On November 21, 1897, a newspaper column called Sunshine Society published the poem "A Hymn" by Paul Laurence Dunbar, along with an erroneous description of the author.
Lead gently, Lord, and slow,
For, oh, my steps are weak,
And ever as I go
Some soothing sentence speak.
My fainting soul doth yearn
For Thy green hills afar,
So let Thy mercy burn,
My greater, guiding star.By Paul Laurence Dunbar, the colored poet (blind)
Sent by the blind chaplain, W. J. Houghton.Excerpt from "A Hymn," by Paul Laurence Dunbar. New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York). November 21, 1897. Part III, page 7.
William "Bud" Burns, a physician and a close friend of Paul's, cut the poem from the paper and sent it to him, underlining the word "blind" and scribbling a message in the margin.
Please inform me as to the seriousness of the enclosed.
N. Y. Tribune, 11-21-97
Wm. A. Burns
William "Bud" Burns to Paul Laurence Dunbar, November 21, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
Paul was not blind, but he sometimes recited his poetry for blind visitors at the Library of Congress in Washington, D. C. A curious newspaper reader decided to find out for herself if Paul was blind. She located him at work and then wrote to the Sunshine Society editor.
The reading room for the blind is one of the most interesting features of the Congressional Library. The daily readings by volunteers between the hours 2:30 and 3:30 continue, and are well attended and much enjoyed. "It is such a boon to us," said a blind girl the other day, who had been an attentive listener. "These readings give us such pleasure! Those of you who read for yourselves can scarcely understand what it means to us to be read aloud to." The Rev. Mackay-Smith, Mrs. James Russel Young and Paul Laurence Dunbar, who reads selections from his own poems, are a few of those who have offered their services to read for the blind.
"Gossip at the Capital." New York Tribune Illustrated Supplement (New York, New York). December 19, 1897. Page 21.
To the Editor of The Tribune. Will you allow me to correct a statement which appeared in your issue of November 21 regarding the poet Paul Laurence Dunbar? Mr. Dunbar is the colored poet who has sprung into fame during the last six months in this country and in London, but he is not blind. Knowing Mr. Dunbar to be employed in the new Library of Congress, and arming myself with a copy of The Tribune, I decided upon finding this rising young poet. Climbing four short flights of stairs in the north stack of the library, I found my poet, seated humbly at a desk, busily engaged on some special work in connection with his present position. As I approached, he arose and with a kindly greeting, offered me his chair, the only one I saw. I explained my errand. I desired to correct to the general public the impression of his blindness. "Strange," he said, "an old chum of mine in New Jersey has just sent me the same copy of The Tribune. I cannot account for such a mistake. But I should be greatly pleased if you take the trouble to write to the Tribune."
Sincerely yours, Mrs. B. K. B.
Washington City."Origin of the Poem 'Lead Gently.'" New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York). December 8, 1897. Page 7.