Clara Barton General Correspondence Austin, Harriet N. Jan. 1876-Feb 1889 and Undated Clara Barton dear I wish you a happy new year will you go for a new year ride with Charlie Smith at your side and my good Hector play at eleven o’clock today? And on your way home stop & give us a call at Brightside as we expect to “receive” today. Lovingly ever, Harriet p.s. On your way home I hope you will come to Brightside & stay all day. H.N.A.Harriet N. Austin New year, 1876 Miss Barton Please be not discouraged, whatever betide, For to each human life there is a bright side. Struggle on: it may save you, so do not despair, Since for all that it loves Heaven kindly doth care. Now, if “all that God owns he is constantly healing,” And in doing so, surely His love is revealing, Why not be strong-hearted? and nevermore chide, Inasmuch as for you there is a bright side. James C. Jackson. Brightside—War Home. Dansville, Liv. Co., N.Y./ Jan'y 31, 1876, My dear Miss Barton, Your recent letter postmarked the 27th inst. is recieved. I hope you can come to us for after reading your statement of your past and present experience I doubt not you are just the patient who is fitted to our methods of treatment, or otherwise I believe that our methods are admirably adapted to one in your condition. Come and we will welcome you and sympathize with you and take care of you and do all we can to restore you to good health. Most truly Yours Harriet N. Austen. [shorthand][?][*Miss Harriot N Austin - Dansville required no answer*] Brightside, Our Home, Sept. 16, 1876. Miss Clara Barton, Dansville, N.Y. Clara, My dear: We have invited some of our new comers to come to Brightside that we may get acquainted with them, from 4 to 6 oclock this afternoon. We shall be pleased to have you come if you would be interested in meeting them and us. If you can manage to get up to Brightside, at 6 oclock I will take you in a buggy, and give you an hour's ride, and land you at Miss Atwaters door. Lovingly Yours, Harriet N. Austin.[*Miss Harriet N. Austin Home on Hillside Sept. 16. 1876.*] Please be not discouraged, whatever betide, For to each human life there is a bright side, Struggle on; it may save you, so do not despair, Since for all that it loves Heaven kindly doth care. Now, if "all that God owns he is constantly healing," And in doing so, surely His love is revealing, Why not be strong-hearted? and nevermore chide, Inasmuch as for you there is a bright side. James C. Jackson Brightside Our Home, Dansville, Liv. Co., N.Y., Sept. 21, 1876 Dear Clara: You have honored me with an autograph letter, such a nice hand you do write. I honor you enough to dishonor you with my unnice "hand-write"; but this morning I must economize my minutes. So I employ the pen of my good Mr. Blend, which is fair enough for Queen Victoria, if she can read the Kings English. Did you think me brave to invite myself to dinner. It would, I confess, have been audacious in most folks. In me it was very easy. It did itself, soon as I heard of the nice succotash. That's what was in my mind. I was to slip quietly in just as you were sitting down, and nobody was to take much notice, and I was to feel just as unconcerned and at home as when I slip into your room of an evening. When Mother Johnston "wanted to come too", it was all the same; as everywhere, I am more at home with her than without her. But your kind note has put a new aspect upon the affair. We are to dress up I suppose, and put on our company manners and be dignified. That does require some bravery truly. Howe could I answer such a question on the spur of the moments. When your note came, I was down town and in the clutches of that terrible creature the dressmaker, and it was growing dark, and she must be attended to at once. I must take time to consider on whom I would confer the great favor of dividing your invitation with them. Of course it would belong naturally to Father Johnson. He is the other part of his wife. Next and best, would be to have Dear Father and Mother Jackson; and they would so appreciate 2 and enjoy it. But -- but, no dinner for Father, and he would be too tired to come and sit, at that time of day. (Why, you see you must ask him to breakfast. And I do not call even that brave in me, because I think some time you would be glad to have him.) And Mother, she very reluctantly declines to come; and I know she is really not able. Aunt Jane next; but she must not come, for she was there on Sunday. O, I must take time to consider; but I will bring somebody, be sure. And now as to the dinner time. I believe you are putting it at three to accommodate us; when really half past two, would be better for us, because that will give us a little time for a visit before four oclock, and as Father must not be excluded entirely from this party, he shall come at four, with his horses and carriage, and give us all a ride; for I hope the day will be sufficiently pleasant to allowyou to go with us; and if the dinner is not ready until three o clock, why then, we can have our visit before dinner. Will not this answer? I hope so. Begging your pardon that I have made my answer so long that it takes you half the forenoon to get to it. I am, Yours most neighborly, Harriet N. Austin [* Miss Harriet Austin Hillside. Home Required no answer came to dinner Sept. 21-1876*] Our Home Sept 30th 1876. Miss Clara Barton Dansville, N.Y. My dear friend: I wonder if you are sick, or why it is that I have not seen you for so long a time. I have wanted to come and see you but have been too much occupied. I write this line hastily to invite you to our Anniversary festival, which will be held on Monday next, beginning with a meeting in "Liberty Hall" at half past ten. a.m. Dinner at three and an evening entertainment I hope you will be able to come without fail. I hope you are very well. Lovingly Yours, Harriet N. Austin.[*Miss Harriet N Austin Brightside*] At Mr Newlin's 1807 Pine St Phil Monday evening Oct 23rd {1876} My dear Friend Clara I am writing this just because I feel like it. I feel tired and fidgety and I feel as if it will rest me to scratch a few lines to you. So indulge me, I am sure you will you are so kind. I have thought of you so often as to wonder at it. The reason is because we were so lately together in Rochester and were interested in the same things. particularly in pictures.We had a lovely day and a magnificent ride from Rochester to New York on Friday. Saturday we had the thing which I had greatly desired, the opportunity to see the Loan Collection of pictures in the Academy of Design, + there were such fine, beautiful pictures and I longed for you to be there and enjoy them and help Mother Johnson and me enjoy them. From the Academy we two went to Mrs Katy's College for an hour, then for a little while to Stewarts then to Sypher's. Then home and pulled off our muddy things (for it drizzled all day) and rested, and went to Wallacks to see a roaring farce in the evening and home near midnight muddy as before + then I must confess I spent most of Sunday in resting and cleaning off mud and repenting of skirts indecently long, but very unfashionably short. At New York we were joined by a very dear friend of us all, and neice of of Mother Johnson, Mrs Virginia Smith of Hartford, whose presence with us will greatly enhance the pleasure of everything. We brought her right here with us to Mr Navlin's where we arrived at noon today and were received with exceeding cordiality and suberb hospitality. We have simply walked out a little this evening. Tomorrow, if the Lord will, we shall. begin the show. Father is quite as comfortable as could be expected and feels at home. I am sure he would desire affectionate remembrance to you, and Mother Johnson also yes + Father Johnson not less. There now I feel better than when I began. I would apologize for this, but I like to believe that you will kindly take an interest in our progress and so not feel it an infliction to receive this very commonplace communication. I hope you are every way prosperous Most sincerely Harriet N Austin[*Dr Harriet N. Austin Ansd at Phil Oct 28.- 1876*] Brightside, Our Home, Dec. 8, 1876. My dear Clara: I went down town yesterday, and meant to call and see you; because I am going to Maple Beach to day, and I should be lonely not to see you until next Monday. Then it does seem to me that you would really miss not seeing me for a whole week. So, I just drop you this love letter to tell you that Father and Mother Johnson, Susan Jones, Father and myself expect to go to Maple Beach at noon to day; taking Barbara and Emma with us. I trust that you are well, and that you will pass the time delightfully, and yet that you will get thoroughly settled this week; so that next week you can visit your neighbors. At all events, we shall send for you on Monday at one o clock, if the Lord will. Meanwhile, I am: Lovingly yours, Harriet N. Austin. [*Harriet N. Austin Dansville Dec. 8 1876*] Brightside Saturday before Centennial Christmas Clara Dear I send some very little Christmas reminders to the four inmates of your house Mr. + Miss Atwater, Mrs + Master Weeks. May I ask you to deliver one to each, as designated in the enclosed, on Christmas morning. I trust you are improving + hope to have the pleasure of seeing you Christmas day. It is beautiful to celebrate the birth of Him at whose birth was proclaimed Peace on Earth Good will to men. It is very busy times with us Most Lovngly Harriet Miss Barton To be opened by her when she is all alone by herself [*Harriet N. Austin*] Our Home Christmas day Clara dear I wish you a merry Christmas! There am I not ahead of you. I send to inquire if I may send to bring you up at 2 o'clock for dinner. I hope so, + one of your friends with you. I send also the album with a mark at the place where I [would] desire to have your writing, and I do want to have the thing complete But I want more that you should not be but to taxation. If you feel like writing please do so + bring the book with you when you come. If not send it right back by the bearer Hastily but lovingly Harriet N Austin[*Harriet N. Austin Christmas 1876*] Brightside Jan 3 1877 My Clara dear I did the best I could in the matter of cards, gathering up the fragments from five book and picture stores. I selected all with New Years mottoes and took the rest in [blank?] thinking you might please to write the motto, or if you prefer there is a gentleman at the [bure?] whom I can get to do it beautifully. The cards cost $1 75. Hurriedly but lovingly Harriet P.S. I had a good but a very busy day. I hope you are prospering[*Miss Austin.-*] Our Home [?ygienic] Institute Dansville, N.Y. Monday Morning Jan 8 1877 Clara My dear Is it not a beautiful morning? Ha! Ha! Old Boreas is in his glory. Well, Hector is anxious to come for you to day. Shall I give him permission to go for you at just 25 minutes past 1 o'clock to bring you up to the lecture and to dinner, etc. Or if not when will you come and see us? Our affairs were so that I could not come to dinner [yesterday] with you last week and I was sorry to lose so much. Please answer by bearer Lovingly Harriet[*Miss H.N. Austin Jany. 8' 1877*] My Neighbor Clara At 10 minutes past 11 to day - the sleigh will call at your door + if you are all wrapped up you can jump in + take an airing - Auntie + Mother are going + there will be an empty seat for you. Then you can ride home or here or to the Health Convention as you elect - I love you Sincerely Harriet Brightside Jan 17th [?1877][*Miss Austin*] Miss Clara Barton [*Send for the laws of life and Journal of Health, published monthly at $ 1,50 per year. The best health magazine issued. Send for our descriptive pamphlet "What we are trying to do and how we are trying to do it"*] Our Home Hygienic Institute Dansville, N.Y. Address James H. Jackson, Secy. Lithographic & Chromo Co. of Rochester N.Y. Our Home Jan 27 1877 Clara - Dearest Neighbor What I want is to have Hector come to your house at one o'clock to day and bring you up to Brightside where we will sit down and have a neighborly chat and drive together and then go ride etc. My blessed Father is far from well, suffering much these days, and about dinner time is when he is free from duty and likes to have his friends about, and I dislike to go away then, else I would come down to you and not put you to the trouble of coming where I am. If you have one of those letters done, won't you just send it up and say if you will favor me to day. Most lovingly Harriet Our Home Feb 1st [?1877] My dear Neighbor Clara If convenient and agreeable to you, I desire you to appoint a day and an hour when you will come up and eat your [granula?] and milk with me. and the earlier the day, and the earlier the hour in the day when you can come the better will suit me, only to day I shall be engaged till 2 o'clock - Mr Cole will call for an answer on his way home this forenoon Sincerely yours Harriet It seems more homelike. I am trying to study Greece this week Your neighbor Lovingly Harriet Brightside Feb 7.th [?1877][*?1877*] Brightside Feb 16 Clara Dear Now I am confidently expecting you to come tomorrow morning, and I want everything to be pleasant for you. I had thought perhaps I ought to give Mrs. Emery & Miss Warner the pleasure of inviting them down to spend an hour with you. But I found this morning that Mr. Emery's mother, whom they have been expecting has come and also a sister, and of course Mr & Mrs. E would be more than delighted to introduce them to you. But to see these strangers may be just what you would prefer not to do and if so, we will not have them come. A line dropped into the P.O. just before the mail is delivered to night all reach me to night. If the Emery's do not come down to call on you, there is Mrs Prondfit [*?1877*] Clara dear It is near bed time Weds evening here at Brightside and I drop this line to say that I am [lotting?] on your day here tomorrow and that if you prefer your own [gems?] to ours, you should bring them right along or anything else you like, and make yourself at home here as freely as I do at your nice room. Mrs. Emery was asking me this morning where you live, and I told them (her & [Vida?]) that you are coming tomorrow, and they declare they will come and see you here -whom I do hope to hear talk with you sometime - but we will not have even her tomorrow if you prefer not. Everything shall be perfectly quiet. I hope there will be nothing to prevent your coming Most lovingly Harriet [*Harriet N. Austin.*] Why will folks be so troublesome But good night Lovingly Harriet P.S. If you have no objection I wish you [will] would bring along the box of jewelry which you showed me one day, for Mother Johnson's eye. tt.Send for the laws of life and journal of health, published monthly at $1.50 per year. The best health magazine issued. Send for our descriptive pamphlet “What we are trying to do and how we are trying to do it” Our Home Hygienic Institute Dansville, N. Y. Address James H. Jackson, Secy. ___________________187___ [?1877] Lithographic & Chromo Co. of Rochester.N.Y. Clara Dear: I am glad you appreciated Mikes generosity in carrying off my "spec's" for you; and I thank you for sending them back, else we might have had a sensation in the advertiser of this week about thieves burglars &c. I thank you too for the invitation. Father says, "Certainly I will go; I shall be glad to go, and I suppose I can go Wednesday as well as any morning." Where he goes I will go, and where he eats his breakfast there will I eat my breakfast. So it is settled, for him and for me. Mother says she would be glad to come if she can; but dare not say beforehand. So that is not settled. And now as to "friends:" If I had but two friends I would bring them both, if they would consent to go. If I had only three I could select from them, myself. But as I have several - several scores I might venture to say, though I say it myself, who ought'nt - - I can scarcely expect you to entertain them all. How would it do were I to select father and mother Johnson, Dr Jem and Aunt Jane. Clara dear I send you a note such as we have sent to Susie Jones & Mrs Noyes & one or two others - I hope you can help a little in the matter if there is any matter to help - Wont you come over to dine with us to day Our free & easy home dinner? Lovingly Harriet Oct 9thHarriet N Austin and what hour shall we be there? But I see I must skip up to breakfast this minute. Lovingly, Harriet. Brightside, Oct. 8. 1880 Dear Friend and Fellow Citizen: Since it is the privilege, is it not the duty, of the mothers and Christian women of Dansville, to take an interest, and assist, in electing school officers at the school meetings to be held next Tuesday evening and Wednesday? Can not you and we and some other friends, do something to call the attention of the ladies of our village to the matter? We suggest that a short circular be printed and scattered in the homes of the people. Will you join with us in such an effort, or in taking such other action as we can together agreeupon. May we ask an immediate answer? Yours, for the education and the elevation of the race, Harriet N. Austin. Katy J. Jackson. Lucretia E. Jackson. [*Mrs H N Austins note of invitation to the women to attend school meeting the first time in Danville 1880 - Austin Dansville Miss Barton*] Please be not discouraged, whatever betide, For to each human life there is a bright side. Struggle on, it may save you, so do not despair, Since for all that it loves Heaven kindly doth care. Now, if “all that God owns he is constantly healing.“ And in doing so, surely his love is revealing, Brightside Our Home, Why not be strong hearted? and never more chide, Dansville, Liv. Co. March 21. 1881. Inasmuch as for you there is a bright side. James C. Jackson [*16*] Miss Clara Barton. Washington. D.C. My dear Friend: Father and Mother Johnson have been gone a month it seems to me. Jem and Kate have been gone a week to-night: this afternoon father and Charles went to Rochester to be gone a day or two, and in father's absence and in this empty house, almost, I sit down before a big pile of letters in the midst of four reporters On top of to-day's correspondence is a Red-Cross envelope, but not addressed in your hand. Success to the Red cross say I. A very interesting and acceptable letter from your "brother Steve" came to me three or four days ago, and we all felt like hurrahing when I read to father and mother the report of how you are carrying all before you. That is to say of the fact that men of power and place are interesting themselves in your mission, and we are hoping for the complete success of your efforts. I have written to Jem and Kate about it for I am sure that they will feel as greatly pleased as any persons can. I am not going to write you much of a letter, for I know that you have no time for them, but I just wanted to acknowledge the receipt of yours and give you my private opinion that father will take no steps whatever with regard to these two letters from gentlemen addressed to you about coming to Dansville to lecture. I know he ought not to do a thing about it. You know that it is in his heart to be hospitable always and I do not see that we could correspond with these gentlemen without offering them our hospitalities, and that is all very nice, only father cannot in justice to himself interest himself one ounce weight about their meeting or about entertaining them while here, and I am sure he could not go out to their lectures. He is trying to take his work as lightly as he may, but it is not possible for Jem and Kate to be away 3. without his feeling unusually burdened by his care of the Cure. I presume these are very nice gentlemen who want to come here to visit you and lecture, and very agreeable as visitors and all that but I cannot help feeling, however, that it is fortunate for you that you are in Washington on some accounts. I am sure it will be fortunate for us when you get back. I am sure you will be most warmly welcomed. This is not a letter to be answered, but unless you are coming home sometime "before forever," will you not ask your brother some day to drop us a line and let us know that you have not forgotten where you live? I feel very sorry for your crushed hand and am very glad that it is doing well. Mother is pretty well and we are all doing as well as could be expected considering how forsaken we are. I send you love from all the family and from myself. Most sincerely. Harriet. Please thank Mr Barton for his nice letters & for all his goodnessI have opened a new mail + find postal from Mr Stebbins saying he is not coming till August Please be not discouraged, whatever betide, For to each human life there is a bright side. Struggle on, it may save you, so do not despair, Since for all that it loves Heaven kindly doth care. Now, if “all that God owns he is constantly healing.“ And in doing so, surely his love is revealing, Why not be strong hearted? and never more chide, Inasmuch as for you there is a bright side. James C. Jackson Brightside Our Home Dansville, Liv. Co. May 4 1881 [*33 Jackson*] Miss Clara Barton, Washington, D.C. - My dear Clara: For several days I have been thinking more about you than usual, and last night I really saw you in my dreams, sauntering along our road with my two mothers, each of the three holding a large umbrella close over your heads. I thought you were all determined to keep fine complexions. Have you any idea how attractive this country is now? O, the elms and willows and green-grass which I see from my window as I sit, are beautiful in the slanting sunshine, and the birds - I cannot tell you how joyous they are. I had occasion to go into Prof. Kreb's two days since and I indulged myself in sitting down under your apple trees and O! such a happy orchard as that is, how can you stay away from it? - and how can you stay away from the loving hearts who would be so glad to welcome you home? I know right well that there are plenty of loving hearts where you are and possibly you have made up your mind to summer there and to have nothing more to do with these Dansville folks. I can hardly think however, that your good taste will allow you to com to this conclusion. I read of your reception of the soldiers. Have not expected to hear from you personally though it would be very pleasant to do so.. I have often desired to write you, but for a wonder I have been busy. Somehow all my minutes get filled full. The Laws takes a great deal more of my 3. time than one would think. I am very fussy and particular with it and to be so takes a great deal of time. Father has gone to Rochester to day with Dr. Leffingwell and Mr. Force who invited him, and made the condition that they should bear all the expenses, which is so nove a thing that I think it was quite a temptation to him to go, - at any rate he was very glad to have this opportunity with the young men and this evening they are all to hear Mary Anderson in which I should be glad to join them. Mother is not usually well for a day or two, but I think will be out soon. Dr. Katie and Dr. Jem are doing their usual work at the cure and Ma Johnson is back again in the flower business and at this season of the year you may be sure she has no spare minutes. All4. these persons I know would desire very greatly to send their heart-felt love to you if they knew that I was dictating this letter to you. We have never had so large a family of patients through the winter and Spring as this season and the prospects are that we shall be crowded during this summer. I think however, that our working force was never in better condition to carry on the work. It is wonderful to me how continuously and successfully father is working this Spring. Jesse and Kate were absent five weeks and he took the cure under his own handling, as of old, and still is pursuing the same course without seeming detriment to his strength, and health. I believe my sister Mrs. Hawke 5. is pretty well this spring though they have found the winter very tedious and trying. I hear every week from Mrs. Curtis and Nellie. They are anticipating your return to them with great pleasure. I wrote Nellie a while ago that I was going to write to you that I should break into your house, tumble up all the beds, upset all the chairs - eat up all the nice things and put things wrong generally if you did not come home, which seemed to amuse her much. I hope you will stop with them on your way home. What are you going to do about the political situation? It is extremely interesting and exciting, is it not? Wouldn't it be nice if men could forget themselves and work for the public good? Doubtless they would6. if women would only set them the example and inspire them with that sort of spirit. If you should see Mrs. Taylor or anybody who would be interested to hear from me, please give to them my love, and accept a large measure of it for yourself. Very sincerely, Harriet N. Austin [*38*] Brightside Dansville, N.Y. Oct 20/82. My dear Clara: After quite a good deal of consultation our doctors think on the whole it will be better to have your lecture next week. There has been a little more to break up the monotony this week then usual and [therefor and] therefore they want to reserve you for next week. Lovingly yours, Harriet N. Austin.[* 33 Jackson*] Brightside, Dansville, N.Y., Jan. 19th, 1883. My beloved Friend: I do not know why I should have had a troublous dream last night, and you the central figure in it. Tis true I ate a piece of pumpkin pie for dinner yesterday but. I took it in the first course, and before I had finished my piece I was called away from the table and did not return, so I do not think it was the pie. But in my dream you were living a few rods away to the south of my home; but instead of being in Dansville, it was on my father's farm and I was over2. at your house which was in the greatest disorder, nothing comfortable about it inside or out. You were in trouble, also, and the cows were not in the right field, nor the horses where they ought to be and everything was all awry. How fortunate in this instance that dreams go by contraries. In reality I hope you are situated very nicely with everything in best order and that you are every way complacent and happy. I cannot report quite as good condition in Brightside as I could wish for. Mother has been sick in bed the last six weeks except as she has sometimes been able to walk about the chambers a little. We have not seen her so feeble before in years. 3. She seems to be making progress now, very slowly, and we hope and trust that it will be continuous till she is as well as usual. Father has suffered a great deal with sciatica; I think, however, he does suffer less than last winter, but he is more feeble. He gets up to the Cure once or twice a week either to lecture or to see some person who is too feeble to come down to see him. Yesterday he gave one of the grandest lectures he ever gave. I cannot abandon the hope that he may yet be stronger than he has been for the last year and be able to talk to the people. Kate and Jew and Father and Mother Johnson are usually well.4. Mother better than when you left, Pa John was kicked on the knee by a horse, but nothing daunts him. We all threaten him with a permanently stiff knee if he does not take care, but he limps about and accomplishes as much as ever. I believe I am more vigorous this winter than in several years. I feel a kind of enterprise in my bones which is unusual to me, which permits me to join the dancing class in Liberty Hall and learn to waltz, to go to Genesee to hear Lieut. Danenhower lecture and come home at twelve o'clock at night walking from the depot. Twice I have been to Rochester, 5. once to hear Thomas W. Keene in Othello and Macbeth, and once to hear Margaret Mather as Juliet. The latter particularly was exceedingly fine. Mother Johnson was with me there and also to hear Danenhower. The new building progresses slowly. The masons are laying bricks all these days [for] are on the first story above the basement now. Your house looks lovely but I feel very differently about it since Mrs. Stahl is "around." I was so glad I had an opportunity to show her a kindness the other day. I was on my way to look in on Mrs. Welles when I met Prof. Krebbs coming over for a doctor, sayings Mrs. Stahl had sprained6. her ankle. I told him I was doctor enough for that and so I went and gave her a little advise and encouragement and afterwards called again. She was very genial and pleasant and appreciative too. I think the Lord gave me this little opening as a way into her heart. I hope I shall be able to keep it open. The Lord is very good to people. Last evening Dr. and Mrs. Gilbert called at Brightside, having walked down from the depot at head of Health Street. The doctor is totally blind, but he is thoroughly content with reference to it. It is all just right. He expects to have his eyes operated upon next summer, but has scarcely 7. a hope that his sight will be restored; but he says that will make no difference, that the Lord never takes away anything from those who love him without giving them compensation in some way, and he feels abundantly compensated [for] by the added light within for the loss of the exterior vision. It is delightful to see him, so genial and happy. I am dictating this letter to you because I wanted to speak to you and not with the object of calling out a letter from you though you know we are always glad to hear from you. Everybody would want to send you love if they knew that I was8. writing. I think of you as being interested in and mixed up with the great concerns of the world while I am going my little daily round of home living. I hardly know anything about the affairs in the village. I sent one of the little Brightside Watches books to Mrs. Taylor the other day for I wanted to show her that I remember her lovingly. I think you knew that Mr. Curtis of Williamsport has had a lawsuit pending for two years. The whole thing has been settled up without his having a word in the matter not receiving a cent very greatly 9. to the indignation of his many friends in Williamsport who think that an outrageous wrong has been done. The Curtises, however, take it quite calmly and bravely though it leaves them with very little available funds. We expect Mrs. Curtis and Nellie to spend about two days with us soon and I hope also Mr. Curtis may come. If you could make it in your way to stop with them on your return to Dansville, it would give them great pleasure I know. I send you true love out of my heart. Harrie I pray you pardon my reporter's mistakes as well as my own. H N A(Dictated) 33 Jackson Box 321, New Bedford, Mass Monday, June 4, 1883 - Miss Clara Barton, My Beloved Friend, My Seven-year-old Friend: - So our ways part. And I am not there to bid you good-bye. Well, I knew that your time will be very full and you will have plenty of friends to look in upon you, and I am glad of it. I would gladly run in for a little time but then it would take up time. I have, and shall always have, the memory of that last Sunday in the woods. - was it not2 delightful? I am glad that our paths have run along side by side a part of the time for the last seven years. - Maybe sometime in the future I shall see you again. I cannot hope that there will be any letter-writing between us. for both you and I have enough to do without enlarging our correspondence. I do hope you will be very successful in your work. I hope the Lord will bless you abundantly and be very near to you to comfort your heart and strengthen your hands, and make you an instrument of blessing to many. I hope I shall be 3 near to him and be able to do something to cheer and help some of those - His "little ones" - who need help. I feel very sure that in some nook or corner of Brightside you will leave a loving good-bye for me. That is all the recognition which this note can claim. You will not forget us. I know, and we shall not forget you. When the time comes when you must rest, I hope the memory of Brightside and Our Home and Dansville will come to you so pleasantly and soothingly that you will be impelled to make your way there to rest. I am staying here4 with friends for a little time and am most pleasantly situated, "lying on my oars." A lad at the dinner table to-day told me that among his studies is Swinton's "Outlines of History". O, those pleasant hours together when you and I were teachers alternately! I do want to send Father's love and blessing to you for I know that he would wish it. He is not here at present, but I suppose will be in a few days. My beloved and cherished Friend, I bid you good-bye, Lovingly, Harriet N. Austin [33 Jackson] Friday morning [1883?] Clara Barton Dear [Noman?] I hope you have not forgotten me + all Brightside. Every day I am wanting to go to your house. + last evening I started twice to go, but did not go. I wanted to see you + to pay my respects to your family + then I wanted to get your consent to talk to our big family soon, or Red Cross or something3 who is anxious to meet you, called you the other day. May we say that you will talk to us at least once & soon? And may Father have the wish of his heart gratified - soon- that you will come to breakfast with him? How beautiful the world is & how good the Lord is! I love you ever Harrie 2 I want Jen to give notice of the various entertainments our people may expect - Lectures by Dr Jackson, lectures by Dr Albert Leffingwell on his foreign experiences & observations, receptions at Brightside & lectures occasionally by Miss Clara Barton, the Florence Nightingale of America, as a New Orleans ladyMy room in Brightside Thursday forenoon December 18 1884 Dec 20 Dec 23 Clara Barton My dear Friend How many times I have thought of that last precious half hour with you, when my heart was drawn so close to you. As Dr. Hubble & I walked home in the rain our thoughts and speech were only of you, starting on the long night-trip all alone. How much you have done, and how much has happened to you since! You are a Citizen of the world, and I rejoice in your power as a representative of our country, as a woman, and as a Christian worker. And I am proud of you as my friend.I feel myself to be a very small person, living in a most quiet inactive way, simply entertaining my sister (not Mrs. Hawke) who is spending a few weeks with me. If I do so much as to get out, this afternoon to the first meeting this year, of the Dansville Benevolent Society, it will be quite a feat for me. The most that has happened to me since I saw you, was a tumble down stairs about the middle of October, which bruised & sprained my left shoulder & has partially disabled me ever since. I use the hand & arm very little indeed. I did undertake a trip. The very extensive one of visiting all the descendants of my Father & Mother - Children, grandchildren & their children, and the persons "married in," - about fifty in all, who live in Cayuga Co. - fifteen families. I allowed about 18 days, & when the time had nearly expired, and all had gone on very pleasantly. I had the fall. Fortunately I had with me, a faithful attendant and beloved friend - Miss Hattie Blake Lee - who was hands & feet to me till I could get home, & has been so ever since. I hope to keep her with me permanently. I was surprised and gladdened at the receipt of a brief personal letter from you at Strasbourg, and I have heard every thing from you with warm interest. I have just been down to Mother Johnson's to enquire5 if she knows my different address for you, & found Mrs. Krebs in her room having a social half hour. All are usually well. Neither Ma John or I expect any recognition of our letters, but we do hope that the eight of our names may give you a passing pleasure. Now our little mother comes in & sends her love to you, & I know I may say the same for Father. My prayer for you is that as the years pass, a peace which passes words may grow in your heart and make the afternoon of your life more blessed to you and others than all which has gone before. Ever lovingly Harriet Dr Harriet Austin [*Personality*] Box 299 Happy Thought Saturday Noon Sept 3rd 1887 Harriet Austin Clara Barton My beloved Friend Now I imagine myself out in mid-ocean with you, The ship is sailing on & on, but our thoughts are turned backward both as to location & time. It comes before me now, our first little visit together. With considerable timidity, but with a brave exterior, I venture to call upon the war worn & famous stranger in her little room in Our Home. Very soon we feel personally at ease & finally I kneel by her chair-arm & we sort of "run together". Henceforth I am not afraid of her, I grow so familiar that soon after she is established in that brick house in town - the house2 so near + yet so far. - I take my dinner in my hands + ride over to sit down + eat it with her at her table This is so satisfactory. that I repeat the visit again + again. The great-hearted woman, the woman of great thoughts + great deeds + great celebrity, puts herself onto my level with such kindness + cordiality + heartfulness that my reverence + admiration culminate in love + she becomes my familiar friend. I am always welcome to her private room, we take up studies together + thus pass many delightful hours - memorable hours, + when my friend proposes to go to Washington I unhesitatingly give my impulses freedom + tell her I want to go with her. 3 So I visit the Capital, I visit Cape May. I visit our mutual friends, the Curtises in her valued company. O, there are many cherished memories - the few precious hours together + the parting previous to her going abroad three years ago; the pleasant meetings + converse two years ago, the sympathy, the confidence, the tenderness with which she opened her heart to my newly found companion - my Blake - still my unspeakable comfort. And here is this sweetest of letters, poured right out of my friends heart in anticipation of another trip abroad. This means surely that her "heart untravelled fondly turns to: [us?], + that she will4 yet be a guest in our quiet simple home among the beautiful "Berkshire Hills". She will leave the palace [of ther] of her titled + truly great friend + come to a homely little room in our house + be just as happy in our midst for a whole week as she need be, + we shall be so glad + happy. It was very loving + good of you to write Father that letter. It "set him up" wondrously. He is not strong + in one way + another he suffers much. But he is very patient + cheerful through all his privations + is ripening beautifully, + so is our blessed little mother at Brightside. 5 Clara, it has been in my mind for a few days past to say something to you about the sanatorium. Though my time is limited and I cannot say perhaps - or find words to express just what I would, I will refer to the subject. It may be that like many of the old friends of Our Home, you have felt disappointed at the manner in which the Institution has been conducted, since it has passed into new hands, not only, but that you have felt the virtue has gone out of it, + have not much confidence in its being a power for good in the future. 6 I will frankly say to you that for myself I have had my disappointments + my heartaches regarding the Institution. But I finally came to see that as the work + the responsibility must be in new hands, these must be carried in accordance with the conceptions of those who had assumed them. It was not reasonable to expect any person or persons to take up such a unique work as Father had begun, + so enter into his ideas as to carry out his plans. The new men must have a foundation of their own + must build up a superstructure 7 from their own standpoint. There could not in the nature of the case be a continuity of effort. I suppose nobody living could have carried on the work without a break, since no person could enter into Father's personality. The break was greater perhaps than need have been had not the new elements been so diverse. But fermentation + fomentation has gone on, + clarification has taken place + experience has done its work, + I truly think that 8 everlasting principles of the fitness of things are coming uppermost. Those who now have control of the sanatorium are staunch + true + from their own stand-point are doing a great + good work. I believe no Institution of the sort in the world is so well-conducted + so successful, in the best sense, as the one at Dansville to day. The reason why I have felt moved to say this to you now, is that you are going abroad + it is possible that you may meet those 9 who will inquire about the sanatoriium + therefore I have wanted to give you my judgment. Perhaps there was no occasion for my doing this. You may have had no such feeling as I have supposed. Still I felt that I might speak to you confidentially on the subject, tho' I have had to do it so hastily in order to get my letter off, that I have not done my tho't justice I fear. Will you remember me in great respect + warm regard for Dr Hubbell. I love you + pray for you. Also I send the love of all the household of Happy Thought Harriet Wesley Water Cure Sept 9th 1887. Miss Barton, Dear friend, I hope you will not infer from our neglect to acknowledge Dr Hubbell's letter and the very interesting pamphlet you sent us giving an account of the [the] provision you organised for the care of the sick at the grand army encamp. - was not appreciated. We were delighted with its perusal, and by we I mean Dr James + Katy - Mother Jackson - Mrs Johnson + myself. We saw clearly [what] the great suffering that [hs?ould?] might have been experienced by [big] that vast crowd during the hot days the Grand Army were encamped inWashington. We saw also the dear woman with warm heard and cool head who had done so much in relieving + preventing suffering during our Civil War and the [Eu?r?opean] war, and from the ravages of fire + flood in later days. It does look as though no provision would have been made had you not made it, - to minister to the numerous sick worn ones. How many of the relieved and their sympathizers will call you blessed. You of course were not prompted to any of the philanthropic deeds which have [maked] your career in life; from the motive of being called blessed; - but the wide appreciation of your deeds must add something to the joy which springs from a sense of misery relieved and prevented, + duty done. I beg you to believe I do not write these things with a motive to [Washington.] flatter you. We all truly love - admire and honor you for what you are + what you have done. It was a great disappointment to all of us that you should have felt it your duty to leave Dansville We would have been delighted to have retained you as a neighbor. But your decision may have been wiser than our desire. Your memory will ever be cherished by us most dearly and lovingly. I have written in behalf of Dr James + Katy as well as for myself as they are so driven with work as to be obliged to neglect dear friends. The Sanatorium has never been so full + prosperous as it has the present season. Two of the Leffingwell brothers have sold their stock + gone with their Mother, and left onlyDr Albert as equal owner with Dr James. I hope you will give us the pleasure of a visit before long. A good many improvements have been made since you were here, = the chief of which the building of a long + wide Corridor connecting the south end of the main building with Liberty Hall, This Corridor is quite roomy + tastefully finished inside + out. and many of our guests like to sit in it before the open wood fire + among the plants quite as well as in the parlor. The old Liberty Hall has been remoddled inside and made a very tasteful + attractive place for religious worship, - and we now call it the Chapel. A testimonial window of stained glass to Dr J. C. Jackson is being made in New York to be placed in the rear of the arch back of the platform, to be paid for by contributions of his old friends. Feb 18 1888 Dearest Clara I really think we are coming + am feeling more + more how good + loving you are to us in consenting to take a little charge concerning us. We will be good + tax you as little as we know how. Father asked for "Beaux," + in that he was only provident because I am quite as desirous [that] to see the many places of interest or rather some of them in company with Blake as to attend the meetings. If nothing occurs to prevent our going, it will be a "great occasion" for us. But as to beaux, don't you think that women are best adapted to that office? No matter, We shall be glad of any assistance to make our visit successful.It would be enough simply to get sight of you, were that all. You showed more profound knowledge of human nature than I thought in predicting that I should write you "many times". Had I followed my promptings you would have had half a dozen letters from me. One question I must ask of you - to be answered at your convenience - since I know no one else to ask. I conjecture that the last of March with you will correspond - temperature wise - with about the last of April with us + that winter clothing will not do - as velvet hats + the warm underclothing so needful at this season. If you can give us a few hints in this direction you will greatly oblige us. I think Ma Johnson, the dear good sould, + perhaps Pa Johnson, will come to stay with Father, Charles + my sister which Blake + I are away. What a nice time we shall have! Lovingly Harrie Happy-Thought Cottage, Lock Box 832 [P. O. Box 299,] North Adams, Massachusetts, May 7 1888 Beloved Clara Now I hope that you are so situated just now that you can put other things by for a little + give your attention to Harrie I have written something about a very eminent personage, + who is also a friend that I greatly admire + love. It is to go into the Laws of Life as part of an article in a series which I am writing about the Womans Council. It may not be entirely correct in some of its statements, + could you + would you do me the favor to read it, + if you see any misstatement correct it on the margin in pencil? The statement is not satisfactory to me, + if you would improve it in any respect I would be glad, but please do not abbreviate. Father likes it just as it is + says tell you not to object to anything in it nor change it unless there is some mistaken statement.I wish the thing were better, + shall be glad of any suggestion. I really do not expect you to object to it, + I know that our readers will be most pleased to hear from you. - of you rather. I am sorry to ask a minute of your time but am sure you will willingly spare to me the first available hour or so. The writing is in the rough, not ready for the printer, as you will see, and therefore may be changed readily Am I asking too much? I think I wrote you that Mr Viall had left N Adams. We found out his supposed address + Blake dropped a note to learn if we could find him + in acknowledgement received the enclosed postal. She has since sent on to him your photo + copy of your address. I will not take more of your time now except to ask when we may expect to see you, so as to be at the depot on your arrival. But we really hope you will be able to let us know something of your time of coming, so that we may arrange that nothing shall be in the way of a good quiet time all to ourselves. Father + all send much love + I am faithfully + lovingly Harriet [*This is a sketch of a day with Harry's folks.*] 33 Jackson - Friday 4 30 PM Feb 1st 1889 Dearest Mother A postal from you again to night, bringing a cheerful message. You have been very faithful in your attentions to us this week + we are very glad that you are able to do it. On the whole we are doing well. Weather somewhat colder + Father did not feel quite equal to getting out to day, though he is more comfortable than yesterday. Charles + I have just returned from a brisk run to town. He + Blake go to a concert-vocal - this evening at Cong. Church - by the Ladies Schubert Quartette. Last evening Chas + I went to the last of a series ofevening meetings at the "Universalian" Church, Rev. Dr. Rexford of Boston, preaching. His sermon was something very much out of the common run, + we were quite interested. Some of our neighbors have taken great interest in the meetings. Perhaps you will think we are getting to run around a good deal. I am yet to go out to night to give little Teenie Breed a wet sheet pack. But that is something altogether out of the common + not to be indulged in oftener than once a year or so. I enclose a letter which I will thank you to hand to Ma Johnson with my compliments + love. Father sends great love to every one of you. He is now sitting by the stove reading the last number of the Christian at work a paper which he likes very much, he bids me say. Love from Chas Blake + me to all lovingly Harriet Our Home Monday Morning Dear Clara If you would like to come up to lecture to day, it will give me pleasure to send my horse to your house at 1 15 precisely, and bring you up to Father's office, where you were the other day, and get nicely toasted and ready to get in the Hall in season. Then after dinner I will see that you are carried home. O dear, I wonder what did become of you Friday night I wonder if you did get home at all. Patrick siad the boy siad he had no buggy to take you. Somebody said he knew you went up into the entertainment. Euphie said she knows you went home before entertainment. What did become of you? Well if you come again, I will tend to you. Will you tell the bearer if I may send to day. I hope you are well Most lovingly Harriet[*Harriet N. Austin*] [*Harriet N. Austin*] Brightside Friday Morning Clara my precious Friend I send you some December [Lam?] ready for mailing - Shall always thank you to send off any thing of this sort - We would be glad to have all your family come to Christmas dinner but there are not places enough at table. But I shall assign two seats to you. I would like much to have that young man come - if he & his sister will consent to be separated at Christmas dinner - Or she may comeand leave him at home & then he can come in the evening to go home with her. Will you invite one or the other for dinner at your discretion. I hope you are better It is a glorious morning. I do wonder if you could not take a short ride to day. I am in a prodigious hurry just now getting ready to go to bed and rest to day awhile — I had a nice time with you yesterday and am ever. lovingly yours Harriet.