On October 31, 1900, Paul Laurence Dunbar in Washington, D. C., wrote to his literary agent Paul Reynolds in New York City regarding recent sales of his work to magazines. Paul told Reynolds that he wanted to be paid quickly.
I have your note about the "Fount of Tears." The amount is small, and what you say about your percentage is all right. I hope the other things that you have will do as well. The illustrations to "The Scapegoat" were fine and I hope Colliers' will soon be coughing up as my exchequer is low.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Paul R. Reynolds, October 31, 1900. Paul Laurence Dunbar collection, New York Public Library, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (Microfilm edition, Roll 3).
Paul was 28 years old and living in Washington with his wife and mother. Since resigning from the Library of Congress two years earlier, he earned his income from book royalties, speaking engagements and publications in periodicals. In 1900, Paul's poetry appeared in North American periodicals more often than any other year in his career. A week later, Paul again asked Reynolds to request payment from magazines.
I will be glad if you would prod up both Ainslee's and Collier's a little, as the wherewithal would come in very handy just now.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Paul R. Reynolds, November 7, 1900. Paul Laurence Dunbar collection, New York Public Library, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (Microfilm edition, Roll 3).
A few days afterward, Paul confirmed that he had received payment for his poem "The Fount of Tears" that appeared in Ainslee's Magazine the following year.
I wish merely to acknowledge the $12.75 for the poem "The Fount of Tears."
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Paul R. Reynolds, November 10, 1900. Paul Laurence Dunbar collection, New York Public Library, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (Microfilm edition, Roll 3).
In the August number of "Ainslee's Magazine," there is a good lot of readable fiction, balanced by several characteristic articles. In addition to other matter of standard interest is a pleasing poem, "The Fount of Tears," by Paul Laurence Dunbar.
"Ainslee's Magazine for August." Jersey City News (Jersey City, New Jersey). July 27, 1901.