CLARA BARTON FAMILY PAPERS Riccius, Adolph & Ida Barton July 1869 -- Jan. 1911 and undatedlet alone homesickness. Miss Willard is grand + we tell Stories + laugh + she plays for me. We've both lost our voices + so don't sing yet, we called on Mrs. Westfall + Mrs Johns once. Mr. Hitz calls often. Called to see the Triasey one day + came + shook hand with me. just before he came Mr. Sparks pointed him out to me as the Swiss Counsul. I merely nodded + Sparkes stared to see him shake hands so familiarly with me a moment after You say Mamie is pretty. I always thought so but didn't like to say it, however I'll swear to it after you've said it + she's good too. I've had a letter from Stevie lately + he was sick troubled with Dyspepsia am anxiously waiting to hear again soon. wish he was nearer Home. Oh, I am using Bay Rain & Cantharader on my hair + it benefits it - I am sure, it don't fall much + keeps moist - + looks glossy + curls better or else the rain has that effect to make it hang sorter - zig zag & I have fancied that, in Taxicaliori was natural curl, do you know if hair will get "tight" please let me know before I proceed any further [*Well I guess if I don't close this nonsense you will think I apply my [?] inwardly. write to me soon + excuse a pencil don't often use one. Love to all + to Belle if you see her Truly your Ida*] Washington D.C. July 13th 1869 My dear Aunt Clara 11 P.M. Here I am in a "State" bordering on Nudity, differing from the State in which you described yourself as writing me, in having considerably less on + not feeling penitent at all I don't - feel I've any occasion to do so. got your letter this noon. Jules told me at 9 A.M. there was a letter for me down Stairs + I said well I can't get it - + so he offered to go right down + bring it + that was the last I saw of him till afternoon. + then I thanked him for telling me + then not getting it, got that "womanly curiosity - all roused, but he forgot it - he said, I had all the torture of itching to get hold of it. We had all began to think you had cut loose from us entirely. + alway the first[*Rosa needs nursing says tell you her arm is troubling her again, she was sick last eve. & don't feel well now*] query at Dinner was has any one heard from Miss Clara & invariably came that no. but to day. you may imagine I straightened my self & braced my face. I uttered a decidedly destined yes. as Whitman used to say "I thought I'd come it- on then that time. & Rosa was delighted. I set out forthwith to hunt the bell - but - still insisted that it went in the big trunk, it was omitted till after the Dress was packed & she told you & you said very well it could go somewhere else. & you sit - right - here & Mr. G. right there & she stood right somewhere else, & she illustrated it to me up in my room so plainly that I can almost swear I saw you pack that bell. at least after Rosa's description I win again I can, She sends such lots of Love & so I presume would Garet - if I had seen him this evening. I wish I might have been one of the Princess but however if any one was to act my part I should have prefered Belle that wicked Belle. Think she could do my case justice. & even better than the original. Some folks did rather "chew something to spit - upon Somebody else's face" ha: ha: that was good. & who feels the foremost I wonder that they didnt go: Miss Willard says tell you she does find her nerves greatly tried since I joined her family come to get slim Branch & I both - is a great case boys & girls always to considered - so at times & we are very much given to frailty & she doesn't - like to feel responsible for anything that may come of it - it - is a great total for her. Others miss you sympathy. I am just - as happy as can be here & don't know such a thought as loneliness[*David Barton*] [*15*] 1 Dansville, June 13, 1880. Dear Dida & Adolph, Your prompt and very welcome letter of the 30th May was duly received and afforded me much satisfaction. You must pardon me for not replying sooner. The truth is, I was so very weak and my heart so confused, I avoided thinking of things all I possibly could, and yet thought a great deal too much. Well Dida- Now from the time I parted with you at Worcester, I can hardly describe to you the satisfaction in my journey to this place The change and little excitement seemed to put new life into me.Besides Steve was such a splendid fellow for the occasion. I shall ever feel grateful to him for it. We passed Albany in the dark; I slept like a log. As soon as we could see, we got up,washed and dressed. The State of New York is very smooth. I just enjoyed riding hundreds of miles beside the river and canal, looking at the country as we passed.Steve has probably given you a description of my breakfast as Syracuse. The next thing of importance was meeting Sister Clara at Rochester. Steve remained with us to see us over to the other depot,when we bade him good bye. Shortly after we left for Dansville. Clara's friends met me at the cars,rendered all necessary assistance. I was very weak and tired. Clara lives in a very splendid old mansion, a location unsurpassed with grand view of all the surroundings. Her house is filled with almost everything that adds to health,comfort and happiness. I have 2 been gradually gaining, perhaps I may say rapidly gaining since I arrived, considering how miserable I was when I came. Clara has nearly all sorts of canned fruit in abundance; but what is rather ahead of all,is the plenty of nice fresh apples which I go into,without mercy. The living here agrees with me exceedingly well. You know I was never partial to pastry cooking. We have plenty of our new milk, fresh graham meal,to make puddings, fresh graham bread from the bakery,butter cheese,apple sauce, baked apples. any kind of canned fruit we choose, which generally constitutes our breakfast. For dinner, potatoes, meat, fish, beans or something of the kind. For supper,Tea or Coffee,Bread,Butter,cheese,fruit of any kind,is nearly the way we live. I enjoy it much. Clara is very attentive to me. I think it care rather hard on her the first part of the time. Perhaps she will stand it a little better now that I am better. I perhaps can assist her a little. I am sure you will think I had better stop,so you will read what you can. Excuse mistakes and consider this from your, Affectionate Father, D. Barton. I will say a few words to Ada and Mother. With Ida I cannot be quite so minute, so if you have opportunity,please let them see this.but Edri: I don't know if Vtoude are to stay there or not, he got no business this year and says he shall sell out but that has been hiring for if won. I tell you I am going to like her better - and after - I'm get through the - land mark of cleaning & settling I shall feel well. My: how much more I can do than Ada. & she is so stout & well looking I really believe you ought to come to see our new work I wish you would. we expect to be very fine after all our ducks are in proper places. & we are painted & covered & touched up little repair that Edri & I are famous for making: do try to see if you can't come. I heard from Majatin last eve. the first time since she left Wash. they were in Boston. Jo is sewing for a dress maker & Ada & I are in Logans home dressmaking even Jo has to give us points: I shall get the goods of one suit into shape some now and have some more suits. - I shall divide our home after its - all fixed. but I hope you'll come & see it for your self. Yours. with best love Ida Webster [Millbury] Mass. May 7 95 Dear Aunt Clara I have wanted to tell you of our arrival in our new home. but dear me how busy we have all been. And as yet. we came back Friday. Edri insists it was an unlucky day: but has for me seem & have had best of luck. Steve came with in but left soon after - over goode and I have not heard from him since. he willcome again soon he said we are "getting in to gear" as fast as we can. Charlie helped Sat and made in a present of a beautiful kitchen range. a something I have wanted but never hoped or dared to hope I should ever have one. "All good in it" Harold said as he saw the [?]. Uncle Sam Barton wife & the army came up and we had a genera; jollification. Barton + Charlie put down carpets + hung curtains and gave us a long light. We have almost finished our lower floor. Have pictures to hang + little fixings to get in place. when we found the place Edith is working like a horse I took a chill yesterday by changing my flannels. and was so sick all night so have had to lay by to-day Edith [?] the place and washed all the windows. I managed to crawl out this afternoon. and help a little but still feel good for nothing. I am delighted with our little cottage. Its so convenient + cosy. a fine grape vine all around one side + the back places for flowers. and if all goes well in Millburg so we can run this little home I know I shall be happier. The children an all at schoolWashington DC 295 C. NE. April 23 99 Dear Ida I hope you are having a perfect spring day such as this is with us. but if it should be sd you are too far north to have green parks filled with spring flowers & all the trees putting on their first tender foliage, I expect. Everything is as lovely + full of promise it seems to bring happiness to all. In the over looking that comes at "cleaning house time" I found a lot of old clippings that I have laid away at different times that speak of Miss Barton + her work + will send them to you as there may be something among them that has not come in your way that will fit in the scrap book 2 It is most wonderful as you say how your Aunt Clara keeps busy + must be tolerably well or she could not do so much. Her will power is no small item in the matter, she sees just what needs doing + goes ahead + does it as nearly as may be without regard to self. One war seems to have ended the active usefulness of Florence Nightingale, but Miss Barton has been through three besides the work year after year in sickness flood + famine. I see Mrs Alex Kent occasionally + in that way hear about things in Cuba where Dr Hubbell + Rev Dr Kent are in charge of the Red Cross work. She says one of the saddest things he says is the large number of young girls who are without home or friends & left a prey to a cruel world. A friend from Nebraska visiting her old home here is asked by a soldier + mother to look up + thank Miss Barton for her kindness to her boy who died in her arms in Cuba. There are surely very many who will always bless her + her work which is now so organized that it + similar societies will always exist. I am always glad to know about you + your flock which I seem to have known with [?] a long time. Perhaps we shall see each other some time. Mr W has been better than usual this winter + I have not been as well. Not exactly sick but near enough so any little routine of housework has seemed "a mountain high". Nervous dyspepsia the Dr says Mr W says I have [croup?] but of course that is a mistake. Was on [Mellin?] Food + liquid4 diet for a time, but am better now + intend to keep so. The "grippe" has been going the rounds + Mr W has lately had a slight attack of it, but not enough to put him in bed. His work (day watchman) is not hard but dreadfully monotonous as he has no Sundays or holidays and the months annual leave seems dreadfully short to us. He joins me in kindred regards to you your mother Mamie + the children. As ever Alice R Westfall #3 Washington Square North New York City Wed 4PM July 26 1899 My dear Ida. This is easy to hold so I will write on it. Have had quite a day. I got up not feeling very rested [?] I got a sad fit in me last night + I don't think I slept much- It rained very much yesterday, + this A.M. but last night- Steve said that Aunt Clara had talked by telephone with him + wanted me come see her. After much talk which I did not hear much of - Itwas decided to have Myrtis go. Steve went with us to the Brooklyn Bridge where we took the car for 158 Montague Str Brooklyn- where Aunt Clara is with Dr. Lucy Hall Brown I have felt dreadfully that she did not write us - for of course I hoped so much to see her, thinking of course she would come here--but there has been some trouble I don't know if - + she don't come or L. didn't 2 ask her to or something - It has made me so sad [?] just now I want peace every where-- There seems so few of us left--why can't we love not hate each other? Why not let all the past go--forget + forgive? + live the few months or years of our lives in love + kindness? "We girls" will [?] [?] or try to? Aunt Clara has changed so so much + this most pitiful part of it-- [?]is that she knows there is some hard feelings + she feels very badly - so broken hearted - poor Auntie - I could weep at thought of it. It is too bad - she has had hard work + thought that it was [rather?] done should be at once forgiven + forgotten & she made to forget the grief it [gave?] her. I wish I could see her again 7 I like or admire Dr. Lucy Hall Brown. Aunt Clara said she would not let her go away from there - + I think she better be some where under some Drs. care. She seems so broken in health and spirits. She said she would have been broken hearted if [she] I had gone away and not gone to see her. How little she knows how I have felt, believingher to be as I had last seen her- I did feel dreadful that she did not write me - did not ask me to go see her, when she first came- for it was my sweetest hope in coming - that I was to see her - once more, + when I learned of some things + knew she would not come here - then I looked + longed to hear from her - she looks so worn so broken up - so sad - + longs to die - Sep. 18, 1901 Glen Echo Md. My Dear Mama I think I will write you a few lines and let you know how things are getting on. Aunt Clara got a letter last night from the Doctor saying that he thought Mrs. Rich and I had better move north soon for he thinks if Mrs Rich gets the chills it would prove fatal and that mine were lible to come back again. Uncle Silas has the chills and is not here today he had one day before yesterday and I think was afraid of another today he didn't feel well yesterdayI haven't had any more chills yet and I am feeling quite strong Mrs. Rich feel quite well and can walk better without her cane than with it she for-gets it half the time. My hens are laying 2 + 3 eggs a day now I think they are doing first strut I have one setting. Your barn must look fine and your new hen yard I expect I have a lot of nice blue frock dress that I got from Mr. Flint made us scoop eggs. I think I will close now, with love from all and to all "Both" Harold Riccius Glen Echo Md. American National Red Cross Washington D.C., U. S. A. Mrs. Ida B. Riccius #4 Branch St. Worcester Mass. Harolds lettersGlen Echo, Md. January 3rd, 1902 My dear Dida: I do not wonder that you have lost trace of us; I have bee shamefully silent, but - "we keep saving wood" all the time. I found time to read your letter three times, at least, and we have enjoyed everuy word of it. First, we were so glad about the tall boys good luck; I am sure Mrs. Hines has written him, I need not make any remarks in regard to that, for they are an even pair and can pull their own load; but it is a splendid record for a ninteen year old boy, tell him that nobody but his mother can be more proud of him than his auntie is. I have been trying ever since I received his illustrations to think of something equally elegant to return; but what with the Queen Dowagers, the Duchesses and Dukes and the elegant apartments, I find myself quite unable to respond, if the artist wonders at the tar- diness of acknowledgement he must attribute it to the actual cause: viz. utter inability to do justice to the subject. It has honored place among my Holiday Greetings, and will no with me to the new home in New York, - which, by the way, I am to tell you about. Well, you know Dida from what you remember when here, that the mice and the bugs and the worms had got in and were working amongI. R. -2- THE roots of our Red Cross tree here in Washington, and we set about, with the aid of Mr. Atwater and another friend or two, to try to put on a little lye and ashes and such things to kill out some of them. You remember how that went last year; Well, we thought we would refer our remedies to others of our gardeners, among them your especial delight, Mrs. Logan. In her decided way she said: "What is the use! -let us pull it up, too, root and all." There was a pry or two put into the by-laws and at this annual meeting the whole thing came out. We are going to take it to New York and set it out in that soil and see how it will grow there. Mr Atwater is chief gardener, and I, with Dr. Hubbell and Mrs. Hines, will try to keep the soil right and moist. What do you think of the changes? We are going tomorrow night, to commense [xxxorta-] operations next Monday, and any time you can be spared from your own nursery, come over to ours. Tell Harold that I shall report to Silas the record of his hens and eggs, which I think is one of the most splendid things I have ever heard of in that line. He has done splendidly in every way. Harold will be glad to know that his friend Silas has his New Year's gift to day: a new hat, two neckties, two pair of stockings -so good and warm, for taking so good care of Baba and Jersey. I shall write thr dear boy a special letter, I cannot tell it all in this. This is such a mixture of things that I will stop right where I am I am sure by this time you have vertigo. You will hear from me in New York. We will send love to everybody, DR. A. MONÆ LESSÈR, 11-1 Dr. M. MONÆ LESSÈR, 8-10 A. M. 6-7 P. M. 19 EAST SIXTY-FIRST STREET, N. Y. New York. for a day - Sat 23 Oct [* (1902?) *] My dear Dida: I have your last letters, and am sorry that I could not help being so neglectful but I have been every where - done every thing - and left more undone than I can ever do - We are back again in Glen Echo, getting settled a little. It was necessary for me to see Mr Olney, and I went to Boston - -Then we packed up and moved back to Washington then people were to be seen about business, of the next annual meeting. Then the committees here must be seen for the business of this administration, and to prepare- and last night Dr H & I took the train at 12 for N.Y. - have arranged for a meeting of Ex. Com here at Dr Lerrers tomorrow p.m. and then return to Washington. This [seem] seems like a broken history, but so it must be DR. A. MONÆ LESSÈR, 11-1 Dr. M. MONÆ LESSÈR, 8-10 A. M. 6-7 P. M. 19 EAST SIXTY-FIRST STREET, N. Y. I wonder if you will not make your visit to Glen Echo at the time of the Annual Meeting Dec 8.= so as to add one more to the actual vote personal- They might try to dispute a proxy, but could not dispute your presence very well - We must try for every actual personal presence in our power to obtain, for that meeting - Mr. Herve is doing excellent work in Mass. and has done fine work in Washington with Mrs. Logan. I have a letter of Baba's not yet answered - I will try to say a few words to him if I get time today- I hope he remains as acceptable as ever. I am sure he enjoys his home and the new relationships he has formed, a whole family of brothers and sisters- I hope he is kind and affectionate with them, and of all things grateful to you for the morning report of delicious fruit, C. B. DR. A. MONÆ LESSÈR, 11-1 Dr. M. MONÆ LESSÈR, 8-10 A. M. 6-7 P. M. 19 EAST SIXTY-FIRST STREET, N. Y. 1 New York - Oct 25 - 1903 M. dear Baba- I want to tell you how glad I am of the good reports that have so far come from you in your new home- I am told that you add a great deal of pleasure to it, but you will not forget that the old home misses you, and that your Ma- "for I think that must be my relationship to you" seldom goes into the empty stable any more; and then - well well, never mind if there is mo welcoming salute, she knows it all- I have a great many messages for you from old friends - Miss Charles your great admirer + associate comes to askDr. A. Monæ Lessèr, 11-1 Dr. M. Monæ Lessèr, 8-10 A. M. 6-7 P. M. 19 East Sixty-First Street, N.Y. tenderly about you, and sends love. They all miss you more than I had thought possible. I must tell you of a written message, which I have promised to send you. You will remember a gentleman who, among others, visited us three or four years ago, and wanted very much, that you should go and live with him.--He admired you very much. but neither you nor I could quite agree to the change. and he went home without you. You will remember, that having ridden you himself, he wanted to see you go to ride with some one else. and when "James" was called to come and 2 Dr. A. Monæ Lessèr, 11-1 Dr. M. Monæ Lessèr, 8-10 A. M. 6-7 P. M. 19 East Sixty-First Street, N.Y. take you, you quite objected to his mounting you, and got up, and walked down the yard on your hind feet, and dragged your tail on the ground to my extreme mortification, but the gentleman didn't reason to view it [quite] at all so seriously as I did. and singularly, seemed to be all the more anxious to have you go with him-- [?] He has always written about you, and now writes of a request--of a friend of his.--he says that he himself had to have a horse. and so got him one, as nearly like you 3 Dr. A. Monæ Lessèr, 11-1 Dr. M. Monæ Lessèr, 8-10 A. M. 6-7 P. M. 19 East Sixty-First Street, N.Y. as he could find, a couple of years ago, but that he had a wealthy friend who has been much in Cuba, and is in love with the step of Cuban horses, and having heard my friend speak of you, desired him to write and ask if he could send $250 or even 300 dollars for you to buy yourself with, if you would come and live with him? I have replied that you had gone to spend some time with some very dear friends, and all seemed to be enjoying the visit very much over 4 Dr. A. Monæ Lessèr, 11-1 Dr. M. Monæ Lessèr, 8-10 A. M. 6-7 P. M. 19 East Sixty-First Street, N.Y. I hardly thought you would care to change. , but that I would write you, and you could consult your hosts, and see how they would regard it--or you, yourself,--that for me, I thought you were very happy as you were, and your happiness had always been my pleasure, and to have you give pleasure to those I love. I shall hope to see you some day and find you the same nicely behaved gentlemanly horse you always have been. Good night your [mer?]49, East 68 1902 Saturday night Aug 29. 1902 [1903?] Dear Baba: I was very glad to get your letter this afternoon - and to know that you had gotten on as far - so well - I have been very sorry about so much rain. I am sure it has made it very unpleasant for both yourself and your companion; and I am very much afraid you get nothing better till you get through, for we are having a perfectly drenching day here- I had wondered how your shoes might be for so long a journey but as I could not see you before leaving I could not judge - you know you always show me your shoes when I am with you - I am sorry to hear that you stumbled. I am very much afraid you were a little careless - you know that wont do - it is a bad habit and if you get it you will have to be ridden with a tight rein and we don't like that. I hope you didn't break the skin on your knees. You know the hair sometimes never comes back on a broken knee. if you did graze them ask Harold to keep them well greezed, till are well - if he will be so kindI hope you had not lost your saddle blankets, for I noticed that the inside of your Mexican saddle was hard - you remember you once got a little lump on your back - but we never could tell which saddle made it. - Will you please tell Herman that I had a most charming little visit at Bay Shore - it is on the south side of Long Island 43 miles from N.Y. on the straight line to Montauck, at the far Eastern point - I am glad to know he had so nice a visit with Mrs. [?] and that he saw so much of N.Y. that I had a dispatch from N [?] that he only returns on Monday night and I have written him to call at Branch St. if he had time. I don't know which holds him there, - [?] or Worcester - I am sure Harold will be glad to see you, and I think you will remember him - you know your people seldom forget a friend - and I have been told that they remember an enemy equally well - but you know you never had one of those so you cannot know anything about that. Please give my love to all the people in your new home. You must be very nice to them all for they are going to love and be kind to you. As you are to be one of the children I must be yours Auntie [?] Please hand this dollar to Herman and tell him you were very sorry to have started to make so long a journey with old shoes, but your summer shoes would not do for the road, anyway -Address-Mrs & M. Yammou 722 Euclid Ave. Beloit Wis [*Early Childhood*] May 31st 1908 Dear Mrs. Riccius: Your letter was not a liberty but a real pleasure and I thank you for addressing us. I think though that your Auntie does recollect Mother As she was a well known to the Moffitts. Your Aunt Miss Barton and my own Mother were born not a mile & a half apart in North Oxford and the time that Mother refers to was a siege of small pox that broke out in the oxford woolen mills and a couple children of Mr Luther Clemmens died of the dread and years before you or I were born and it is not strange that your Grand good Auntie can not remember all the old acquaintances but I know she has not forgotten Mary Lucy Moffitt Williams! Or her old old dead & gone friend Capt. Moffitt? You spoke of sending mother a photo of Miss Barton it has not reached us as yet, but I can assure you it will receive a warm welcome. Oh! how much I do wish your Aunt could visit us and what a time the two old friends would have. Mother rattles off old names & places so familiar to both Miss Barton & herself. I do hope to hear again from you and from Miss Clara Barton also when you write your Aunt give her our most sincere love and say we hope she will write also come & see me some sweet day. Very sincerely with love from Mother & I, Mrs & M. Yammoudisease. Your Aunt Clara wass teaching school at the time and she gave up her school and she & Mother nursed and went through this terrible time together. It has always been one of my sweetest pleasures to hear my Mother tell of the noble character of her old old friend even in her earliest girl hood days. Mothers maiden name was Mary L. Moffiff and her Father (my Grand old Grandpa) Hiram Moffitt and an Uncle Otis Moffitt both used to work for Clara Bartons father, and when your Aunt was a wee too of a girl she used to go & call the men to dinner and my great tall six foot & two inches Grandpa Moffitt used to toss her up on his shoulder and give her a ride to the House. Oh! ever since I could understand, I have been taught that loving loyalty-sweet humanity were synonymous with the name of Clara Barton! Mother wished me to ask you whether you were Stephen Barton or David Bartons Daughter-?. And Mother was just telling me also that there was Salie and Dolly Barther but that Clara was the youngest and my Father Reuben Williams also knew Miss Clara Barton and Ive heard him tell how bright she was and quicker than chain lightening at making out a bill of lumber. Of course all this was yearsGlen Echo May 7/06 Dearest Dida - I hope the trouble is eased over for the present at least I have the bill, and Mrs Pope the check by this time, and all seems serene. I asked Dr. Fletcher to take Baba over and deliver him to you as you would be the only one there - I hope the old fellow wont be too much trouble till he can find a resting place. I have read the letter you inclosed, and will take care of it as I can understand you dont want it preserved with your papers - Lizzie writes very soundly on some points, but there is a littledifference in the two cases. As I hope Myrtis will recognize this in her dealings with Edith I don't think Myrtis could have been gotten away from her home to a prospect of no other but what she must work to make. On a family dependent on that, prospectively - I hope Myrtis will see + make clear that difference. I have time for only a word today - but will write soon again. My cold has let go - + departed - All are well. Hope you are. Lovingly Clara[?] Aug 2,1906 [*Ida B. Riccius*] My dear Dida, Your letter is just here and there are so many little points that would be better [?] at once that I am going to do it Yes Harold did tell me that you had seen a doctor, he didnt know who, nor what he recommended. I am glad to know you are doing just right to rest, be [?]-dont work when you can avoid it. I am so glad you have the hopeless tooth out-that might have made a good deal of the weariness and trouble. I had not know that you had such a [?] or I should have been profuse with my advices to part with it. It was so good that you could have Edith with you-she is such a reliance to depend upon. Harold was right. The Dr is coming to go home with me I suppose I may expeck him any day, when he can [?] out. How nice it is that Edith cleaned the house up. We know it is clean if she did it. It was the Boston Herald that Steve sent Dr Lucy's letter to and they published it with the name. He's called out a reply from M. Moore next day. The dates were July 26-27 I did not but them to rend out because I knew the Dr did not wannt it done so... I was sorryto lose the cere of the letter it was so strong, and true, but I could not feel that it would be right for me to circulate it, knowing the Dr would not do it herself. I have asked to have a few sent to me to see if I can't doctor them up and leave the Dr. out of them. I am glad you did get another dish of string beans, and so did I today. Mrs Wakefield sent me in a lovely dinner of her string beans & three fine cucumbers- (not hot) an a huge -ripe pine apple, see what it is to have neighbors. We are always talking about you. I had a delightful evening with Harold, so social, polite an considerate. I hope he will come again whenever I am here. I was very much afraid the last car might have been drawn off but I watched out till one went. If it have not come soon I should have gone to have him phone you, and come back with me for the night You should see my little e. B rose, about as your fist, not even five inches high, with 2 full blown roses and two more to be out in the [?], and three more [?] beleived. Steve wrote me, sending the text of his article, which they did not publish-he does not understand why. There was no reason but law of through understanding They were two articles, they took one and left the other, not fully understanding the case, and thought the Dr letter would be most interesting. When you want to be sure to have a bit of newspaper work done right dont send it to the Editor but ask him to sent a reporter to you5 explain it all to him, give him your article with directions, and ten to one it will come out as you want it to - They did not fully understand the call, and thought they had done right. They all meant right - You may come so see me when it wont tire you - If it will be better to rest at home - do so You will see Doctor when he comes - I am glad Sadie is having so good a time. Marion gets a little better She tries to ride, but cannot go far - still she is gaining - If there is anything in the early market that Bola would relish, I hope he will have it procured for him - The old beggar!! I shall hope to see you soon Love to all - Yrs Clara To Mrs. Riccius 3rd July 1907 28 in Meriden a few days - Had a nice visit - Came back Sunday - I am hoping for a visit in Worcester #4 - Branch St. Cant you come over here? Try it - nice ride - nice place to come too - with lots of love to all J.B. Hubbell Miss Barton keeps in excellent health. She has a caller in the parlor now- one of her old soldiers from Ackron Ohio. He has waited here to see her since last week -Tuesday morning June 15/05 My dear Dida: I want to report all well: I am having a nice restful time. All by my lonesome, Mrs. Wakefield came down and we talked over the fence just now & she says Johnny came to call on me last night, and I must have been asleep and he couldn’t get in - Poor faithful Johnny!! I just begin to realize that with all my journeying and suiting[?] I was a wee bit tired. And am making up: I had a delightful visit with Herman and I didn’t need him to lug up coal, either. I don’t use coal any more. make a little fire of wood or blocks, and I have a little oil stove, and so need no more fussing with coal. I haven’t seen Polly yet & have gotten on splendidly - I went to Marshes again yesterday and laid in a new recruit of all I could possibly need, in case any one should drop in, or Polly should come. I can see how many things might prevent her, and really the house is the least of my concern. I went to the office yesterday & found 15 letters there waiting me - Both the “girls” had writtenand couldnt express their joy over their visit. sent so much love to you. and expect a visit from you this summer. They are charmed with my relatives, think there never were such people. And I do think myself, that they were all delightful in their attentions to me and my guests - I have just now made an arrangement with "Ruth. to take my letters to and from the office morning and night. and do little errands if I need. She brings back a letter from Marmie saying that "Polly" cant come. and Marmie is thinking of one and another else as if it were of the utmost importance that my house be kept. If she could send some one to keep my desk it would be of far more importance to me. I am not at all sure that a house keeper would not take more time. than she would save me. I should'nt eat what she would want to cook and dont know how she would get on with me and keep herself in good "home- -keeping order. And the "alone" at night. I never once think of I get more sleep that I have been able to with other persons to use up my sleeping hours, as they always do: At Glen Echo they always sleep when I am awake and at work - and then wake up and want to be entertained when I want to sleep - here I sleep when I get ready. so dont worry I am doing well and have all I need. Reply to Mr Geo. D Estes of the Worcester Telegram who kindly sent to me the notice of poor Ida's death. Mrs. Ida Barton Riccius Glen Echo, Jany 28, 1911 Let me thank you dear editor & friend for the kindness that remembered me in my grief. Perhaps there is no one living, the taking of whom could leave a sorer spot in my heart. She had the qualities that go to make up a perfect character. Bright, witty, companionable, patient, faithful, and sincere, with a moral courage that never flagged. She has borne her widowed life with a fortitude, and reared her family with a motherly tenderness and capability that often surprised even those who knew her best. She has left, as the pledge of her life work, four upright, honest, industrious, respecting and respected men and women to take up the work her faithful, tired hard have been down. We know she rests, but in spite of this, we mourn. Most gratefully yours, Clara Barton Mr. Geo D. Estes Worcester Telegram[Wednesday] eve. Thursday My dear Aunt Clara This day has been so bright and peaceful to me till this P.M. mail brought Mamie's letter and I have felt so sad and tearful at some of its contents. I must write you a little for my heart is sad for you. I can't better explain than by enclosing a portion of Mamies letter and asking you never let her or anyone know I have done so. It is none of my business I know, and I don't want to make it so, but in view of all the sadness that has come to me in the past two weeks, I feel such a sorrow that any trouble or mis understanding should be among any of us. We are too few + too well on life'sjourney to have any feeling but love and I am so grieved if there is something that troubles you. Mamie's letter has made me so sad. I only hope she has seen it only through her own sad eyes. poor little girl. she has had the true, hard, last scenes of Poor Papa Davids and now of Grandma's death. I face alone and I don't wonder she is melancholy. Poor Grandma's death was a blessed relief and she longed for it but the shock was just as hard for Mamie. And poor Cousin Summer, I can't get reconciled to that. I wish we were to see you, but dare not hope it. Wish I had a com- fortable home and knew how to make people happy + care for them. But we are very contented and happy up here and appreciate Steve's kind- ness in allowing us to stay. I had a tender little letter of sympathy from Marion to day. I have written you at Glen Echo and can't help sending this that you may know how sorry I am you are troubled or than any one is. I would have it as Mamie says, "all peace + love. You will understand me I feel sure. with the truest of love I am yours, Dida Please never let Mamie know I have sent a portion of her letter; she is so very sensitive about these things. Mrs. Ida A. Riccius 4 Branch St. Worcester Massachusetts