Clara Barton General Correspondence Howell, Mary S. Sept. 1880-Feb. 1898the better. My sister in law, would join with me in love, if she knew I were writing - They have been repairing their home all the summer - Her Father Mr Curtis has sailed for home in very poor health - They are afraid of paralysis - He has had one light stroke. I wrote to Mr. Wilcox yesterday that we hope to have you here - May God Bless you ever in your labors of love for poor humanity - Lovingly Mary Seymour Howell [*37 E.Seymour Howell*] Mt Morris, N.J. Sept 14. 1880. My Dear Miss Barton. Often have I thought of my pleasant call on you, in the spring, and many a time have I wished that I could sit at your feet and learn the wisdom that you could teach. And now dear Miss Barton they want your help in this little village - I have only been here a few weeks since meeting you - Coming back this fall, I have been trying to interest the women in the School Election of Oct 12. They heldtheir first meeting last Saturday and organized a Society. They will now hold weekly meetings. We would like to hold one public meeting in our large Hall, and the women wished me to write to you and inquire if you could be present and talk to the people on that evening. Also what your terms would be. We want you to come very much, and will try to make your sojourn with us, as pleasant as possible - They could not pay you what you should have as money does not press heavily on the Society - But you can do much good, and it will get the ball moving in western New York - We can have good music for the occasion, and if you do not feel well enough to speak at length we will try to fill out the evening - but very much prefer that you talk to us as long as your strength will permit - I have seen your dear name in our County Papers as talking to the men of a fight gone by. Please come and help the women buckle on the armor, and teach them how to use that silent but mighty weapon, the ballot, in the fierce Conflicts coming - Please let me know when you could best be with us, if you can accept our invitation, the sooner I say of you and your work to the point and correct. If you can do this or have it done for me please address me at "Albany N.Y 32 Lancaster St" [New York]." I can not be thankful enough to you. I would like it to be next week if possible. With abiding love to you now and always and wishes for a very Happy New Year I am yours Mary Seymour Howell. [*Mary Seymour Howell*] [*37*] [* Jany 3 ------- " 5 98*] Mount Morris. New York. January 3rd 1898. My Dear Miss Barton. I am delighted to read that you are not dying but well and working. I have never forgotten your kindness to me on the battlefield of woman Suffrage. How quietly you came up to me after my lecture at Liberty Hall in Dansville and put into my astonished hand [*Kind regards to Dr. Hubbell*]more money than was taken in the collection. Dear happy days, how many have passed away since then, I missed Dr. Jackson of the old days & Miss Austin when I [be?] in that same hall last winter although I felt sure they were there. My subject for the suffrage [?] convention to be held in Washington in February is "Women in Philanthropy" and you will for my Central figure - would you be so very kind as to take the trouble to let your secretary send me some of your reports or better also write me just the things you have done? The great point in your work and if we had a story - funny story to send with all your patriotic work I would be so very thankful. This I know is asking a great deal But I do want I have whatis from Washington but it would be very much to me to spend one day with you if it will not tire you or trouble you too much, either during or after the Convention. With abiding love and admiration for you dear Miss Barton I am Affectionately Yours Mary Seymour Howell [*Mary S. Howell - Feb. 15.98*] Albany New York. Feb. 2nd 1898 No. 32 Lancaster Street My dear Miss Barton. Enclosed please find a clipping about your dear unselfish self. You work so Constantly for others you do not know all the good things that are said about you. Also see your dear face in granite. I am so glad that you are to be in ourstate Capitol. I have not labored there since my dear son died and fear I never shall again as I am not as strong for such hard work as I used to be, but to think when the "Antis" go to fight our liberty you in imperishable granite can calmly look down upon them, telling them some time justice will be done the women of our state and nation. I thank you for your second very kind letter. It was not right for me to trouble you and the lecture is all in my poor brain for I have had to time every word as we can not go over thirty minutes. I speak Monday night Feb. 14 the opening night of the Convention. I wonder if you will be there to hear how the people respond to my loving words of you and your work. I do not know how far Glen Echo