On November 1, 1898, Paul Laurence Dunbar began a leave of absence from his position at the Library of Congress in Washington, D. C. He told Booker T. Washington that he would spend the time resting.
Mr. Young has just been kind enough to grant me a leave of absence until Jan. 1, 1899. My health is so poor that I am compelled to take these two months to recuperate shattered energies. Of course, after being so long away from work, I could not conscientiously ask for even a day until my annual leave in August. I should not wish to take more time, even were it offered.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Booker T. Washington, November 7, 1898. Booker T. Washington Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, D. C.
However, instead of resting during his time off, Paul went on a lengthy recital tour through New York and Ohio.
Paul Laurence Dunbar has made a host of friends in Granville, as was evidenced by the close and respectful attention which his recitations received at the Opera House last night. He has an exceptionally pleasing manner on the platform and his delivery is both natural and effective, which, combined with his sincerity, made the entertainment most enjoyable. Mr. Dunbar left this morning for Columbus, where he appears this evening. After traveling a few more weeks he expects to return to Washington and again resume his duties in the Library.
"The Negro Poet, Dunbar, Visits Granville." The Denisonian (Granville, Ohio). December 16, 1898. Page 2.
Paul Laurence Dunbar has come and gone, and his coming was an instantaneous success. No purely literary entertainment in Bowling Green was ever larger attended, and none received such an unqualified endorsement of hearty approval. Just now Mr. Dunbar is seriously debating whether or not he shall give up his position at Washington. This work takes much of his time, and does not permit a rested mind to devote to his literary pursuits. Last year, his royalties from Dodd, Mead & Co., and his income from his pen netted him $3000. He believes that he is now perhaps justified in devoting his entire time to his pen.
"Successful Was the Paul Laurence Dunbar Recital." The Daily Sentinel (Bowling Green, Ohio). December 10, 1898. Page 1.
Paul's public appearances were well attended, and he earned more money from his lecture tour than he would have made during the same period at the Library. While on the road, he sent encouraging updates to his wife Alice in Washington.
I look forward to my week's work with some misgivings as I am very tired and six readings in succession are not easy to do. I am very anxious to know what the aggregate of my great spurt of work is going to give to me -- not less than $85.00 anyway. It wasn't a half bad spurt, was it now? So far, I have pulled $152.25 out of my readings.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Moore Dunbar, December 11, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
I am feeling first rate now but am getting homesick. I hope to bring home, though, $200 as a result of my ten days employment. I shall leave the library! -- Perhaps!
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Moore Dunbar, December 14, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
After his successful tour, Paul decided to devote all of his time to writing and reciting and he never went back to his job at the Library of Congress.