On November 17, 1897, Paul Laurence Dunbar read his poetry at an event in Philadelphia, though he was intoxicated at the time. He hoped that public appearances like the Philadelphia recital would bring in enough money for him to marry his fiancée Alice Ruth Moore. Paul lived in Washington, D. C., and Alice lived in Brooklyn, and he suggested she meet him in Philadelphia.
Sometimes dear I feel as if I cannot wait any longer for you, but must marry you at once. I know now what love's heart-hunger is. I am working very hard to accomplish my object. My recital Monday night was a success. I recite here again on the 5th, Philadelphia on the 17th (I wish you could be there), here again at Grimkes' church on the 23rd and in Baltimore during the same month so you see I may expect to make some money.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, October 24, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
Can't you steal down to Philadelphia on the night of the seventeenth? It would be such jolly good fun and so delightfully improper. How I wish you could come. 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).
Prior to the event, newspapers in Philadelphia promoted Paul's visit to the city. His appearance was part of a fundraiser to establish a daycare for Black families.
Paul Laurence Dunbar will make his first appearance in this city and read selections from his own works next Wednesday evening, November 17, at Musical Fund Hall. The event is under the auspices of the Women's Union Missionary Society, and the proceeds are to be used for the establishment of a day nursery in the Seventh ward.
"At Musical Fund Hall." The Philadelphia Times (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). November 14, 1897. Page 12.
A most important movement has been started by the Women's Union Missionary Society, composed of colored women, to establish a day nursery in the Seventh ward. The initial steps to raising funds for that purpose will be taken at Musical Fund Hall next Wednesday evening, at which time Paul Laurence Dunbar will read selections from his own works.
"To Establish a Day Nursery." The Philadelphia Times (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). November 15, 1897. Page 5.
Tomorrow evening the poet Paul Laurence Dunbar will read selections from his own works at Musical Fund Hall. He will be assisted by Mrs. Ida Gilbert Chestnut, soloist; Mr. Stanley C. Gilbert, soloist; and Mr. Leon Adger, piano.
"Poet Dunbar." The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). November 16, 1897. Page 3.
After the event, a Philadelphia newspaper gave an unremarkable account of Paul's recital, but he told a more colorful story to Alice.
There was present last evening at a meeting in Musical Fund Hall, held under the auspices of the Women's Union Missionary Society, a representative gathering of colored people, to whom were submitted the objects and plans of a proposed day nursery for colored children to be established in the Seventh ward. Paul Laurence Dunbar, of Washington, D. C., read a number of selections from his works.
"The Day Nursery for Colored Children." The Philadelphia Times (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). November 18, 1897. Page 4.
I was very drunk at Philadelphia, but made a great hit. After which I went to Mrs. Harper's for a half hour, but was afraid she would catch on, so I went alone to a white hotel and filled up on champagne. I spent a good deal of cash.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, November 19, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
Yes, I was drunk at Philadelphia but don't believe any of the reports you hear. That matter about my being soiled is all a lie. I dressed at the hall dressing room in all clean linen. I was not drunk enough to be anything except excessively polite, and exceedingly exuberant in my recitation which brought the house down. No there is a reason for all this Phil. talk. Two rival factions were after me and fighting each other. One attempted to bribe me into not reading for the other. When the latter accused me of unfaith with them, I gave the bribe away, stood on my dignity, threatened to show the bribe etc. I was exonerated, but there was hell to pay between the parties. That is all there is to my Phil. escapade. Few people know of my fondness for women, and while my drinking is known or guessed by more, few have ever seen me under the influence. But you know I am bound to be talked about. I read in Philadelphia again this coming week and it is going to be a game of snub against snub.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, December 7, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
While spending the holidays with her family near Boston, Alice heard rumors about Paul's behavior during his appearance in Philadelphia, but he defended himself.
The Philadelphia yarn is muchly around here. My good friend and lawyer, Will Lewis, was in Phila. that night and saw you. Oh!!!!
Alice Ruth Moore to Paul Laurence Dunbar, December 27, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Let me tell you once and for all that I don't care a ---- what your "good friend and lawyer Will Lewis" says or what he saw. My second visit to Philadelphia convinces me that my state that night was only indicated by an exuberance of humor and an overabundance of politeness. The "Philadelphia Yarn" as you so aptly call it, does not seem to have materially affected the attitude toward me of the Washington people. I am at a loss to know whether they differ from the Bostonians in quantity or quality of conscience.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, December 29, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
Paul's drinking was criticized in a brief editorial in an African American newspaper. A week later, another paper defended Paul (without denying the truth of the accusation).
When men rise to positions of great prominence, personal liberty is no longer a plea for licentiousness. The people, who are the props and stays of such individuals, expect good reports from their clients. Rumor now comes that our only poet is succumbing to the seductive cup. A denial is not a necessity, but a toning up to the full pitch of his prominence is absolutely necessary. It is not necessary to cite eminent examples of by-gone days. The people expect no excuses whatever. Public men must act as becomes those who blaze the way.
The Freeman (Indianapolis, Indiana). December 11, 1897. Page 4.
This selfish cut at Paul Laurence Dunbar is unwarranted. The simpleton who was guilty of drafting the above will kindly take notice of some facts. Do you deny that Edgar Poe was intoxicated when he wrote "The Raven"; do you deny that the majority of the great senators and congressmen are partakers of the cup. You seek to cast aspersion upon the character of Paul Dunbar, but we can look upon the above clipping as unjust, unmanly and unwarranted.
Illinois Record (Springfield, Illinois). December 18, 1897. Page 2.