CLARA BARTON DIARIES AND JOURNALS Jan. 1-21, 1878Tuesday Jany. 1, 1878 C st. 501. Capitol Hill Washington D.C This first day of the year 1878 opened one of he finest "New Year days" that perhaps was ever seen in this latitude No snow , no clouds, no winds, no mud, no dust, but pure clean, balmy, sunny as a day in June, without its heat. it seemed to be the cap stone of a column of beautiful days which had gone on building themselves into a monument at least two and a half months high. and the capstone all felt this must be for it could ne'er over tapped by something finer a more artistic even if one imported a block of fine Italian blue and gold. The morning found me at Lieut Westfalls where I had been a decided guest between them and Mrs Shepard who had become with her husband a tenant of theirs. It had been arranged that I assist Mrs. Hitz in her receptions of the day. accordingly, I dressed in my best - a black velvet- which I christened that day in a real social capacity - although it was really four years old and had recently stood for its picture. I made my toilet precisely that of the picture which had been painted by Mrs Farrett and presented that day by Mr Hitz to his excellent wife. I think I felt more honored in the giving of my picture to her than she could have done in the receiving. At 10 I read a note from Mrs Hitz to come, and I then found herself and Gertie with Miss Mathews of N.Y. (a boarder) awaiting guests - very soon They commenced to arrive and continued with little interruption throughout the day and even after my departure at 1/4 9 at evening. Among the persons I wasmost agreed to meet were Mr E.B. French & Auditor of the Treasury. Mr Rice Mc. of Maine whom I had not met since 1868. Mr Defreeze Public Printer, who informed me that he had written me apparently Thursday evening next for our evening to call on the President and present the letter of Mr. Moynier asking the recognition of the Geneva Convention by the United States. My old friend Genl Muzzy. Dr. Murphy of Columbia hospital. Mr. Geo Maren (Buffum). Nothing occurred to mar the serenity of the day and I returned home at night with less of weariness than on any day since I had been in Washington. The portrait in its elegant frame of heavy gilt hung upon the wall for criticism and was on the whole favorably judged I believe in spite of its green and moist condition. Wednesday Jany. 2, 1878 This day although less perfect was still a worthy counterpart of its predecessor. and on it I wrote and sent away about thirty letters with NE cards- and received some in return. This occupied the day until evening when I commenced to write a make a copy of the "Resolutions" to be presented to the President on the following evening. I wrote 2 pages and retired weary almost to restlessness I had letters telling me that Miss Kuppin is recovering also a letter from Mamie. At Lieut Westfalls [We Thursday Jany. 3, 1878 This was the morning of the day for which I had made my journey, and come all this distance via months before, and waited and worked all this time. I was to present my entrusted letter to the President that evening. I had still my Resolutions to finish copying and other things to prepare. The weather had grown colder, blustering, my room failed to keep warm and I went below to write. Mrs Shepard went to the Capital Library to copy some articles of her own form papers and I wrote on in hastes and cold, to get ready - I was interrupted by calls. Gertie Hitz came for a costume of an English girl to be worn by herself in a play next night. I furnished it. then Kate to tell me her Tobey had enlisted for three years, which was good, then old Aunt Rosas mother [se] I got off as well as I could without wounding feelings and wrote to make up lost time till after 3. Mrs. Shep returned. we dined and I commenced to arrange for the evening - and to get my room warm, it was impossible and I gave that up. and went on with my needful arrangements of papers and dressing. Mrs. Shepard came up at dark to say that she was going down town with "John" to spend the evening. This left me quite alone with my dressing. getting off. and my poor smoky fire and cold room to dress in. My heart fell a little I must confess at the prospect and I began to feel ill from weariness, but I asked Mrs Westfallto help me and just at the last moment came a call from Emma Griffing & a gentleman. This had to be cut short by the arrival of Mr. Defreeze who came for me - It was very cold and windy - I wrapped well. our carriage was close, and soon we were on our way, and at the end of it-an usher met us at the carriage way. we were shown into the dressing room with its cheerful coal grate and gentlemanly ushers. Mr Defreeze has informed me that he had apprised the President of our coming and he had arranged that we be received in the parlor by Mrs. Hayes and he be called down to meet me there. This was certainly very polite. after laying aside my cloak, I went with Mr Defreeze to the parlor when we found a circle of friends & callers of some six or eight, with Mrs Hayes in the center, the brightest and most lovely of all by far. In figure she is medium complexion bright brunette. with an abundance of rich black hair combed perfect smooth from the clear straight parting in the center down to, and a little over the tops of the ears, the ends rolled into full smooth curls & puffs and fastened with a pin behind the ear, a neat coil of the back hair on the center of the head behind. completed the toilet of the hair. her dress was black rich and velvet plainly made, and very neat - her manner was sprightly and pleasant - her voice clear. and her laugh ringing and melodious. She has deep set dark brown eyes that speak to me continually. and always pleasant things. She received us warmly - sat down to converse socially with me. soon Mr Defreeze informed her that Mr Hayes was to be called. She once nary a bell, a touch, a spring for it - a servant appeared, and directly the president entered. he was cordial. knew nothing of the nature of the cause I had undertaken to bring to his notice but was willing to learn it - I presented the letter. and it's translation. also a copy of the Resolutions all of which he said he would over look and pass the subject over to the State Dept. he regretted that he had so little time to spare for it then as he had Congressmen in his office but asked if I would remain in the city a little while and seemed pleased that I would as he could appoint another interview if desirable. said he would give me a note to Secty Evarts. and I could explain it to him. This was all I required. he excused himself and returned to his office. We rose to go - Mrs Hayes invited us to sit longer. but we declined. she then presented me a sweet little boquet (which I took home and pressed.) and with a bow to the company and a cordial shake of the hand to the mistress of the mansion we left the parlor and returned to the dressing room, took our cloaks and joined our carriage - Oh I forgot to mention that I had taken Mrs Taylors fine Album which I left with Mrs Hayes for the autograph of the president. which she would procure for me, and her last words were "I will take care of the Book Miss Barton." I was deeply impressed with the bearing and charmed with the personelle of the leading lady of our country. She impresses me as the superior of her husband. who seems to be an experienced business man of mild affable manners. we came home before 9. Mrs Shepard had not returned. but came later. I retired alone. my fire did not burn. my room was cold. and I hastened to bed as fast as possible. so ended the day I had come for -Westfalls Friday, Jany 4, 1878 Sometime in the later part of the night, I woke very cold and scarce able to breath, either from nose or lungs After a little I comprehended the situation. A snow storm had set in, my bed stood its head directly against the North windows - very loose. The wind was blowing the sifts of snow directly on to my head and down my shoulder. The room had been so cold and I so chilled that I could resist nothing. and had taken a sudden cold I protected myself as well as I could against the wind and water -- for the snow turned to a driving rain and waited for morning. as I was very ill I did not attempt to get up and could not speak aloud all day. My bed was removed after Mr and Mrs Westfall took in the situation. and the head turned to a safe side, a warm fire made and I had my old fashioned manner of writing in bed once more as an amusement for the day. I ate only once a little rusk and milk at 3 p.m. I felt it best to write the President, letting him know that I did not feel hurt over the slight time he gave me, and also that I had no need of a long time. Accordingly I wrote the accompanying letter. I also wrote Mamie, & Abram. I recd a letter from Abram enclosing Xmas greetings from Mrs. Woddyton of London, all in all the day was an old fashioned one and the illness quite needless, but I could do no better under the circumstances. Mr. Depreez proved the personspectis[?] of kindness. He proposes to call at the Presidents Monday evening and get his note to Secty Evarts and then take me there and introduce me to the Secy - I hope I can keep well enough to go through the work but if not I have at least presented the letter, and commenced the tale" To His Excellency President Hayes May I be pardoned for a line which I am moved to send, by the kindly regret expressed by Your Excellency, that you had not more time to spare for my call last evening, and which regret I wish to dispel by assuring you that there was not the smallest occasion for it. I did not go to present a care or a cause, but simply a letter, and its safe delivery into your hand completed the work assigned me by the Honorable Gentlemen of the Convention, and through them the various Foreign Powers, with the exception that I promised to wait within call for a time in order to explain or answer any questions in regard to the practical workings of the proposed system which the Executive, Diplomatic or Military Departments of our Government might desire to ask. I cannot close without without further thanking you for the graceful courtesey which transformed a business errand into a social call, and gave me the valued pleasure of meeting Mrs Hayes in her home circle. As an American who has seen something of foreign Courts, I am proud and grateful for the bright, womanly dignified presence that graces our own, and well I know that every woman in the land will be stronger and better for such leadership and example. Begging your kind indulgence if in my earnestness I have spoken amiss. I [hav] have the distinguished honor to remain with the highest respect. Clara Barton4 Westfalls [Friday] Saturday, Jany 5 1878 The morning is clear, but windy and cold. It is decided to change the stove in my room from a wood to a coal burner, and preparations are made, so I remain in bed to wait its change. Mrs Shepard goes to see M Haight once more, a forlorn hope she thinks, still she will try it. I receive papers from the Fowlers of London, sent to Danville one containing the Engraving copied of Frank Leslie and a working mans paper containing a notice of Mrs Fowlers lectures The refilling of the stove seems to be a success, and a saving I think when one substitutes coal for wood in an open room like this. I hope I am able to be up today without harm After noon I dressed and arranged my room, and wrote It seems to have set in for winter now, the first cold weather of the season.Westfalls Sunday- Jan 6, My stove proves to be a success, the fire burned all night and was clear and bright this morning, and it was needed. The day is very cold. I left my room for breakfast, returned swept, dusted and arranged furniture until my room began to seem cheerful, all this took till noon- then I wrote, for one thing I copied the letter to President Hayes which I had not sent yet, half doubting if I ought, but I decided yes and it will go tomorrow. I have commenced a copy of the Resolution of the Convention which I nearly completed today, and I wrote a few unimportant letters. The women are beginning to gather in town for the Suffrage Convention, to ask the passage of the Sixteenth Amendment. The Delegates are "quartered" upon the inhabitants. I have written to Mamie. a day or two ago to come to me when she shall wish or prefer to I am sorry to have her feel so ill at ease as she does, and sorry to have her in a factory at work, but the poor child was not desired to make herself fit for any position above that, and the thing to be avoided in the raising of poor brother Dorr's girls was the fitness for school teaching, no matter what [he] else so they never should teach school. of course the sure way for the girls to avoid this calamity was not to be capable of it, and they all escaped, but they are suited to work in a factory, and how in the world to get or keep them out of it is a problem I have found it difficult to solve, If I get Mamie away from home she drifts back again in a little while. I cannot keep her at any thing. and her heart is always separated from her body so I can get only the shell the meat of the nut is always somewhere else, and I can make nothing of the empty husk I have - and yet she is a sweet little girl. if I had power I would put her here into some office and let her try her luck once more. she might do well here - but I have no power and had best not try. Westfalls. Monday - Jany. 7 - 78 This is still the coldest of the season I am much better. My cold is likely to let go without a cough - my chest is sore. and I cough some, but it is only a cold. and does not revert to the old time Bronchitis. I do not care for other coup. My fire is still a success. My room is arranged before breakfast I post my letter to President Hayes. Mrs Shepard goes to the Delegates meeting of women in the sitting room of the capitol. Mrs Stanton, Mrs Lozier, Miss Blake Mrs Hooker and Mrs Shepard was not pleased. She thinks Mrs Spencer is not a good manager as President and that Mrs Hooker is too rough & rowdyish in her manner. I reced a letter from RO Sidney from whom I have not heard in years, say 10, he is in Brookly NY and wants the post of Asst Surgeon or some Post in Texas. and wishes. my assistance. I answered him immediately. but do not see how I can help him. he would not help himself if I did - Mr and Mrs Westfall are making over furniture. stuffing the rocker today. I wrote to Mrs. Albert Gleasen. asking Albert to call. I want to speak with him about business and the exchange of property in the West for something here. or in the east. I wrote a card to Mrs. Tayler & one to Golay - recd. also a card from Goley - that Minnes is still better, and Fanny is home and well - Mrs Shepard went down town after dinner I read an instructive lecture on Michael Angelo in the "Workmens Hall" Messenger, London sent by Mrs Fowler.Westfalls Tuesday Jany 8 1878 The day clear and very cold, all the house slept cold but me. I seem to have come into a style of covering for both day and night that withstands the ravages of temperature, what with wadded pants lambikins, and deeries! I am proof against all ordinary nips of frost. The remarkable feature of the day is the commencement of the Suffrage Convention at Lincoln Hall. I have a letter from Aunt Fanny. She is so sad, so "waiting" for the end, so paralyzed that a physical "pain would be a pleasure" - poor dear Aunt Fanny, the days so "tedious" - what can I do to cheer them? I must write her oftener, and tell her more things, give her mind more to feed upon, and I will commence this minute. I have written Aunt Fanny 4 sheets and been to Convention at Lincoln Hall in company with Mrs Shepard & Mrs Westfall. Mrs. Shepard being a delegate from NY. went on the platform. Mrs Westfall and I went far back for the hall was crowded, and got a miserable seat where we could neither see nor hear. Mrs. Spencer presided. Mrs Isabella Hooker spoke, and introduced Miss [???] Smith of four score who related her experience with the tax gatherers. Some one on the platform made a call for me to come which I could not accept at the moment but when there was a little stir between speeches I went. Mrs Lockwood met me and pulled me up. Mrs Spencer & Mrs Stanton were very cordial and I listened to all that was said and enjoyed it Frederic Douglas was called on to the stage I spoke with him. Rahl Parris also. Mrs Dr. Lozier. Mrs Juan Lewis. Lizzie Boynton, of the "Womans Kingdom" There were delegates from almost all the states in one way or another. Oregon, Arkansas Susan Anthony was not there but sent 200 Dollars. It was a creditable meeting. One voice in the audience I shall not forget. One Frank arose and demanded to ask a question. She was perfectly self possessed and repeated her demand, it was granted, and for three minutes she poured forth a torrent of stormy eloquence far surpassing any thing on that platform. She said they did not understand their business. They were already voters under the Constitution and should claim it. What would they do with the starving she wanted bread. There was something of Comunism in the air & words, but there was genuine eloquence. As she closed Mrs Lockwood sprang to the front of the stage, applauded, and exclaimed 'she is right. She has spoken the truth. The entire platform endorsed her, and Mrs Stanton explained how it was that they could not get the right the Constitution permitted or guaranteed. That Susan Anthony was arrested for attempting to use it. The eloquent speaker with the wonderful voice sank out of sight, but it was the feature in the meeting. There was earnestness and spirit there to stir the soul to its depths. I would like to see more of that woman. After meeting I met waiting at the steps a Mrs Webb she was a friend of poor Sallie's and who knew me from a resemblance that seemed strange. I will see her. Mrs Olempia Brown also spoke of Sally and said how much she enjoyed meeting her there at a Convention, that she was a Universalist and asked if I were not. After all was over, I took a car, met Mrs Westfall accidentally, who had gone out, and we came home. I got warm, kept Mrs Shepards house till I washed the dinner dishes came up stairs, wrote Aunt Fanny, Miss Haskell, and this diary and am now going to finish the day by retiring. Wednesday Jany 9, '78 A dull day, sloppy under foot. of course I do not go out but as this is the 2d and last day of the convention, Mrs Shepard goes. I mend my dress & repair my cloak. Sewed most of the day repairing my common dress & fitting my cloak. Receive three letters in return for New Years cards. Judge Hale & LP. Brockett & Genl Elwell. The Judge tells me of the marriage of his Brother Matt. Who has married a Miss Lee daughter of Col Lee of the war at one time. The Judge seems delighted with the match. and best of all says he is going to Albany and NY to accompany his daughter back to school once then will come to Washington. May expect him by the 14 or 15 of the month. I am glad of this. He will be my best introduction to Mr Evarts I think and I hope he may be able to assist me in the program of my work if he can remain long enough. At all events it will forward some things.Jany 9 continued Mr and Mrs. Westfall are reparing furniture. It was arranged that I dine with them which I did, ate a little meat and it hurts me. I wish I would never be expected to eat out of my natural arena. The day has not been fine. The outside news is not startling. there are talk of a suit for peace on the part of Turkey. King Victor Emanuel is very ill of malarial fever & pneumonia. His condition is considered dangerous Prince Amadeus & his daughter Clothilde & the queen of Portugal are going to him; It would be singular if the Pope should outlive the King after all. My letter from Col Elwell is characteristic, He seems to be satisfied with life, and not depressed especially that he has no child left. This passage occurs in his letter "My past seems strange - even marvelous - of not much account to others, yet to me it has been life - the one life allotted to me in this sphere. Whatever the future may hold for me, and God only knows what is there, This life I have had, and I have tried to make the most of it. Am satisfied to take my chances in the future, and let the next man see what he can do." and closes with "God be good to my old time friend, and touch her tenderly." John Elwell" Of all the men I have known, none was better, braver, nobler, truer or more faithful than John Elwell. "The next man." has something to do to keep his place good in the life next allotted him. Thursday Jany 10 Westfalls Had rather a hard night from the dinner but am better than I would have thought this morning. sh???y that I am gaining some power in the way of enduring ills and physical vexations. My Bronchitis is still very troublesome and I wait to see if I have gained some power to deal with that old enemy as well as the newer ones This is the day for Congress to re-assemble. and the day on which the Suffragists hold their general meeting in the Senate Reception room. Mrs Shepard attended and reports a sprightly time. Frank Crocker appeared and threw her bomb shell again much to the alarm of the Convention. She said her say, and was answered, but not opposed. This evening Mr McDougal called on Mrs Shepard. The meeting was satisfactory I believe. And Mr Ramsey came in the evening to read a paper to me on the subject of human necessites & economies. It was most excellent and he promised to read it to Mis Hetz if I could arrange a meeting. I should like to arrange for some social relations between M Ramsey and the lead people of the city if I could. Mrs. Taylor sent me cards from The Hyatts and a Toledo Blade with a letter from Mr Arnold. (Buckeye) respecting myself. A good kind well written letter for which I must thank him. A letter from Miss Austin in which she complains of being "disappointed in love". she has not heard from me in so long. The sad intelligence comes of the death of King Victor Emanuel. I fear it was too sudden for his daughter to reach him. The Malarial climate of Rome was less favorable to him than healthful TurinFriday Jany. 11 Westfalls The storm has passed and we have a fine day not cold, but sloppy. I am a little better, but still cough. I sleep well. In the morning I wrote Mamie, Bartie, Miss Willard, Miss Austin Sent Locus De?? & Jany to Mamie and a nightgown sock to Minnie. At 2 Nellie Boynten came and staid till 4 1/4. Miss Juan Lewis visited Mrs Shepard. I did not see her. Congress is in session. The Ladies are in consultation with the Committees on Members and will remain another week. being guests they can afford to remain. I am glad of this arrangement. If I had a house here, I would open it wide to all who could make it a home at such times. I send for Sweet Oil. got one bottle at 1.00 -- 2 shall use it for bathing. I believe in it. Mrs Shepard wrote a Thesis for a student this evening. She has done it quickly and well for 5.00 Saturday Jany 12. Westfalls I am still better. get out of shawls and head wraps but throat sensative & some cough Mrs Shepard over worked on her Thesis and remains in bed this morning. I get bottles of M. Westfall and send for 1 lb glycerine. 1 pt alcohol & 1 oz of Lobelia Tinct My cough must be taken care of and I will do my best. Mrs Westfall is covering the sofa. This will complete the refilling of the parlor set. What an improvement it will be. This day amounts to very little except as a negative. I have declared my independence on the salt eating question. I have a dislike for salted food in the ordinary quantity, never having a mucus membrane that would bear it. and for two or three years have not eaten it at all. not even in the smallest degree, until since I am here. M. Wolf is rabid in regard to the salting of all food. and I have not been able to get a mouthful of anything but my own granula that was not salt enough to kill a chicken. until my whole system was in a state of fever & thirst beyond endurance. At dinner I rebelled and declared that I should eat no more salt, and it is understood that I shall not be pickeled to suit the taste of others. And Mr Westfall is trying an experiment with cake on my beautiful coal fire. and has expected that It is saturday night and I am glad of it. for all the world are trying to fix it. and they succeed so poorly I am glad the working days come to a halt for a little. I am tired of being fixed when I am well enough without it. All the world is so good one can scarcely live in it.Sunday. Jany. 13. 1878 (Westfalls) On waking this morning, I found that as usual I had far outstripped the sun, and waited long for the Navy yard gun that announces his first approach. but when he did appear he revealed all the signs of a storm, a heavy white frost, and an Eastern sky so red, that all my room was tinged as by a bright firelight. Still the brave traveller struggled through and greeted us with his round smiling face, brave and cheerful as if no woes and tears awaited him, but before noon he had retired behind a veil of thick gray. and by three PM, all the world was weeping for his loss. My fire of mixed materials had not proved a success as I had anticipated it could not, and left me. fortunately it was a spring-like morning, which permitted me to dress and go on in safety till Mr Westfall appeared, half fearing the experiment had failed, he renovated the entire thing, put the stove upon coke alone which has done beautifully all day. giving a much better heat this coal, with less trouble. I am inclined to think I shall forego the purchase of large bare burners. and buy open stores with soft coal in the place of both wood or anthracite, except the latter for the kitchen. this avoids all danger from gas & gives good ventilation, good heat, steady fire, open grate cheerfulness, and I think less expensive than hard coal. I will see how I can manage this at night. if it will "keep". Last evening I made a rough draft of a letter to Dr Appi telling him my progress thus far, and today I have copied it very plain five pages letter size, and made it ready to send. So much of the morning was consumed in experimenting with the fire, that my day seems short. & to have accomplished very little. It is night now and the rain is pouring down; My cough has done well today. I wish it would disappear. I shall retire early tonight.Monday. Jany 14. Westfalls I did not retire early, for my fire troubled me, and woke me in the night burning too freely, and made me so tired I can scarce get about. I dont like experiments. I am not strong enough. At breakfast some letters were brought in and to our joy one was for Mrs. Shepard from M Haight promising her a place at 200 Doll's in the Indian Bureau in a few days. She could scarcely read it, and I read it to her. I am so rejoiced for her. She will find her struggles at an end now. Mr. Wolf is jubilant over a success in his investigating committee. he is a brave old fighter. I had a batch of letters from home. Minnie, Wally & Abram. the two first were regular complainers. Minnie tells me that she has only 20 $ left out of a purse of 70, which I left with her for safe keeping. it has all been drawn by my house. Waldo doesnt find anything quite right. And I felt as if a shed had fallen on me by the time I was through. evidently Minnie & Wally have got to be very good friends, and held a meeting of condolence over the state of the times and poor Gaby who was its target writes the only good Christian letter in the lot. they have decided to purchase him undershirts, gloves, nectiese. for which he is most grateful In the PM, Frank Crocker came. I went below with Mrs Shepard to meet her. she is eloquent as a lawyer. full of fire and spirit. This is the day Judge Hale is due, as he wrote last week.pay our respects to him and expressed himself very willing to do any service which might be desired - I[...] said I might like to speak with him later on a subject of a very general character or I might not and we separated. We went to the House - called for Mr. Glover. I told him I had an intention of asking several members & some of the chiefs of departments to meet me and have the subject of the Red Cross explained to them, he approved of it. said he would make out a list of such Southern men as would be good workers, and send me by Nileer. I told him this would suit me just as well as if he got me an office and I would excuse him from this last service in consideration of the other. then I called for Judge Omar D. Conger of Michigan. he came after a time - had not seen my card, but had been told that a lady wanted him - he appeared before me, stood erect, and motionless as a statue, spoke not nor smiled. Grant I did not know if we ever met before or not - I came to [...] and asked if he had a brother Col. Conger with services. "Yes Mam" In Virginia?" "Yes em" was he wounded "Yes em" Did he go to see him? Yes-em" = (no smile and a very dark face all the while - evidently thought some plan or trick or trap was to be sprung on him) Did his brother still live - "Yes'em" (darker than ever - face like a thunder cloud) I said I believed I must have met him the Judge at that time - he thought not as he wasn't there - didn't appear to have existed at that time either. I suggested that it might have been another brother of his that I met at the front - at the time of his brother's wounding - he thought not as his brother came to his home to be nursed and returned from then. I said I met one of the family and wished to enquire after the welfareThursday continued I came home. the Judge to dinner in the city. I thought that I would wait no longer for help. Sent a note by Mr. Westfall to Genl. Baller to ask if I could see him that evening. He was in NY. I then called on Mrs Hetz to ask if I could have my meetings in her parlor. She said "yes" and I decided to hold it same every next week. As the Judge had thought it probable that he should stay over and call on me about noon. I remained home for him although it was a charming day to go out. He came at noon, remained a half hour. A friend, Mr. Ward called to go with him to the Navy Yard. he had seen the Secretary of State a moment that morning and recommended the subject on which I demand to speak with him. The Secretary said yes - he had heard something he believed "Miss Barton wanted some books printed" the Judge did not know that I did. After pledging me to come and Elizabeth [...] next summer he left and Mrs. Westfall and I went to the city to look after Reps and stripes for evening chairs. We called and examined a great deal of upholstery. found good reps but no stripes. could not settle upon the suitable material and came home to consider. Found a note from Mr. Depreeze saying he was ill and could not go with me as he had intended to call on Mr Erarts as he could not leave his room. But he enclosed a note of introduction from the President to Mr. Erarts asking him to give me a hearing and offer me such encouragement and aid as he saw fit. This will be all I shall require. I will if "pleasant" day try to see Secretary Shurty tomorrow as he will understand the subject - then the Secretary of State & may then have my meeting at Mrs. Hetz and the thing will be well underway at that time. I hope one week will do all this and set my work on a better footing.Sunday Jany 19, 78 Westfalls Another damp morning which settled to a rain. I was very tired and could do nothing-laid down and rested a good deal - could not write - could not go ? it is so stirred up and noisy - I had engaged to meet Dr Murphy at Mrs. Hitz at 4 - to speak about having schols (schools) for nurses - but the rain seemed to ? - I tried to do little nothing as I could not do something - I found I had no more stockings left - but new ones - what between the washings and Dol - I am nearly bare foot - but it is well for it sets me to mark them which I did today. all I had left, - and mended my poor boots, which must last until I get home - At dinner time it cleared up and I went to Mr. Hitz - found all there and peaceful clean & quiet. Spoke a great deal with Mr. Hitz about the subject of the Red Cross, and decided to go with him tomorrow morning to call again on Leo G Shurtz - and look advice from him in reference to my call on the Secy of State. He thinks the main question to ask him is if it is a matter which can be decided by the Executive Branch of the Government; & if it will require Legislative Action, and not to ask his opinion upon it's acceptance, but avoid letting him give an adverse opinion, rather leaving him before he has the opportunity to do so, if he seem inclined so it is decided to see all I can tomorrow, and go to the House and see Mr. Leanger (?) and fix upon the men who will be best to have at the meeting - I find my picture has gone to Mrs. Farretts to be retouched varnished &c and is to be exhibited in the Art Museum Exhibition next Wednesday a on sto (?) 22 - every (?) And I have promised to go on Wednesday PM with Mr Hitz to call on Vinie Ream - who is making a collared bust of Faragut - she asked for me, and M Hitz desire me to call - He likes the picture of Mrs. Garnett very much Monday. Jay 20 - 78 Westfalls Damp morning. Mr and Mrs. Hitz called at 9 and took me to go to the Secty of the Interior having failed before. I would do it "over and do it better" We found Secty Shurtz very genial apologized for not receiving me on Sat; was entirely favorable to the cause, - from him we went to the War Dept and called on Secy McCreery whom I found to be a calm white, stolid faced man much like a nice pan of milk set away to keep undisturbed for the cream to rise. He saw nothing against it, did not know any thing of it but should think it a well enough thing to be done having succeeded thus far. We thought it best to call on the Navy and went to the waiting room of Secty Thompson. It was by this time the hour for the Members of Congress and we waited - while in this delightful occupation Genl Butler came through on his way to the Secys room and I would not let him pass, but approached & spoke - the grim all fled from his face and the same kind smile that it always gave me came on it. he asked most kindly for my health said he was glad to see me and when I said I wanted to see him he said in the pleasantest tone, "come and see me at anytime Miss Barton any time." How little he changes and how he never forgets. We waited until the room was clear and went in I found Secy Thompson by far the most interested and humane man of them all thus far. He listened attentively, was pleased, asked for "something to read on the subject" I gave him a copy of the Resoluties and made quite a full explanation of the system. I was not conscious that I was making a speech but when I closed speaking and came to myself I found tears in the eyes of both my listeners ay the Secy and Mr Hitz From here we went to the Secty of the Treasury John Sherman who greeted me cordialy saying we had met before, he too knew nothing of the matter -- would like to see something of it and I promised to send copy of TheResolutions - he did not oppose the idea - thought it good so far as he could see - From here we went to the Post Master Genl Mr. Kely who I found to be a square faced good jolly looking gentleman. Mr. Hitz informed him that although I had come to see him on business, I did not want an office, He thought it might be worse, but I assured him it was not - and proceeded to tell him what it was - he could see, no objections. Mr. Hitz told him that he brought the matter to him as the first man who had experienced the workings of a treaty made by a Government on one side with only an idea on the other, as the Postal Union, and he knew if that worked well - he affirmed that it did, and that it was a perfectly practical thing to inaugurate a charity on the same principle - he would like to read the terms - I promised to send them, and we left the good hearted jolly, man with the feeling that he would do all the good he could everywhere - I promised however to send him a copy of "Resolutions" Mr. Hitz left me at the Labor Exchange and I returned in the carriage to the Capitol and sent my card to Judge Conger who came out, I told him I wanted to explain something to him, and asked him to appoint a time when he would listen - He was busy then - would be disengaged in ten minutes if I would go to the gallery, where he took me - I waited an hour, nearly fainted in the heat - went to the hall & waited he came as I was writing a card to say that I could wait no longer, he was still disengaged - could not call at my house, and did not ask me to call at his - but asked if I could not write my business on a card, and he would read it by himself - I could not do that, and released the busy man - there is nothing, as my heart teaches me - save and except the courtesy due to me as the strong helper of his half dying brother in his sorest need that prevents his bearing toward me from being repetition of Minister Jones of Brussels - whom he in many ways personally resembles. I went home, tired but feeling that a good days work had been accomplished. Tuesday, Jany 21 - 78 Westfall This day like several which have followed has been neglected in my diary. and I must write back from memory ten days old without especial date: but I know that I commenced at once this morning on the two copies of Resolutions for the Sectys of the Treasury & the PM Genl, that till these were done I did little else, and that I sent them by Mr Wolff to be delivered in person at their doors, - and on about - Thursday I called on Dr. Ramsey to ask if he had an English copy of the Resolutions from which a copy of the Naval portion could be got for the Secty of the Navy, he thought so - but would see and tell me. about sat he sent a note that he had not, and I got Miss French to [copy] translate them, and later I copied them myself - I learned from Mimie that the 70 or 80 dolls that I left with her is gone, and I ask her to speak about it as a check - I decided that I must see Genl Butler, and wrote him a note asking him to grant one, and sent it by Mr Westfall to send in to the house and wait an answer - he not finding him at the moment -- disobeyed orders. and left it at his house - this was Sat. On Monday Mrs Case and Mr Taylor came to invite me to Mrs Cases on Wednesday night to a reception, and to spend some days with her. I promised to go with my trunk at Wednesday noon - meanwhile no return from Genl Butler & and I sent Mr Westfall to look after his bungling job, and found the clerk was directed to set Wednesday night for the time, Mrs Shepard went down to see if it could be arranged with the Clerk - but it could not be, and so I went on to get ready, but [on Tuesday to] meanwhile I had sent a note to Allert Sloan which brought him to see me, and he prepared to come with his carriage and take me to Mrs Cases - at noon Wednesday - but I must now wait till night; and make my call on the Genl - & then go direct to Mrs Cases - I went on Tuesday after half packing my things alone as Mrs Shepard went down town - to see Mrs. Case, Mrs Taylor & Mrs Gleason to get it all right and have at last come at 7 evening - next day - I was not able to pack my trunk, Mrs Shepard still thought it best to go down town to see some friends, and as they had had company the night before which tired me out - I had to lie on the bed most of the morning - but Mrs Westfallcame like a good angel and helped me pack - I dined with them and paid them 15- (20?) dollars for my room rent since I had been there, which they thought too much and tried to return. but they had been good & kind and helped me from their hearts and would do so again. At 7 Allert came for me with a closed carriage and, (my luggage having gone at 2) I went out into the night, cold & damp to make two visits in the same evening - a great thing for me in these days. unprecedented + On reaching Genl Butlers house the servant insisted on my going to the office, but I sent the letter of the Generals to him as he had directed, and waited in the parlor - Allert returned to his hotel, and the carriage came for me , after some number the General came.