CLARA BARTON FAMILY PAPERS Barton, Stephen Aug. 1828; Feb. 1857-Mar 1862Capt. Stephen Barton, To Wm. Hancock - Dr 1828 - July 26 To 1 Conversation on Chemistry -- 1..13 Aug. 27. To Boarding your daughter Miss Sally } ' ' Burton 10 1/2 weeks since June 14th 9/-} 15..75 Tuition one Term at Nichols Academy 3..33 _____________ $20..21 Recd Paymt. -------------------------- Wm. Hancock Dudley Aug. 27, 1828Original hung in Clara Barton birthplace No. Oxford. Mass S . 1948 Washington City February 3, 1857 - Dear Grandfather It is so long since I have heard from you that I almost think you have forgotten me. I have been waiting to write to you till something occurred interesting to you. and think I have found it in the arrival of Mr. Buchanan in our city. He dropped quietly in upon us last Tuesday - unheralded by the mighty band of office seeker lying in wait for him. He had been announced to arrive for some time but upon that day was not expected owing to the gloomy state of the weather. So he stepped quietly into a two shilling hack and passed quietly to the National where rooms have been ready for him for a long time. The news of his arrival quickly got abroad and hundreds come pouring in upon him for curiosity and the loaves and fishes of office. But he had a capital way to baffle - them. He received all his visitors in one roomthus giving them no chance to see him privately - I have had several opportunities of seeing him. - for he has not - kept - himself shut up all the time I saw him on - Mr. Brooks funeral and at the Presidents Levee. His appearance is exactly what I. expected - and I knew him the instant my eyes rested upon him. He is a rather larger man than I expected but by no means too large What little hair he has is combed so as to stick up exactly strait - something in the fashion of an Indian - He tipps his head one side and squints with one eye horribly -- But on the whole he is a pretty good looking old gentleman who wont allow himself to be led by the [nose] nose as poor friend Pierce has been - I had the best opportunity I ever had to see great men on the day of Mr Brooks funeral. In a very small circle were grouped. Mr. Buchanan, Pierce, Cushing Marcy, Jeff. Davis, Gurthrie, Sec. Dobbin, McClelland. Campbell, Douglass, Tombs, Cass, Mason, Toucey, Benjamin, and a host of others nearly as equally noted I suppose you have seen Genl Cass _ I think him the ugliest looking man I ever saw. He sits in the Senate all day long and does nothing except every little while to move an adjournment. He has a funny way of smacking his lips every few moments - so loud that it can be heard distinctly all over the Senate Chamber __ The man that I think the most of in the Senate is Genl Houston__ No one can see him without really loving him - You may have seen him - and if you have you will ever remember him. He wears a very low, crowned broad brimmed white hat - a long brown- coat and a very curious shirt collar - over this he wears when walking a regular Texican, or Mexican blanket - and always carries a cane - When in the Senate Chamber when not speaking he is whittling little sticks which the boys bring him regular every morning - It is really amusing to see him make toothpicks and little wooden spoons, which he gives to the pages or boys wait upon the Senators - who sell them for a considerablesum of money - He is respected, loved, and honored wherever he goes - He thinks he shall still be President and I sincerely hope he may be - for he would make the best President we have had since the days of Andrew Jackson - I think he would carry a heavy vote North and I hope he will bee the next nominee - - We are all of us well - Mother has entirely recovered from her sickness and is in excellent health - She sends a great deal of love - So does Father, Ber. Give my love to all. - Tell Uncle David I would be happy to write him but I don't know what will interest him. Tell Martha I hope a letter from her will be soon forthcoming - I sent Uncle David some Books, which I dont ask him to read but to look at - They are a fair sample of Washington literature - It would give me a great pleasure to recieve a letter from Ada & Ida which I would quickly answer. Love to Aunt Julia -- Aunt Betsy and Cousin Elvira - I am going to write you again soon I Remain Ever Yours Irving [*Pres. Buchanan Sam Houston.*] [partial stamp] [* 23 1858 WA D.C FREE*] Thos L Anderson m Capt. Stephen. Barton North Oxford. Mass -Washington City Thursday Evening Feb. 11, 1858 7. P.M. My Dear Grandfather- I know of no pleasanter mode of occupying myself for a few. leisure moments than by writing to you. and although my almost daily bulletins may have afforded you weighty manifestations of my remembrance. I trust that this little letter, may be more acceptable than bushels of drowsy speeches. Perhaps this very complacent conclusion may be unwaranted yet I have always found it advisable to blow my - own trumpet in advance, lest no one should think of doing it for me -I can assure you that I am deeply interested in political matters. and a very big Democrat - I go up to Congress every day with the other members - I go even still higher than they - away up into the Galleries - There is nothing which attracts me more readily to the Capitol than a night session. All there see the. Honorable body relaxed. Dignity thrown aside and rascality taking an airing - We have had but one night session during this season - but that will be long remembered for its obstinacy. stormy and disgraceful character - I sat for fifteen mortal hours in the gallery - from 3. oclock P.M until 6. the next morning. During that time no business whatever was transacted the whole time being occupied in motions for an adjournment. A call of the house or other dilatory movements. I was in a position where I had an excellent opportunity of witnessing the fight between Messrs. Grow and Keitt. It was at about 2 Oclock in the morning. The Clerks. were hoarse with calling the roll. The members were wearied with the protracted warfare - and many of them were stretched at full length in their easy chairs snoring lustily. I had laid down on the cushions, with which the galleries are profusely supplied. I was half asleep, half listening to the monotonous calls and responses below. Suddenly I heard a rushing as if a vast body of water had broken. loose leaping up I saw the [whole] entire multitude below in violent agitation The whole Republican side was pouring down into the arena in front of the Speakers desk -The Democrats were sweeping to the same centre; and right there was a black, dense mass of human heads and fists rising and falling, and every moment swelling with hastening recruits. It was impossible - to distinguish one person from another. [the] Above all the cursing, shouting, screaming rose the voice of the Speaker hoarse with effort - the non-combatants. echoed back his deafening cry of "order." The Sergeant at Arms with his eagle crowned mace of office - rushed into the thickest of the fight, and after a few moments of violent exertion the participators were parted and each army falling back upon their own side of the house a dead. silence succeeded as if all parties were heartily ashamed of the disgraceful affair - taking it all around it is the richest scene I ever witnessed. On the next meeting of Congress Mr Keitt made a manly. and chivalrous apology for his conduct avowing himself as the author of the disturbance and assuming the whole responsibility - I have given you such an extended account of the affair as to exceed - the limits of an ordinary letter. I wish to tell you many other things but for the reason just given I will forbear their infliction until some other time - We hear from Ber almost every day but I have recd but little intelligence from Uncle David since his advent at Bartonsville - We all sincerely hope that he may be induced to return this way and complete his halfmade visit - you will please accept all our loveI can assure you that I am deeply interested in political matters, and a very big Democrat. I go up to Congress every day with the other members. I go even still higher than they - away up into the Galleries. There is nothing which attracts me more readily to the Capitol than a night session. All there see the Honorable body relaxed. Dignity thrown aside and rascality taking an airing. All have had but one night session during the season, but that will be long remembered for its obstinacy., stormy and disgraceful character. I sat for fifteen mortal hours in the gallery, from 3 oclock P.M until 6 the next morning. During that time no business whatever was transacted the whole time being occupies in motions for an adjournment, a call of the house or other dilatory movements. I was in a position where I had an excellent opportunity of witnessing the fight between Messrs Grow and Keitt. It was at about 2 oclock in the morning. The Clerks were hoarse with calling the roll. The members were wearied with the protracted warfare, and many of them were stretched at full length in their easy chairs snoring lustily. I had laid down on the cushions, with which the galleries are profusely supplied. I was half asleep, half listening to the monotonous calls and responses below. Suddenly I heard a rushing as if a vast body of water had broken loose leaping up I saw the [whole] entire multitude below in violent agitation. The whole Republican side was pouring down into the arena in front of the Speakers desk.and convey it to our relatives and friends. I cannot express to you how much pleasure it would have given us to have seen you at Washington this winter. Fathers cough under Dr Jones treatment is getting better and although he is far from well, I hope soon to announce his recovery to perfect health. Mother is very well, and I am always Once more give my love to all and Believe me to be Yours Forever Irving Washington D.C. May 19th 1861 My Dear Father, I learn that you are in want of some money and I am but too happy that you knew where to apply. I want you should always continue to make the same application whenever you have the least need of anything for I assure you nothing will afford me so much pleasure as to meet any such call from you. I have by me now $30. Massachusetts Money which I will enclose in this to you, and on the first of next month I shall in all probability be in possession of as much as you will need only let me know how much more I shall send you and it is done, i.e. unless Uncle Sam refuses to discount which we trust will not be the case. The appearance of our City remains much the same. Warlike and active, full of troops. Camps on all sides of us, and files of soldiers constantly marching past us. I dont know how long it has been since my ear has been free from the roll of a drum, it is the music I sleep by, and I love it. We have 1,000 New Jersey troops here in Camp a mile or two out of town. I go often to look after them. The Col. of the 4th Regiment came yesterday to bring me a pass to his Camp. he is from Camden one of the noblest looking men I ever saw. He says he has left his wife and children at home and never desires to return to them when he can carry with him the tidings of liberty and Peace, a Flag unrent, and a Country served, I begin to think it useless to turn back for heroes, for I am satisfied that these times will bring out as brave men as ever graced the pages of history, and Mass. leads the [?]. We are well and in good spirits, of course we have no idea what the next day may bring, or how sad the labor which may fall to our hands, be that as it may. We trust we are ready to bind the woundsof others or bear them of our own if necessary.. I shall remain here while any one remains, and do whatever comes to my hand. I may be compelled to face danger but never fear it, and while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them. Sam writes me that you are not quite as well, I hope by this time however that you are better again. I shall write again in a few days. Your Affectionate daughter C Clara H. Barton Washington, D.C. My Dear Cousin Erin, I will take the liberty to direct this letter to you, and the it will be all quiet. I send 30 dollars at this time, and if you will learn how much more father would like and let me know I will send it on the 1st of next month-- I am under the greatest obligation to you for letting me know what is needed, and only wish I may in some way be able to serve you as much-- Let me hear from you soon, and oblige Your Affectionate Cousin Clara Washington D.C. July 22nd/61 Monday Evening-- 6-- P.M. My dear father, It becomes my painful duty to write you of the disasters of yesterday. Our Army has been unfortunate that the results amount to a defeat, we are not willing to admit, but we have been severely repulsed and our troops returned to their former quarters in and around the city. July 26th Friday, Noon- You will think it strange that I commenced so timely a letter to you and stopped so suddenly, but I did so upon more mature reflection, you could not fail to know all that I could tell you as soon as I could have got a letter through and every thing was so unreliable, vague, uncertain, and I confidently hoped, exaggerated that I deemed it the part of prudence to wait and even now after all this interval of time I cannot tell you with certainty and accuracy the things I would like to - It is certain that we have at length had the "Forward Movement" that has been so loudly clamored for and I am a living witness to a corresponding backward one. I know that our troops continued to go over into Virginia from Wednesday until Saturday, noble galant, brave, handsome fellows--, apparently lacking nothing, baring Banners & Plumes, and bristling Bayonets, galant steeds and stately riders the roll of the drum, and the notes of the Bugle - the farewell shout and " martial tread of armed men - filled our streetsand saluted our ears through all those days. These were all noble sights but to me never pleasant, where I fain would have given them a smile and cheer, the bitter tears would come, for well I knew that through the proudest of victories perch upon our banner, many a brave boy marched down to die. that, reach it when and as they would, the Valley of Manassas was the Valley of Death. Friday, brot the particulars of Thursday's encounter, we deemed it unfortunate, but hoped for more care and shrewder judgment neset time Saturday, brot rumors of intended battle, and most cinflicuncy accounts of the enemies strength, the enemy papers and Sunday morning, later as reliably that he had 80,000 men and constantly reinforced - my blood ran cold as I read it, least our army be deceived but then they knew it, the news came from them, surely they would never have the madness to attack in open freler an enemy of three time their number behind entrenchments and masked at that, no, this could not be, then I breathed freer and thought of all Washington D.C. July 22nd 1861, Monday Evening 6 o clock P.M. My dear father, It becomes my painful duty to write you of the disaster of yesterday. Our Army has been unfortunate, that the results amount to a defeat we are not willing to admit, but we have been severely repulsed, and our troops returned in part to their former quarters in, and around the city. This has been a hard day to witness, sad, painful and mortifying, but whether in the agregate it shall sum up a defeat, or a victory, depends, (in my poor judgement) entirely upon circumstances, and the tone and spirit in which it leaves our men, if sad and disheartened, we are defeated, the worst, and sorest of defeats, if roused to madness, and revenge, it will yet prove victory. But no mortal could look in upon this scene tonight, and judge of effects, how gladly would I close my eyes to it if I could. I am not fit to write you now. I shall do you more harm than good. July 26th Friday Noon You will think it strange that I commenced so timely a letter to you and stopped so suddenly. But I did so upon more mature reflection. You could not fail to know all that I could have told you as soon as I could have got letters through to you, and every thing was so unreliable, vague, uncertain, and I confidently hoped, exaggerated, that I deemed it the part of prudence to wait, and even now, after all this interval of time, I cannot tell you with certainty, and accuracy the things I would like to. It is certain that we have at length had the "forward movement", which was been so loudly clamored for and I am a living witness of a corresponding Backward one. I knowthat our troops continued to go over into Virginia, from Wednesday until Saturday, noble, gallant handsome fellows, armed to the teeth, apparently lacking nothing, waving Banners and Plumes, and bristling Bayonets, gallant steeds and stately riders, the roll of the drum, and the notes of the Bugle, the farewell shout and martial tread of armed men, filled our streets and saluted our ears through all those days. These were all noble sights, but to me never pleasant, where I fain would have given them a smile and cheer, the bitter tears would come for well I knew, that thought the proudest of victories perch upon our Banner, many a Brave Boy marched down to die, that, reach it when, and as they would, the Valley of Mannassas was the Valley of Death. Friday, brot, the particulars of Thursday's encounter, we deplored it but hoped for more care, and shrewder judgement next time. Saturday brot, rumors of intended Battle, and most conflicting accounts of the enemies strength, the evening and Sunday morning papers told unreliably that he had 80,000 men, and constantly reinforced. My blood ran cold as I read it, least our army be deceived, but then they knew it, the news came from them, surely they would never have the madness to attack from open field, an enemy of three times their number, behind entrenchments fortified by batteries, and masked at that, no this could not be, then we breathed freer, and thought of all the humane considerations, and wisdom of our time honored. brave commandy Genl that he had never needlessly sacrificed a man.Worcester March 10. 1862 Dear Uncle, I send you a few bottles of that dandelion beer, and also a bottle of the preparation, with which Jackie can make you more, if it suits you. I was gratified with my visit to you last week. Though prostrated by pain and weakness, your mind appeared to be clear and stayed upon a merciful God. Upon returning home, I put your will into an envelope, superscribed it and placed it in my safe. I also made a memorandum of the fact, that if any question should ever arise between David and yourself or your other children, the same should be settled upon the judgment of Col. Alex. O'Neill, David Rich & Horace Graves So that the affairs of your long and honorable life appear to be pleasantly closed Hoping that I may see you again, I remain Your Aff. Nephew Huck M. BartonThe last letter. Read ten days previous to my father's death. Clara Capt. Stephen Barton North Oxford Mass.