They want me there on December 11th. If I can keep on making extras this way, we shall soon be able to marry. I am spending very little and taking care of my financial as well as my physical resources. Today is payday but of course I do not draw quite my full salary. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to the hour with great eagerness. It means the first of a number of events that shall make me able to marry the girl of my heart. Sometimes when I think of the enormity of my expenses I become disheartened, but a look at your dear pictured face brings life into me again for you are so preeminently worth working for.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, October 29, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
I wonder if there is any possible show of our marrying in December? Do you think so? Everything, you know depends upon the coming in of the cash. How I wish it would hustle in, for I want you with me darling soon, soon, soon.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, October 29, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
It is near bed time but I must steal a while from sleep to drop a line to you. Everything that keeps us [a]part seems to loom up hugely on my horizon. The days drag themselves away. The dollars come in all too slowly and not a finishing line will come to that blessed novel. But all things must have an end and so will our waiting and then, I hope and am sure that our happiness will be a reward for all our suspense.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, October 29, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
The couple's plans were further complicated when Alice's mother objected to their marriage. Paul told Alice that he would still save his money, even with their wedding plans in doubt.
Talk about being blue -- well blue is no name for it. What shall we do darling? Is our dream to be wrecked entire? I have built all my hopes of happiness in you and if I lose you, I lose all. The line of your mother's letter is not wholly discouraging but my sun has been so bright that now any cloud must look particularly dark. Let us pray that in the meantime your mother will relent and give us her blessing and consent. Meanwhile I shall try to be real brave and hopeful and shall go on saving up my pennies for the ring. If you don't marry me, Alice Moore, I swear I'll be a bachelor and a very naughty one at that. So you see that you'll be doing a favor to humanity by taking me out of the way. I shall answer your mother's letter politely and diplomatically.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, November 7, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).