CLARA BARTON GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Fanning, Octavia Dix Oct. 1882-Nov. 1911Oct. 20th 1882. Miss Clara Barton - Presdt. Association of the Red Cross. Your glorious work has so long enlisted my sincere regard & sympathy that I have concluded to send a line to you begging some information with regard to its success in your country - the United States- how one can become a member of the Association of the Red Cross, or work with it? or if it is possible in any way to further its interest here. St. Louis offers a large field for any good work & if properly undertaken should meet with corresponding success.after reading a most-interesting article relative to your work at-large, I could not but feel the true & noble spirit which you so much believe to many. Do I understand the Association to be only one of assistance in time of war or does the work go on throughout the year & in all cases? The past three years have found me such at heart & soul with those in trouble & sorrow within & with out the Hospital, and I beg you will find time to enlighten me through your many ways & means of all alleviating suffering humanity - Trusting I have not trespassed too much on your [?] time - Believe me to be with warmest wishes for your success Respectfully & Sincerely M. Octavia Dix M. Octavia Dix - 704 N. Jefferson Ave St. Louis Mo.Clara Barton Dansville Livingston Co N.Y. [*Ansd Dec 1-1882 Sent 12 Books - and several copies of all pages - on large roll- 20*] undertaking - but when strength is needed most, it is given so I shall hope to do some little good if but in an humble way. This winter I have my hands full with hospital work & Missionary - but I will make time for the order of the Red Cross - In case we were not successful here could be a misutis of the order & how It is hard for me to be off for our Serving School. in our church. It must [?] hoping I hear from you soon [?] - M.O. Dix. Mrs Leslie [?] me write you for a supply of papers - I'm sending about 25 copies of the Congressional Report Also several general addresses. + the social science [?] for a time. Nov. 24/82. My dear Miss Barton: Your letter, papers & little pamphlet arrived safely and believe me very grateful for your prompt answer. All was read with deep earnestness, & it Inspired me with the idea of D. V. accomplishing the same in our city. I feel the great necessity ofDANSVILLE, N.Y. RECD NOV 26 12 ?M such an Order, but the undertaking is one of such vast magnitude, that it strikes one with untold awe when I realize all that must be done before it is put upon its feet. However, I have given your papers to my friend a Mr Leslie, who is as much delighted with your noble work as myself and begs me to say that it shall [?] best brought accomplished. This as you know takes time but I trust he will reap a reward. I would be glad indeed if you would volunteer any & all advice to aid us in our endeavors. My proposition to my friend is to place it before some of the first & best men if the city & with their aid pecuniarily & references[?] to push on. Then we thought an appeal through the newspapers might bring about a more through understanding of the proposed work. This will be published in Sunday weeks paper. The same I'll mail to you. Am I taking the right step? Must confess a woman of 25 years seems all inequal to such anMarch 3rd 83 My dear Miss Barton, While in bed Saturday evening, in fact after Mr Leslie was en route to you, I received our joint telegram,--it was well it came at that time, for had it been received at four P.M. I should have felt it duty to have gone to you--tho I have been pretty sick. I managed to keep up until our "ray picking" was over, and then returned home Friday night with a terrible fever and only tonight Monday hasI found my way down stairs purposely to see Mrs Leslie--I am delighted at the prospect of seeing you again, and have tonight mailed a note to Mrs. Stillard to know if she will accompany me to Evansville. So in case I am well enough--which I have every reason to think will be the case we will see you the latter part of the week either Friday or Sunday--If you need me before telegraph & I am yours. I regret much to hear of your indisposition but hope ere this reaches you You will be in status quo.-- It is almost mid night so I'll close with kindest regards for yourself. Miss Hamilton & the Dr. Know me to be Faithfully M.O. Dixyou will pardon the time my only excuse being the desire to do my best through out - shall I be glad to hear from you when ever you have time - but believe me Sincerely & hopefully M.O. Dix 104 N Jefferson Ave St Louis May 3 - 83. My dear Miss Barton, You doubtless have forgotten me in view of my long silence, but I, not you - since I last wrote you I have been off on a visit to NY & Louis - New Orleans & have only just arrived. prepared for dinner and - To-day we had a meeting of Florence Mission & tonight a meeting of just myself and Mr Leslie for the Red Cross_ I confess after all the papers received (which you will admit seemeda most formidable undertaking - I lost courage - but the good that the order is doing now in the South moves me on and tonight I take fresh hope - as you wrote me, it can't be done in a day - but we thought it best to form an organization first that is; make some well known, influential man charitably inclined and of means president - then appoint MM Lutz or Hayes. Then when people know who is at the head & that there is such a lady to interest others to sign their names as willing to help in any way summarily or otherwise. Now am I right. If not tell me & suggest so that his faith I may gain from & through your experience. I realize the great necessity of the small lunch & as I told my mistress tonight I would give half my life to know I was on a good & [true?] destiny I anticipate Shultz being Helm Cap, & shall then endeavor to learn if their beginning history is so unsatisfactory & I must seem stupid in my many questioningsJune 25/83 My dear Miss Barton Your kind letter to Mr Leslie and self, was received in due time & for your words of incouragement believe me very grateful. I truly pray God to bless our efforts. I am visiting in Chicago now, for a few weeks with my brother. The effort & wear & tare consigned upon moving our residence, served todo me little good, on the contrary. I lost all that I gained while South 14 pounds I think the change will be beneficial and with general strength hope to work, not with a [later?] heart upon my return - What a grand place Chicago is I wonder if they have a Red Cross Ass n here? - Might learn a point or two. Col Southmayd, is (or else it is his father) an old friend of mine, so in presenting your kind letter, I shall not feel as though an entire stranger. When I left home remembered 98 in our branch & now I would ask your advice with regard to the feasibility of bringing the matter before the different Exchanges here (I mean in [St L.?]) through their different Presidents - I think if well representid, it might increase members materially Perhaps I am too grasping & eager - but the one thought of success - spurs me on. Excuse this paper, it is all I have at present, but after all serves the same purpose - With kindest regards - Believe me Sincerely - Yours in the Cause M. A. Dix Secty. Red Cross Ass n St. Louis 185 Rust St. 2706. Lucas Ave. [*St. Louis.*] Oct. 2nd 83. Dear Miss Barton, Through the papers we have learned of your visit to Chicago - In the hope you may have both time and opportunity to extend your journey this far, my daughter and myself present our compliments and beg that you will be our guest and accept a hearty welcome, from Yrs. very kindly Respectfully, Mrs + Miss Dix.[*Fanning*] Mch. 9, 88 My dear Miss Barton, This telegram which should have reached me last evening - came to hand at 5.30 this morning - coming so much later than your letter - I thought you had concluded business on another day & accordingly bought my tickets to start at 7.30 tomorrow am. This moment I rec'd a second telegram saying you would change at Riley Station E St Louis. & now, my clock points to 8.20. It would beutterly impossible for me to get to you now & I am accordingly more disappointed than I have words to express. Let me thank you for your cordial invitation to visit you at Mt Vernon, as well for myself as for Mr. F. Now you see I'm determined to see you & for this reason [?] you being [?] it of time in Chicago, and where you are to be found. I can get passes there I think & will yet hunt you up. You say you are due in Chicago. What is going on there. Somehow it seems to me the St Louis Branch doesn't see as much of its Chief Executive as they would like to. I for one feel that Chicago gets more than her share. My kindest regards to Dr. Hubbell. Hoping still to see you. Affectionately & sincerely Octavia Dix Fanning 3308 School St.[*33 Octavia Dix Fanning*] Nov. 3 89 Jefferson City Mo. My dear Miss Barton- It is a very long time since I have heard from you so long that I fear I am a thing of the past in your estimation and memory - So much has passed and transpired since my last sent from you - that I scarcely know just where to begin telling you about myself believing you will be6 Unknowingly I skipped a page - so please excuse discrepancies - I have been a widow for the past three days Mr Fanning + etc [for?] have been with the Pan-American gentlemen in their Special train visiting the different cities of the West - a telegram Rec'd a few moments since tells me that he will be home at mid-night - It is now nearly eleven. p.m. - Is my desire to see 3 delightfully located and rejoice once more in the arrival + addition of our second little girl Catharine now four months old. Not a half hour since I was speaking of you to a friend about our trip on the Ohio + Mississippi and just before commencing this letter, I found the enclosed clipping in the Post Dispatch of to-day - which of course proved interesting reading to me - I dont want you4 to think because months + years have passed since my last to you. that I have forgotten you - that would be impossible - You see it must be or I should not be writing tonight - I have watched with interest your work in Texas two years since with the yellow fever sufferers and again[st] at Johnstown - often wishing that if nearer + dearer this did not keep me at home that I too might 5 have been with you. I, certainly during these occasions, expected a duty[?] call[?] - expecting the RC Ass'n of St Louis to do its work, in these two occasions - but it never came - have you disavowed us? or was there no need for our [suite?]? How is Dr Hubbell - I sometimes see his name in print - I hope he is well - Do you ever hear from any of the members of the little [In?] family - how vividly those scenes come back to me -2 interested still in that which interests me most In the first place you do know that Mayor Francis in Jany of this year 1889, was has made Governor of the State of Missouri, - + as my husband still continued to be his [?hick] Secty, this meant a change of Station for us Is Jefferson City we claim now + will for the ensuing three years as home - We are very happy here - all 7 him is only exceeded by the slowness with which time will pass during the next hour. Mrs [Art?] I see occasionally in St - Louis - she goes to Philada often I wonder if she ever goes to Washington. Well! I am going to say goodnight - I hope you will find the time + inclination to write to me soon. Remember me kindly to the Dr. + with sincere regard for yourself - believe me to be Affectionately Yours Octavia Dix Fanning185 Princeton St Cleveland, Ohio My dear Miss Barton-- "Of all the surprises that surprises may bring " I doubt not but that a line from me will be the greatest-- We have been living in Cleveland for nearly three years now, having bought our own home and I believe we are settled here for all time. The children are quite grown now--the two oldest 11 and 7, attend school and my boy is past four, so you see Ihave time to do some charity work--and would be so glad to assist you in Red Cross work in this city whenever you feel there is a necessity for the same. Mr F. is well acquainted with the Press here, and he with me, would be glad to serve you. Mr F. tells me that you have just gotten out a report about Armenia--Is this true?-- If so, may I claim one? We were all so interested in your departure, and successful work in that quarter. What a privilege it must have been to have been able to relieve, if only in part, their sufferings--I dont know how much of a Catholic you are, but we offered up our communion for your successful going and speedy return--also for your personal safety on that brave voyage of yours. Of course the Dr. (Hubbell) went with you--So remember me cordially to him.and tell him we speak of you both often with sincere regard. It is almost Xmas tide I hope this happy season, will bring you all the peace of mind, that your benevolent philanthropic heart can enjoy--and in the fulness of the same -- believe me to be always faithfully your friend Octavia Dix Fanning [*33*] Dec.15.96 M.A. FANNING, 108 COMMODORE STREET, CLEVELAND, O. [*33 Fanning*] [*Ansd Oct 22*] Oct 18, 1900. My Dear Miss Barton-- I wonder when you see my signature, if you will recall your old friend & co-usher on two trips? Then you will begin to wonder, why, after all these years, I am writing to you--and I'm going to tell you why, so that my expectations, may perhaps be realized -- On November 22nd Trinity College in Washington is to be dedicated, and I as Secty of the Cleveland Associate Branch of this college, expect to be in your city before and after this date visiting my brother Clarence.R. Dix and wife at 1015 21st street. One of my keenest anticipations is to meet you once again and to renew that friendship begun so pleasantly 16 years long since -- I have kept pretty close to you during all these years, even though you may not suppose it--and I am interested in any thing that pertains to your glory and success. Miss Helen Loraine Dorsey of your city I lunched with [*yesterday*] she came to us this week to speak in the interest of Trinity College--and we have grown to be very warm friends She promised me that I should see you in November, & I'm wondering if you will be in Washington then. According to the papers you are still in Galveston--where I last read of you as being ill--I hope you have entirely recovered your health--your enthusiasm for the Red Cross must live on. M.A. FANNING, 108 COMMODORE STREET, CLEVELAND, O. I guess you will find some vast changes in me--it may be, that you won't recognize me at all--for time has left his impress in my head and face--but for the heart--thank God--it still beats true to friends-- Remember me, with you, to Dr Hubbell, and with the hope of soon seeing you face to face, I remain as always Faithfully your friend-- Octavia Dix Fanning.Octavia Dix Fanning Ansd - April 14-1903 April 9th-1903 FOF My Dear Miss Barton - Mr Fanning and myself have been watching with righteous indignation, your interests, in the outcome of the Red Cross Society trouble in New York City. I am overjoyed to see the stand, taken by Mr Wardwell, in the enclosed clipping from the Cleveland will soon realize that the whole country will stand by you, & your principles for ever. It is a long time since I have been in active Red Cross work as you well know - my interest has never lagged and now that my children three are quite grown I am ready to help you in Cleveland in the state if you need my services at any time in furthering the extension of the Red Cross Society organization. Mrs [?] the appointed President of the R. C. Society in this city, I have the pleasure of knowing slightly, in our french club - Wishing you every success in your great work & hoping I may be permitted to serve the old flag again, I remain Very Sincerely Octavia Dix Fanning 108 Commodore St. Cleveland OhioPlain Dealer, of this morning my heart has gone out to you in the rarest sympathy, realizing how pitiable here the attempts of your enemies to belittle you in the office you have filled so gloriously well and faithfully for the better part of your life time Right must prevail, and I need not assure you that these jealous ambitious men and women [*Mrs Fanning Cleveland-Ohio*] April 14th 1903. And so - "Ockie Dix" has written. She too comes to the old fold and the shepherd welcomes the faithful, loving bleat at the door. They are all coming home on this hour of adversity, bringing the memory of the old years with them and praying to be told what to do? I do not know, dear girl, justly what? But how dear and sweet it is to know that you come; that I feel your true hand in mine. If anything can be done you will be among the first to be asked. I know the power of your activity and how strong a hand it requires to stand against yours. I know too the good, brave husband who stands beside you; I could wish you were both here or with me. It would only require a band of the old time workers who knew it from the beginning - who cherish it as their own creation, to throw the Red Cross over the entire country with a force that would drownforever this clamor of new comers - with vaulting ambitions and high sounding names that seek either its rule or its ruin. Perhaps one - maybe both - are possible. I have written this, my dear, in the same spirit of confidence with which I would speak if you were by my side. Hold it so please. Do not in any way quote me, for you must have noticed that I do not speak. Not a word goes out from me; the cor-2-- respondents and the headlines do it all. I would be so glad to hear from you at any time; if you have an idea send it to me. I am not greatly changed from what you saw me, - in better health and as strong as you ever knew me. This talk about my feebleness is a part of the game. Hold close to the old memories, the old time love and let me hear from you. Dr. Hubbell sends love. COPY OF LETTER RECEIVED FROM OCTAVIA DIX FANNING. Cleveland, Ohio, April 25, 1910. My dear Miss Barton, - I reached home Saturday morning early - and every one was delighted to see me again. Ditto here! Now I wrote Dr. H. a line from Washington making a request, should he have one, of a cut of your home, which I could use with an article I mean to write - I hope he has it. Now, I am writing you because I have just finished reading and article in the R. C. Bulletin, written by Genl. G. W. Davis, on the origin of the R. C., and you will find on page 39 - fourth paragraph - a few lines referring to a "self appointed committee in 1877" - I take it he means you - for he jumps from 1877 to 1883 in the next paragraph. Then he goes on and says that "in 1905 by act of Congress the existing organization was dissolved" etc - Now, Miss Barton, I love you so dearly - and feel so keenly this injustice to you - that I am going to ask you to look upon this article as a challenge. Now, is your time to deny these remarks, and I want you to come out in the open and stand on your feet - because every one is with you, and feel this injustice to you- and if you don't - mankind will wonder that you do not. This paper is published quarterly and you certainly have the opportunity within the next three months - to annihilate these self important, self glorifying people. Now another important question is - Is not your First Aid for the Injured an organization legally incorporated in Boston? If so, how can the R. C. take, or assume to take your work out of your hands? Please answer these questions and please send me any literature you may have about your First Aid Society. Don't you see Miss Barton that you must raise your voice. Politics or no politics - this is theft pure and simple and you cannot stand for this. Oh, for the power of speech necessary to tell the truth from the top of the Washington Monument - You can and you owe it to yourself to do so. Is there no one person of the old Van Guard, who is loyal to you, who is before the public eye, whose name you can give me? I'll bombard every fort to put you on the summit. Well, my sense of justice must plead for my intensity of desire that this thing be straightened out, and this right soon. Please do this for me if you won't do it for yourself. With love and loyalty measured by years, Faithfully, (Signed) Octavis Dix Fanning[*33 Olivia Dix Fanning*] 1942. E. 81. 4- Nov. 5-1911. My dear friend, I've been waiting a long time. to hear something of your good health- and now I am writing to headquarters, your own dear self. To have you instruct (this sounds official) some one to write and tell meall about your present condition. Are you still in or near Boston and are you fast regaining your thoughts? This is just a line to let you know I love you and have you ever & always in mind. My best to Dr Hubbell Faithfully O. Dix Fanning