Description:

Clara Barton
Washington, DC, March 13, 1902
Clara Barton TLS Re: "Sister Harriette [and] any of the other sisters, who may come"
TLS
A 2pp typed letter signed by Clara Barton (1821-1912), founder of the American Red Cross, as "Clara Barton" at the center of the second page. March 13, 1902. Washington, D.C. The first page is on watermarked stationery with "The American National Red Cross" letterhead, complete with the emblazoned arm cuff logo at upper left. Barton has added three manuscript words to the text ("Fairfax Hotel" and "there.") Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds and a few extra wrinkles. A few words were contemporaneously whited out. Else near fine. The first sheet measures 8.25" x 10.75," the second sheet measures 8.375" x 11."

Barton wrote this letter to Mrs. Harriette B. Reed of Dorchester, Massachusetts, an old close friend who occasionally served as caretaker of Barton's home in Glen Echo, Maryland. Barton and Reed had nursed together during the Civil War and they also collaborated through their American National Red Cross work.

Barton was in Washington, D.C. for a series of meetings which she reports were "good, all harmonious and creditable." It is unclear what meetings Barton attended, for she was involved in numerous organizations. For example, earlier that month, Barton had spoken at the Sixth Annual Conclave of the National Congress of Mothers (the antecedent organization of today's PTA, or National Congress of Parents and Teachers) about her time as a school teacher. Barton's use of the word "sister" throughout the letter suggests that she felt a deep kinship with Reed and other female Red Cross volunteers.

Barton wrote to Reed in part:

"My beloved Sister:

…I have been at the Fairfax Hotel here since the commencement of the meetings and attended most of them through, always regretting that I could not have been in Boston on the 12th. The meetings were good, all harmonious and creditable. The city was very full for two or three weeks…

We always look for the time when Sister Harriette will be coming again and perhaps it may not be very long now, although I know how that hospital pulls on every minute of yours…

I think daily of the family of sisters and how much there is in that house to enliven it and be grateful for. I am always thankful that I made that visit, it was a good visit every way. I have none such to offer to Sister Harriette or any of the other sisters, who may come, but such as I have I hope I may be able to welcome you to…"

Just a few months later in 1902, the 80-year-old Barton would lead an American delegation to participate in the Seventh International Conference of the Red Cross in St. Petersburg, from May 16-29, 1902 and June 4-22, 1902.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: average: 8.25" x 10.75"
  • Medium: TLS

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