Lot 390
Barton, Clara (1821-1912) The "Angel of the Battlefield, " Barton distributed supplies and organized care of wounded soldiers during the Civil War. Establishing the American Red Cross in 1881, Barton served as the organization's first president and coordinated and supervised activities during the 1880s and 1890s. With Barton's perseverance, the role of the Red Cross internationally expanded from strictly war time efforts to include distribution of relief during natural disasters.
Autograph Letter Signed ("Clara Barton"). Seven pages, octavo, Constantinople, April 13, 1895. To "My precious friend". Several hand corrections. Includes two page postscript from fellow relief worker. One vertical and three horizontal mailing folds, small holes from staple or pin, small tear at top of first page. Overall, condition very good to fine.
Clara Barton describes her relief work and obstacles placed in her way following an earthquake in Turkey: "…we have worked on, doing what we came to do, and letting alone that which we did not come to do. The result is a perfect understanding with all parties and persons, including the Government here. I did not come to criticize it, nor attempt to regulate its management… I did come to 'try' to get the little aid, comfort and help to the thousands of suffering people in this unfortunate land which a few persons with some of the gifts of a pitying country so far away, desired to give and to send. They forgot, in their earnest enthusiasm that the poorest and slowest manner of accomplishing this end, through me would be to tie my hands, rob me of my assistants, and block my way at both ends…naturally all this had to overcome…my men, as agents at the field, were honest, fearless & careful but brave…but of Medical supplies there can never be enough. Seven thousand sick in those two distressed cities, four epidemics, no physician of their own. I am glad for the world that some can to and glad for America that hers can go…"
Estimated Value $900 - 1,100.
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