On November 18, 1894, Rebekah Baldwin in Washington, D. C., wrote to Paul Laurence Dunbar in Dayton about his request for a photograph of her. Paul was 22 years old and had yet to come into contact with his future wife Alice Ruth Moore.
Apropos of your request for my picture, I have none. I have a most serious aversion to the camera -- one which I cannot overcome sufficiently to have even a presentable likeness taken. I have had two sittings in my life and neither result looks anything like me. If I can possibly make up my mind to undergo the ordeal a third time, I shall certainly be pleased to send you one of the results.
Rebekah Baldwin to Paul Laurence Dunbar, November 18, 1894. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
A school teacher in Washington, Rebekah carried on a friendly correspondence with Paul for several years in the 1890s. At about the same time, Paul was also writing to other women, and he seemed interested in their photographs too.
I may be in Dayton before long, but only for a short stay. Have you seen my photograph yet? I sent ma one. What is going on in Dayton? Love to your mamma and all of my friends which are few.
Eugenia Griffin to Paul Laurence Dunbar, March 7, 1892. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
Paul, once more I ask of you please to return my photos. I don't ask this in any mean spirit. I promise you I will burn them both. I cannot believe you when you say you will burn them. What have I done that you should treat me as you do Paul? You do not even respect me.
Maud Clark to Paul Laurence Dunbar, April 12, 1895. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
Paul seemed reluctant to send a photo of himself to Alice, but he cherished her picture for the rest of his life.
Please do not ask me for my photo or express any desire to know how I look; for I fear if you knew, our budding friendship which is to me as sweet as a full-blown rose, would be checked; because women so love beauty -- and I do not blame them either -- though, I have not that to offer them. Please let me have your photo as soon as possible and don't consider me selfish for saying that I would rather not send you mine.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, June 25, 1895. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Your letter and photograph have been forwarded to me here and brought a great deal of pleasure to me. Many, many thanks for the photo. I have kissed it once for which you'll forgive me -- I can't forgive myself for wasting my demonstration on this "counterfeit presentment."
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, March 6, 1896. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).