On November 22, 1897, Paul Laurence Dunbar in Washington, D. C., wrote about an engagement ring in a letter to his fiancée Alice Ruth Moore in Brooklyn. The courtship between Paul and Alice took place mostly by mail, since they lived in distant cities. They had met face to face for the first time about nine months earlier and immediately became engaged.
If you will let me, I will send you the ring at once. All I want to know is that you will accept it and all that it means.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, November 22, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
A few days later, Paul told Alice that he had bought a ring for her. It included a ruby, which was the stone for her birthday in July. Paul sent her the ring, not knowing if Alice really wanted to marry him, since they were experiencing a relationship crisis at the time.
Dear, I have not waited for your answer, but anticipating it have purchased the ring. It is on my finger now, and I have prayed to God that he might bless and bring to a full fruition all that it symbolizes. The ring I will send tomorrow when I can register it. It is a ruby for your birth -- God bless that birth -- and a diamond on either side. I hope you will like it my darling.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, November 25, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
I have already sent you the ring. Keep it whether you marry me or not. Try sometimes to think kindly of me.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, November 26, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
I haven't heard from you for several days and I am so anxious to hear how you are. Will you not write me just a line or two and say whether you got your ring and if you like it?
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, November 29, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
Soon afterward, however, Paul's letters began to refer to a ring that belonged to Rebekah Baldwin, his friend who was a school teacher in Washington.
One thing, dearie, won't you return Miss Baldwin's ring at once? She wants it, and is quite angry with me. I have not told her that you have it because I promised not to let any other girl wear it. But, then you are different, because you are mine and I am yours -- so you can wear anything that I have even to the trousers when we get married.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, December 19, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
I hope that you will have a Happy New Year and will return to Brooklyn refreshed and improved in body and mind. Dear, won't you please send me Rebekah's ring?
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, December 27, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
Why will you not send Rebekah's ring, dear?
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, January 5, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Alice was not pleased with Paul's long-term friendship with Rebekah, and was in no hurry to return her ring.
Why don't I send Rebekah's ring? I don't know. It looks so much better on my finger than I imagine it looked on hers, I suppose is the only reason.
Alice Ruth Moore to Paul Laurence Dunbar, January 7, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
You conceited little minx, you. I don't know about that ring looking better on your hand than Rebekah's. She has the most beautiful hands in the world -- speaking generally of course.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, January 10, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).