CLARA BARTON DIARIES AND JOURNALS Jan. 1-9, 1877; Dec. 13, 1891;Nov. 24, 1910 Dr. F. Lange 691 Lexington Ave. New York City Key to Clara Barton Diary 1877 1877 "I have lived much that I have not written, But I have written nothing that I have not lived." January 1st, 1877. Danville, Livingston Co. N.Y. During the past year of 1876 (commenced at New England village Massachusetts and ended at Danville New York where the commencement of this year finds me.) I kept no diary. This year health and circumstances permitting I shall attempt some few notes of passing events in this volume. Not expecting them to possess any value beyond there possible convenience to myself. This first day finds me located in a brick house owned by M. George Wood of this town, and situated on Leonard street at the terminus of Elizabeth. Which residence I rented on the 1st Dec last, consequently have been an occupant but one month. My family consists of Miss Fanny Atwater who is my housekeeper, her brother Frances who is a lad of 18 and spends the winter with us to rest from over work as a night printer. Mrs. Mary Pearce Weeks and her little son Georgie, whom I have invited to remain in my house until they shall be better situated. Mrs. Weeks having been for some time until last October filling the office of Medicine Matron at the "Cure" of Dr. Jackson our neighbor. Thus we are five, all in comfortable health and constituting, as it seems to us, a family of uncommon tranquility and happiness. There are among us no secrets and fortunately no need of any no strife no jealousy, no ill feeling, and in fact although our house is generously supplied with closets, we believe there is no skeleton in any of them. Our motto is to "Live and let live," and we try to keep the Golden Rule. Being but a temporary resident of this town and that only through the aid I hoped to receive from Dr Jackson's Institution known as the "Hillside Home" I have culterated no acquaintance outside of the Institution and the worthy family who conduct it. The little I have observed of the place and its inhabitants does not lead me to desire a permanent residence here. The place impresses me as non progressive, not over moral and not generous in any view one could take of it. Of the "cure" which is the leading feature of the town, and indeed all that gives it the least prominence in character, and which is in itself a wonder, and a marvel of a success. I shall have occasion to note from time to time. As the dramatist before entering upon the make up of his play selects and arranges at its head, the personages with whom he is to deal, so perhaps it would not be amiss in me before entering upon the delineatur of this poor little play of life for the coming year to name and locate some of the principle personages with whom I shall be likely to have most to do. I shall feel more at home in this book, and open its pages with greater love and reverence, if I place in it here at its commencement the names of the parent family the loved ones with whom I commenced my life's journey and who one by one have fled until almost alone I walk the rough and ragged edge Our dear father, Capt. Stephen Barton, my poor mother Sally Stone Barton, our eldest sister Dolly Barton, our eldest brother Capt. Stephen Barton. Our second brother Capt. David Barton, our second sister Sally Barton Vassall, of all there only my dear brother David waits with me. He is nearly 69 years of age and resides in North Oxford, Massachusetts. Ada, Ida, Steve'-Emory, and Mary are his children. Dear brother Stephen who left us in 1865 has one child, Samuel R. Barton residing in North Oxford. Sally, dear sister Sally has one son Bernard B. Vassall residing in Worcester. Poor Irving the younger brother left us in 1865. There are all of my immediate family. Hon Robt S Hale married Lavina only daughter of my uncle Jerry Stone of Elizabethtown N.Y, and resides there. He is my attorney, and my Bankers are Brown Bros. New York City. Dorence Atwater present counsul from U.S. to the island of Tahita and husband of the Princess Muetia of Tahita is a protege of mine, since his return from the war, and brother of the two, Fannie and Frances who are now with me. Minnie Kupfer is a lady of Berne Suisse who came to this country to nurse me in my illness in 1874. Resided with me until May 1876. Then became Medico Matron of the McLean Asylum, Somerville Mass. In Europe. The Grand Duchess of Baden, Louise daughter of Emperor William and sister of the present Prince Imperial of Germany. Her sister-in-law, Princess Wilhelm of Baden (Marie of Baden) niece of the present czar of Russia. Baroness de Mentzinger of Carlsruhe, atache' of the court, former maid of honor at the court of Louis Philip, a lady of great natural magnificence of appearance. Madame de Freystadt, wife of Genl de Freystadt of Carlsruhe and sister of Baroness de Mentzinger, Marie de Freystadt of Montbeliar (Madame Amidee Roue) daughter of Genl de Freystadt, Anna Zimmerman of Carlsruhe. My beloved Anna, now wife of a German clergiman Antoinette Margot of Lyons. My faithful Antoinette, now a recluse in the convent Jesu Marie of Lyons France. Mr and Mrs Taylor of London. Mrs Waddington of London, dear friends and correspondents. Dr. Louis Appia of Geneva Switzerland. Institutes of the Order of the International Red Cross of Geneva. Gastave Bergman Secty of the Comite de Secouer Strasbourgois, resident of Strasbourg, and my most faithful friend during my work in that city. Again in America. My dear old time honored friend and adopted mother Frances D Gage of Ohio, but now of New York City. Col R I. Hinton of San Francisco. Prof I K H Wilcox of N. Y. City. Mrs Hannah McLaren Shepard of Auburn. All journalists and correspondents. Monday, Jany. 1st 1877- found us with a good covering of snow over the ground and Miss Austin sent her horse sleigh and driver to take me to ride and also to call on the Brightside family as they would receive. I did both but had not expected to meet so large a collection at the Brightside parlors and felt almost like Cinderella when her reindeer turned to mice at midnight I had made no preparations for such an occasion, but the company was most entertaining. I enjoyed an hour or two and was. taken home to dinner declining an invitation to remain the day - Miss Austin would go to Rochester next day and kindly offered to do any errands for me, and I commissioned her to get me four a five doz cards. for distribution among my absent friends, At home we made no recognition of the day above others. - but I decided to bring up my neglected correspondence at once, and by enclosing a New Years card as a greeting try to make a shorter letter possible. Accordingly after my return I assorted my letters finding between thirty and forty waiting answers, and desiring to bring up my files for the close of the year I commenced them on the morning of Tuesday, Jany. 2, finding time among other duties to write Mamie Barton, Mrs. Mc L. Shepard, Prof. Wilcox Col R.J. Hinton and Mrs. Cook of Dakota.- enclosing Wednesday, Jany. 3. wrote Lieut Westfall Minnie Küpfer, Mrs. M.B. Chaddock- Marion Balcom This morning my package of cards came from Miss Austin, and Thursday, Jany. 4th 1877 [*3*] enclosed cards in the previously written letters and posted them Mrs. Weeks is writing on one of her lectures. Jamie doing her housework - Georgie in school. The snow is falling daily and getting an unusual depth. There is very little sunshine. Friday Jany. 5- Continued my letters wrote Mrs. Mickey of Ohio formerly my esteemed friend the wife of good Dr Marsh of the Sanitary com. in Dept. of the South in 1863. and who afterwards lived and died in New York City - Mrs. Marsh a rare woman of fine culture later married John Mickey Esq. This is a part answer to her beautifully written letter of a few weeks ago telling of her marriage and which I had not known. she had learned of me through Mr Hoadley the former clerk of Dr Marsh and who residing in N.Y. had found me by letter sent via Mass.- Also sent card to Sarah B. Earle and Cousin V(?) - wrote and sent cards to Wm. H Pratt, Ida Barton, Mr. & Mrs Oliver Williams. R.S. Rale & wife - Mrs. Horace Garner of Phil - card to Lizze Rich - I begin to feel the effects of such constant writing, but continue next day Saturday Jany 6- And write Mrs John Stafford Mrs. Frances D. Gage, Mrs. Waddington, London. Miss Austin and enclosed money for cards 1,75. Recd a pamphlet on Electrical treatmen from M. J. Gallaway's institution Phil. and wrote for circulars Answered letter from Secty of N.E. Reform Club which had elected me an honorary member, returning thanks and enclosing $2,00 By this time I am very tired and realize that I have done a hard weeks work. my sleep grows less each night. What blessed days were those when the hardest work won the soundest and longest sleep ! - S Sunday Jany. 7, 1877. All these days are snowy, There is scarce a fine day, or one on which the sun shines. The snow is getting so deep as to obstruct the trains, one has only to keep quiet and wait; This day passed in reading. Monday 8 --- Resumed my writing, wrote dear Mrs. Taylor in London, answered a letter to Steve Barton and finished a letter already commenced to Dorr. and Muetia and enclosed cards in all. but my writing bears so heavily I must wait. Mrs. Weeks needs some sewing done, and I find a cloak of some years of mine which I decide to have made over for her Fannie kindly takes it in hand and with some new, and new silk trimmings a beautiful beaver cloath cloak is produced Some woolen dresses are ripped washed pressed and the fitting and making of these will constitute the work of the house until they are finished a friend of Mrs Weeks has proffered a sewing machine which with the aid of Fannie's skillful fingers and good taste "your old clothes look almost as guide as new." I ride occasionally and one day Miss Austin came to dine. I begin to get back replies to some of my recently written letters which is really quite discouraging as I find it absolutely impossible to clear my desk - Every month I find my correspondence more and more of a burden and a task. I like to hear from friends but their piles of unanswered letters are a weight and a tax which is grievous to be borne. it taxes time and strength to answer, and it burdens conscience, ruptures friendships and destroys order not to answer, One is puzzled to find what to do. About Thursday I [*4*] think I passed a day at Brightside visiting Miss Austin, when she sent for me she also sent a note requesting me to bring some specimens of Venetian jewelry to show Mrs. Johnson. Thinking my crosses might interest them I look these and some other foreign mementos which were shown, after dinner (which was partaken in Miss Austin's chamber,) to the evident satisfaction of the party, viz the Doctor and wife Mrs Johnson and miss Austin. I explained their meaning as well as I could in a few minutes and all listened with tearful respect. I am always glad of an opportunity to speak of the dear good Grand Duchess for it always seems to me that some one is made either better or happier by it - Our day was pleasantly spent - Miss Austin very kindly permitting me to be present while she answered her letters through her stenographer. I thought how easily all that was accomplished and wished I too could arrange some such time and labor saving plan to help some of my burdens off my hands and brain- During the visit Mrs. Enessey and Miss Warner called to see me The first time I had seem "Samantha" since her return from the West. Mrs. Susie Jones was there and read for us the "Ancient Mariner" from one of Dore's beautifully illustrated volumes a New Years gift to Miss Austin. It came home to my heart as she read- "He prayeth best who loveth best. All things both great and small For the dear God who loveth us, he made and loves them all." I thought of my dear little white kitty who has both received and given a great deal of trouble since our removal, whom I keep a little prisoner all these days and expect to lose before I can leave this place, which I suppose I shall one day do if I live, with few regrets. I am not homesick neither am I pleased - but I really cannot form a respectful loving attachment to a place in which I find it impossible to keep a cat without her being picked up and kept for the reward I am expected to offer for its redemption - Poor little innocent kitty with her pinched ribs, starved tail and frozen ears. What a hard old world she has found it. Tuesday Jany 9 1877 I did my best at old clothes and Wednesday 10 was passed in much the same way, ripping and picking stitches on Miss Weeks clothes which hardship and adversity such as few learn have reduced to mere scraps in appearance, to her unpracticed eye and hand they sem quite irredeemable, but to mine which have lived through warfares of far greater peril than this they appear to contain hidden treasures which will burst upon her in splendor in a few weeks [Wednesday 10 77] The snow is still falling day by day. So deep I cannot venture outside the door. I have let my unhappy kitty out and she does not return. She is out now some days. the time wear on dull and wearily and has so little to mark it that I may as well take it in little notes from my pocket diary in a line and say that on Monday 15 I really commened to keep a better record of events only that there are few events to keep, that Fannie declared herself independent of Wash women, and took the helm herself, which I considered a mark of growing wisdom. I had a letter from dear Aunt Fanny Gage that she's in Vineland at a water cure, says May is not doing well and is meditating an emigration to Texas, and sheep raising. that she does not look upon her life in N.Y. as a success - A letter from poor Abram Golay which tells me he is ill in N.Y. and has not a cent of money and in debt and wants help at once, would work if he could get it. A letter from M Mott [*5*] Mr Pratt, and this evening Mrs. Clapp of this town comes to read to me she is a fine elocutionist and reads with grace and power. When I hear her read it seemed to me that I might have done nearly as well if her early training has fallen to me, but when she was receiving her child lessons in that branch I had scarce heard of it as a study, but it is too late now to be of use to me if I could have it a free gift. The strength of nerve is no longer here to permit its practice, but remembering that those who are still young may learn with profit. I arrange with Mr Smith who takes me out to ride to call with a sternographer and speak with Francis accordingly Tuesday Jany 16 - evening he calls with a Mr. Blend and Frances decides to commence the study of phonography at once and sends for books, A letter came that same evening from wise rare Hail Columbia filled with pith, satyre, and feeling- It was certainly very little to have written five pages and then wait half as many years before resuming, but I am informed that this is one of the misfortunes of diaries, that greater, wiser, better that I have kept them in much this way since their invention or adoption, a few pages from casual memory may serve to fill up the interval to the present and whenevery I catch it, be at where it may I can be free to go on in order if I have the order or continnuity to do it - I remained in the house I was then occupying until April 1st of that year 1877~ but always desiring to get nearer to the "cure" and not liking the atmosphere of the lower portions of the town. I decided to leave and rented an old house known as the Perine House, at the head of Perine Street. and on a line with "Health" St. The residence of Dr Jackson and about midway between the Cure " and Seminary". The house was very much out of repair, neglected, had been rented several years. - was then occupied by Rev. M. Abbott, a patient, had been previously occupied by Mr & Mrs Dresser of Webster Mass. former Editor of the "Webster Times", During the From Jany 16. my last date and April 1st few changes had occurd Mrs. Weeks had decided to study medicene, had packed up and left with her freind Mrs. Powell, for Chicago and recommended her college course I had invited Brother David to visit me, and hoped he would come and spend the year, but he delayed until finally he met with a most severe accident by falling down his cellar stairs in the night, mistaking the door for that of his bedroom, he was very badly injured, of course this put an end to all thoughts of visiting, and I commenced my moving alone, with such aid as could be obtained. [*6*] Dr. F Lange. 691 Lexington avenue New York of the German hospital - wants the Red cross to take up hospital work in New York - would like to take nurses to train in these hospital - and give such counsel as he could on the subject. has served with Mof Ermarch in Germany. [*10*] Washington D.C. Dec. 13. 1891 "The Oxford" Hotel Annex The last year since June has been passed at the Glen Echo Chautauqua, with the exception of the months of August, Sept & a part of October which were spent in a journey and camping in the "West." I had caused to be built a ware house at Glen Echo. which although unfinished could be lived in with comfort and had great space for storage, In August I had attended the G.A.R Encampment at Detroit. - and after my leave had been unanimously elected National Chaplain for the coming year, thus becoming one of the National Officers of the Womans Relief Corps of the US At the same Encampment it was voted to hold the Encampment of 1890. at Washington D.C. and when The selection of public officers for the citizens committee for their entertainment was made I was elected by the men in council to be Chairman of the Executive Committee of women. I was to form my Ex committee. sub committees etc by the 20th of December This is the year for the string pull with Congress - for the protection of the ensignia of the Red cross, and the reincorporation of our society. this must be attended to early in the session of Congress. All this accumulation of various kinds of business made it necessary for me to be in town, and where people could communicate with me. I have neglected to mention one other committee which will occupy time viz. The Vice Presidency of the International Council for women to meet in Chicago in 1893. but must be all arranged for in the next few months. Mrs Milicent Faucett of England is President of the council. and I believe is expected to be here Rachel Foster Avery of Phil is secretary and I have to go to her for arrangements as she cannot come to me. Since writing the above a call has been made upon me by Mr B.J. [ ?] Editor of the Davenport Democrat and Gazette. to aid in the distribution of bread stuffs among the starving people of Russia In reply to his inquiries I have communicated with the State Dept. P.A. Brown and also with M Alex Greger Charge de Affair's of Russia, have also conferred with Mr Degraw of the United Press who has published some notices. Mr. Greger has called upon me. He is anxious to have some action taken [*13*] Glen Echo Md. Nov 24, 1910 Thanksgiving day Mr. Alfred H Love President Universal Peace Union Philadelphia Penna Dear President: I am wishing all my friends a happy Thanksgiving this glorious day. And our beloved Peace Leader must head the list. May he live, and labor till he hears the thunders of War, drowned in the joyous acclamations for peace universal, - 'Till men wil not to destroy, but to save each other, and the proud ships that sail Be laden with "gold in the ingots, and silk in the bale." Thanking for the honor of re-election I remain As ever yours Clara Barton. Extract from a letter to M Arthur M Webb who had contemplated the cultivation of a cranberry meadow of some hundred acres. Dear M Webb I hope the cranberry plan is not "out of permit" for I have a very tender drawing towards that clean, brave, honest and unique little fruit - choosing for its home, the worthless lands, braving the cold, ripening in the frosts, and under the ice, holding up its sturdy little head with no support, maturing with no culture, and keeping its unfailing value in the markets, and it unquestioned place on the best furnished table of the highest society - [no] No, don't give up the cranberries. Transcribed and reviewed by volunteers participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.