CLARA BARTON GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Holley, Marietta Mar. 1887-Mar. 1903Washington D.C. Mar 25 1998 Clara Barton 947 I st N.W. Washington D.C. March 25 " " Marietta Holley Riggs House Samanthy 1887 Miss Samantha Holley Riggs House Bonnie View. Adams, Jeffererson Co., New York Feb 12-99 My Dear dear Clara Barton When I got your good little note and your most interesting report, I intended to reply to it at once. But truly I have been cumbered with many cares, carpenters, janitors, plasterers, plumbers and this ilk here again. Will Bonnie View this house for weeks and months- But I am happy to say her faithful helpers- I never dreamed that you went through such great discouragements-I thought I loved and respected Clara Barton all it was possible to, but after reading this report, I think I am increasingly would the "High Cheers" she already accepted & the middle of my heart up a little higher- And Mr. Pullman-does he not deserve the World's honor-Why just wrestling with the [which?] Coins, made him deserving of a statue, to say nothing of all he did besides. AfterMarietta Holley Riggs House March. 26. 1887 Dear Miss Barton– I came to Washington night before last– Will you not come and see me very soon– I long to see you– Yours most sincerely Marietta Holley Riggs House they have now "folded their tents" and not silently stolen away. We are beginning to recover from the effects of the hammering, pounding, dirt and confusion– Why does a country householder always want to be pegging away at their place? – I suppose one reason is to escape the monotony of the country and as Jerish Allen says "have a change" Well the change has been a good one — an enlarged pantry, and cold store room all of it delights the heart of "the help" — My sister has a sitting room upstairs — and Bolie has a much larger room and a dressing room much to her delight — And I — Well about all I get out of it is a much larger Conservatory heated with hot water — and the happiness I take in seeing the others added comforts — But my conservatory is a great comfort —I can sit there amidst my "ponies" and look out on the Wintry Creek outside which dont affect us at all for the new system of heating we have put in gives tropical warmth to the house– Your report is a great one for it is the well written record of a great book by a great women and[*Marietta Holley. Feb. 8 97 May.14*] BONNIE VIEW. Adams, Jefferson Co., New York. becoming completely more than ever as I will, I still remain in the most dense ignorance of how much a lives as a friendship really is, and how the correct message to confront their problems was the [bevless?] work at the same time & worse than l can tell— Well it was a great and blessed work you did—and how happy it must make you both feel to think how many many lives you saved and comforted, that are now blessing you— But you were never talking about [?] etc— Well this a a longer letter than you were meant to receive—so with kindest regrets to Mr Prellman and before I see you both ere long—believe me always and always your loving friend Marietta Holley I wonder if you got that last letter I wrote you before your return from Jersey—I don't believe you did.know how much you did till that day - when the Lord makes of his jewels - So I read about your needs and think of it my own petty work dwindles down to so small a point as to make itself verily invisible - I can t work at another book & valu times when I get a chance to unite, to voice the adventures of my good friends Jerit Allen and Samentha - I thought you and Mr Pullman were coming out to see me this Winter. but I have not caught the glimpse of your welcome figures - But if you dont come before remember next summer. I claim you - you and Mr Pullmen - you will never dare to go by me again - or you didnt go by me did you - as I was to the Islends - but you went by Benio Ven which their place considers a very grave fault indeed. It is much prettier than when you were here - for many a happy ples how I spent out in the verbine overseeing the work - catching a glimpse of health too as well as seeing it theBonnie View. Adams, Jefferson Co., New York. October 28th. 1895. Dear Clara Barton and Mr. Pullman: I was so sorry not to see you at Bonnie View in September, but I was so ill at that time that I did not know whether I would ever be able to see any of my friends again. I had a regular "run of fever", as near typhoid, the doctor said, as could be. I don't see where I took the poison into my system to cause it. And after the fever left me I was so weak that it didn't as if I could ever move or speak again, but I had an excellent doctor and he says that I will feel better than I have for a long time when I thoroughly get my strength. I am feeling quite well now. You must have had a long "pleasure exertion"; was it an exertion? Oh, I had lotted so on having such a good time when you came, we were all disappointed, babe, chickens, ducks, trout, parrot and all. We are all down hearted about it, and won't get over it until you have been here next summer. I enclose that little bit about the Red Cross, and hope the "noble woman" and her financial secretary, will both like what I say. I thought that a little sharp hit was better than a long tedious account, and then I couldn't put in any more, for my book is going to be too long anyway -- four hundred and fifty five pages of my manuscript which will make, Heaven knows, how many pages in the Bonnie View. Adams, Jefferson Co., New York. 2. book; almost as big as the dictionary, I am afraid, but I had so many things to write about. Let me hear from you soon. Tell me all about yourselves and your plans. I scan the papers but I have no call of national distress, so I hope that you are hapily settled in your pleasant home. How is Mrs. Royal Pullman now? Better I trust. With love and best wishes, always-- Sincerely Yours, Dictated. Marietta HolleyMartin, from the first to the last through every country we visited, drawed up comparisons between them and America, to the great advantage of America. He boasted over our country on our tower as eloquent as a Fourth of July orator ever did from the wilds back of Loontown. I hated to hear him callin' every other country all to nort, and told him so. And in the cause of Duty I told him of several things these countries went ahead of ourn in, but he waived 'em off, and sez he with a dignified sort of scorn: "Bring up one if you can!" "Well," sez, a lookin' round on the inside of my mind and takin' up the first idee that happened to be in sight -- "Look at that great society that seems like the mission of angels to help relieve the wants of the wounded and dying on the battle field. The Red Cross, the gleam of which a fallin' on the dyin' soldier lights up his face with hope and courage. The foreign nationa protect that insigna -- they keep it sacred to this sacred cause. While the goverment of the United States allows it to be used on liquor casks, and cigar boxes, and ect., etc. -- it a trailin' its glorious beams in the mud for a little money. Why, the noble woman who stands a holdin' up the Red Cross a tryin' to have its pure rays fall only on the victims of war, pestilence, famine and other national calamities -- she has to see it a shinin' just as bright on the causes of national crime and shame. How must she feel to see it go on? Uncle Sam has been urged year after year to protect this insigna, and I should think that he would feel a good deal as if somebody wuz a urgin' him to not stun meetin' housen, and whip grandmas and babies, I should think that he would sink down with shame for permittin' such things to go on. I declare I don't know what that old creeter will do next! I believe that he'd sell the steelyards that Justice weighs things inif he could git a few cents for 'em; and I don't know but that he'll use that bandage of hern, that she weirs over her eyes, to sto7 up bung holes in whiskey barrels -- he seems to be bendin' his hull mind on helpin' the liquor traffic. He tries me dretfully. But mebby he'll brace up and do right in this matter of the Red Cross -- I mean to tackle him about it anyway when I git a good chance. Bonnie View. Adams, Jefferson Co., New York. January 6th. 1896. My Dear Clara Barton:- How sorry and grieved I am to think of your going into so much danger and hard work, and how proud I am of it and of you. It must be that the Lord will have charge of His own and bring you back in safety to your own land, that is so proud of you and your friends who love you so. The need is great, and I don't believe any one could do the work but you, but still I can not bear to think of your going. But if Mr. Pullman goes with you, you will have some one devoted to the work like yourself, and who will take every possible care of you. It seems as if I must see you before you go. When do you go? How I do wish you and Mr. Pullman were here at Bonnie View for a good little rest, before your great work commences. But I don't suppose that is amongst the possible things -- only one of the pleasures to be dreamed of. But if I knew when you were in New York I would try if possible to come down and bid you good-bye, and God speed I send you to-day, for you and Mr. Pullman, my latest child, "Samantha in Europe", and hope that you both may get a few moments leisure to spend with it. We have had our house all torn up, putting in new plumbing and building a large tank in the attic to supply the bath room.Marietta Holley Nov 1/"7 95 Article for Book inside sent report Dee 5/96 2. That attack of typhoid fever last fall alarmed me, and I felt that our plumbing was not just what it should be to be perfect, and insure safety to the inmates of Bonnie View. So we have had a carnival of plumbers, tin-smiths and carpenters; and in the midst of it a gentleman and lady come, unexpectedly, to visit -- but we got along all right and had a good time. If you have time write and tell me when you think of starting. With kindest regards to Mr. Pullman, believe me always -- Yours Lovingly, Marietta Holley Dictated. not open this out any longer - with kindest regards to Mr Pullman "brother George" - believe me ever and ever your loving friend Marietta Holley [*Marietta Holley May 8 " 12 1897 Social *] 43 Lafayette Place New York April 7th 1897 My Dear Clara Barton Are you coming to New York soon - I do hope so, for then I can see you - and when I say "you", of course I mean you and Mr Pullman - I come down toMemory Hall is desired, but left there for this quiet place driving the Grand Parade. And Just as I was going back again, my Publishers, wife and daughter came on from Philadelphia and said "they would stay here if I would." It is right opposite the Publishing House and of course very convenient to them. We are having a very nice visit here. It seems such a long time since I saw you - or heard directly from you. I heard that you were going to Cuba, but again heard the story denied. Do tell me if you are in Washington and when I shall see you. As I don't know whether this will reach you or not - I will43 Lafayette Place N. Y. Monday Morning My Dear Clara Barton I just got your letter - and hasten to answer it - I shall not go home before Wednesday or Thursday - or even Friday - if I can see you by staying so long - ? I must get home before Sunday - Wouldnt it be too delightful to clerk for the summer any way - she is clemering for you - and thus we must all go to the Glevins River for a time. Well I do [hope] hope - "brother George" well see the matter is you and I do - about the N Y trip - I do hope the dentist wont hurt him too badly nor to embitter his Mind aginst the home before Sunday ___to stay in - I suffer you will be a voice at the Waldorf but we can Meet and have one good visit at least - and maybe two or three - And then we can talk over future plans - and how we are going to be with each other this summer - Benin View must have your hand once more, and have even one talk - women can talk a great deal in a short time - Do come over if you can - I am not specially pleased with this boarding house - but I am haveing a good visit with my friends - and would - you know dentists can do that - With kindest regards to S P - and Warmest love to My dear Clara Barton - I am as ever lovingly yours Marietta Holley I didnt bring a screp of manuscript with me - I am working on other lines now -Marietta Holley May, 17 97 Ans in person - N. Y. Bonnie View Adams, Jefferson Co., New York. June 23rd 1897. My Dear Clara Barton: I send you by the same mail to-day my face, may it look into your heart some of the love and admiration that fills the heart of its sender. You said when I saw you last you would send me your photograph soon, also G. P. intimated that the face of your Financial Secretary might also be forthcoming as a convenience in farming -- that was his idea. But time has rolled and rolled by and no "sich faces" have greeted my vision. Well, may-be the future may see what the past has not. I have been so busy since I came home, everything to see to and do and a great deal of company, which has been very pleasant. Mrs. Dr. Saxe, whom Mr. Pullman will know about, is with me and has been here over a week; we have had a delightful time visiting about with other relatives. May is well, had a birthday party the 12th of this month, she had lots of presents and a big time generally. How do you get on with your work? I long to see your new home I know it will be pleasant. When do you come to the Islands? And of course that means when do you come to Bonnie View, for I know that you will not do such a shabby thing as to visit Jefferson County without visiting the place that looks out and longs for you. It is pretty here now, though I say it that shouldn't. YesterdayBonnie View. Adams, Jefferson Co., New York. 2. I spent most all day down to the fish ponds and "Clara's Bower" and other pretty and evergreen places, and didn't want to come up at all. We were setting out water plants, etc. . I am feeling well since I got home and so feel like enjoying life. Well Mrs. Saxe is waiting form me to take a walk down to the ponds and so I will leave the face I send to tell all the rest that is in my heart, and only say I am always sincerely and lovingly Yours Friend Marietta Holley Please give my kindest regards to G. P. Of course you know when I speak of C. B. coming to Bonnie View that G. P. is always included, and tell him that I was very much obliged to him for looking up facts about Direct Legislation. I have taken his advice so far and not answered the question -- indeed how can I when I know not what to say. DICTATED. Holley BONNIE VIEW Adams, Jefferson Co. New York Oct 30th 1897 Dearest Clara Barton: Was I not glad to get that wee letter from you, telling me that you were home again from a foreign shore. It gives me a chilly sensation to know that the ocean divides us, and no matter whether I see you or not I am always warmed up and cheered to find you back again on the same continent. Like Josiah, I want you where I can put my hand on you any time day or night. I was disappointed to not have you and your Financial Secretary here this last glorious autumn, Bonnie View was never so pretty, the autumn glory lit her up wonderfully. There has been so much rain this summer the foliage was green and fresh, so when the golden crimson appeared also you don't know how beautiful it was. But why should I talk? I suppose that Glen Echo is far more beautiful. The bad thing about it is that you will get to liking it so well that even the St Lawerence will lose its charm, and then I will miss you at my home. That is the bad thing about your lovely Glen Echo. Well while you have been away doing the world's work, like the noble woman that you are, I have been jogging along here in the corner, keeping Babe in order, attending to our little Sabbath school, entertaining visitors, and lastly for weeks I have been entertaining a severe cold, about the worst I ever had. Frances Willard has written me from Toronto and Buffalo to come to the Bonnie View. Adams, Jefferson Co., New York. 2. W. C. T. U. but I can't stir out of doors, I have got a dreadful cold, I never had such a cough it seems to me. But I am improving every day and hope to get out in the gracious sunlight soon. I want to know all about what you did in Austria, and hope I shall when I see you. Please give my warmest sympathies to "brother George", I know how much he loved his uncle. Write me when you can. An inspiration always comes to me with your letters, an inspiration greatly needed by me here tucked away between dairy farms and sheep pastures. But let me not speak lightly or irreverently of Bonnie View; I love it and so I believe you do to. I am writing away for dear life when I get a chance, I have just finished a story and have got another one on the docket which I am writing at every chance I get. Give my best regards to G. P. and believe me always yours, With much love, Marietta Holley 33 Holley Bonnie View. Adams, Jefferson Co, New York March 29th 1898. My Dear Clara Barton: You do not know how delighted I was to read the welcome news that you had returned to your own country again. Though I do not see you often it gives me a terribly lonesome feeling to know that the sea rolls between us. I was just on the eve of writing you when I read that you had gone to Havana and I did not know how to get a letter to you. But last night about nine o-clock I read that you were en-route home, and this morning before seven I am writing to you (I beat the lark in my early rising now days). I have been proud and happy to read of your noble doings in Cuba, you must be a happy woman to know that you are the means of making so many people happy, feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. But I can't help being glad that you are in the United States again a little ways off from the treachery and wickedness that might have been the undoing of even "The angel of the Red Cross". I wonder if there is going to be a war -- sometimes I think that there is, and how dreadful it would be. It seems as if I would do almost anything if I were a Ruler to avert war at the expense of nearly all of my dignity. But I am so glad that affairs are not in my hand. It is so hard to know what is right to do even in private life, and so how could I steer the nation in this crisis. But I believe you [Marietta Holley Oct 30 1897 Dec 22 1897] Bonnie View. Adams, Jefferson Co., New York. 2. could, I believe that you would save bloodshed and do it in a sweet dignified way that would command the admiration of the world. But Mc Kinley is doing pretty well, at all events he is not hasty and hot headed. Well! time will decide these momentous questions. How are you; are you as well as ever? How can you endure such terrible fatigues and cares and still keep so well and young in body and feeling. Were you not shocked at the sudden death of Frances Willard? I had no idea that she was so near her death. Have you been asked to write your "estimate of her life and labors" for the new book which Anna Gordon is writing? I have, but I have not replied to the question; I do not want to do it, I do not think that I knew her well enough. I have been invited by two parties of friends to go to Washington this spring but do not know whether I shall go or not; if I do I shall surely find you while I am there. But I am obliged to go to New York anyway "D. V." and hope that I may see you there. But you must come to Bonnie View for a visit this summer and for a good rest, I believe I can make you comfortable and happy. You don't know how pretty it is here even at this time of the year. We have been setting out trees for a few days pas, we have set out over a hundred, most all down near the fish ponds where whereBONNIE VIEW. Adams, Jefferson Co., New York. 3. are myraids of little fishes giving proof that the old ones are contented in their new home. The water lily leaves begin to show now above the water. Clara's bower is waking up to beauty and wants to see the great woman for whose sake it was named. May was delighted with the sweet message you sent her, she talks about you a great deal and wants to see you. I have a teacher for her now in the house and she is doing well in her studies and music. Lew is well and wishes to be remembered to you. My sister is about as usual. Do write me a word or two if you can. Why under the sun did Mr. Pullman resign from the Red Cross? He seemed so happy in the work and so devoted to you. With my dearest love, Always your admiring and loving friend, Marietta Holley Dictated. [*Marietta Holley May 31/1898*] THE MURRAY HILL HOTEL, NEW YORK Tuesday Morning My Dearest Clara Barton - I am rejoiced to know that you and I are in the same city - so near that we [are] could "neighbor with each other" if we had opportunity. I have kept you in my mind and my heart all these days, hoping and praying that you would be given b[?] safe to those who love you. I am flying about doing the last errands, and attending to the last businesses of which I have so many - for my household and myself.But I do want to see you very much - Can you not come and dine with me tonight, so we can have a little visit [old] and talk about many things - who knows when we may meet again? Do come if you can - it is so easy to get here, the 4th ave cars. run right by the door - Bring one of your gentlemen with you, either your nephew or Dr Hubbel - I would be delighted to [see] entertain either of them - and I think we can have a nice little visit - My stay in the city is very short now - I must go in a day or two - Hoping I will The Murray Hill Hotel, New York have the happiness of seeing you soon face to face - I am as ever and ever Most lovingly - your friend and admirer Marietta Holley I have got the quietest little corner where I take my meals - as sheltered and cosy as Bonnie View we can have a good visit with no one to molest or make afraid - Dr H Do come[G letter book p. 4138 - Cuba] BONNIE VIEW. Adams, Jefferson Co., New York. December 19th 1898. My Dear Clara Barton: Why did you not reply to my last letter? Can it be that you did not get it? Maybe you were so far away on your angel work of charity that it did not reach you. A few days ago Mr. Keller, the manager, wrote me the cheering news that you were writing a book, and at his request I sent him word what I thought of it. As for me I can hardly wait to get hold of it, the whole world longs for it, but most of all those who love you as I do. I wish that I might see you for another good heart to heart visit, but alas! we poor mortals who write books have to sit at our desks day after day and let the world go by. But I will get a part of your soul and mind when I read the "Red Cross". But I must tell you what a present I have had -- the present of the bust of Clara Barton, so let you wander where you will, east or west, I have you safely on top of the book case in my library. You sit there and look down on us, gently and affectionately as is your wont, but do not talk to us as the real Clara would. But if I can not have the real Clara here in my home, why, I delight in having her presentiment. I am going to have her put in a handsome velvet case and put up on the wall to be benediction to all who pass beneath her. Hon. Charles Skinner wrote me a few years ago that BONNIE VIEW. Adams, Jefferson Co., New York. 2. he had sent the bust to me as a present from his wife and Mr. Byrnes, the designer. It is the plaster bust from which the marble one was made for the Capitol, and is a very fine work of art, and I thank you f for it, for it is plain to be seen that if there were no Clara Barton there would be no bust of her. Well I am not going to write any more for fear that my heart-felt words will be a coldly scanned only by the dead letter officials instead of the dear eyes of Clara, "The Queen". Do take time to write me one word telling me how you get on and when we may look for a new book; I want to advertise it all I can. How are all our good friends in whom we are interested? I am writing very busily of late. May is well and talks about you a great deal. Lew is busy typewriting and doing a little of everything and Bonnie View is looking about as usual. My sister is pretty well and I am uncommonly well this winter. As ever lovingly your friend, Marietta Holley Dictated.Marietta Holley Dec. 19/Dec. 27 -98 H Glen Echo, Md. Jan. 3rd 1902 Miss Marietta Holly, Adams, N. Y. My dear Samantha:- I send this line at once, to tell you that the Headquarters of the American Red Cross are being removed to New York. Antoinette Apartment Building, 49 East 58th St. I shall be there much of the time myself. I hope something will bring you to New York this winter, and we will get those days unbroken that were so disjointed last time. I am glad to feel myself going nearer to you. With best wishes and dear love, Always yours, [*Marietta Holley--Ansd. Jan. 3rd 1903*] BONNIE VIEW. ADAMS, JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK. [*H*] November 18th 1902. My Beloved Clara Barton: I just got the story of your visit to Russia, and your beautiful and sensible talk to that great assemblage; and I read every word of it before I laid it down. What a "growing" time you must have had there with all those bright and royal men and women. You don't know how much I enjoyed your letters while there and on your journey, they were the next best things to seeing you, of course I did not know where to send a reply materialized although my heart kept sending messages to you all the time, clear over the Atlantic. Since your return I have kept thinking that I would see in some paper where you were, for I knew you more than half promised that friend of yours who came to see you just before you sailed that you would go and visit him on your return, and write the book there that he wanted so much. But I will not wait any longer but send this out in the hope that it will find you. While you have been to the other side of the world I have been right here at home, I don't think I have stayed away from home more than one night since I was in New York last spring We had a rainy cold summer most of the time, but the flowers grew and flourished here at Bonnie View, we never had such bloom in the garden, and the lawn has looked like green velvet, we never used our lawn sprinkler once, indeed there was no need for the dripping clouds saved us BONNIE VIEW. ADAMS, JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 2- that trouble. We are all pretty well; my sister is as well as she ever will be; May is at her convent school yet; Lew is well and attending to everything as usual; I have got the same old colored Mammy that I had when you and Mr. Pullman was here. How far off those bright summer days seem, and how pleasant. Please give me Mr. Pullman's address I would like to send him a paper or something. Will we never see your dear self here again? You know you more than half promised you would come and see me some time; how gladly, gladly would I welcome you. Had I the wings of a dove, I should fly to Washington once in awhile, I want to see Roosevelt, I admire him very much, I suppose you have met him. Do write me, Dear Clara, and tell me all about yourself, no subject holds more interest for me. With fondest love, Yours as ever, Marietta Holley Dictated. How proud I have been to read of the royal decoration you received--you cannot have too many-- BONNIE VIEW. ADAMS, JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK. March 27th 1903. My Dear Clara Barton: I think that I replied to your short note received soon after you came to New York, but at all events I will write again for I do want to hear from you. What under the sun and moon are they trying to do with your society? That you started yourself and have given your life for. We read that republics are ungrateful and I should think that this matter was a most notable proof of it. But you will come out all right in the end, I believe; I will risk your good heart and wise, level head to find out the best way of dealing with this trouble and overcoming it. I hope to be in New York before long, and then(D V) BONNIE VIEW. ADAMS, JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK. we will have some good old fashioned visits together. I do not know that you are in New York now but will send this in hope. Do write a word in reply. I am pretty well now though I have been ill, and I am hard at work. My sister is well for her, May is away at a convent school yet, I expect her home for Easter vacation, Lew is well and seeing to everything as usual. The same old Rhoda that you remember as changing her dress between the dinner courses, is still presiding over the kitchen. You must surely visit Bonnie View when the flowers are in bloom, we will all welcome you with open arms, and I want you to see how much prettier my home is now than when you were here. Hoping to get a word from you in reply I am always, my dear Clara, Your loving friend, Marietta Holley Dictated.