CLARA BARTON GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Lemmon, John G. & Amabilis Oct. 1887-June 1904here is perfect-and the hurry of teams, cars, building & c. lends the circumscribed thought for the moment that this must be the true center of animation & the hub of the world-but it is only a flash of thought. We traveled too far & must not to turn the thoughts over many a wide expanse-many a crowded city & easily fancy-the jostle, bustle the hopes, fears, ambitions-life & death ceaselessly going on-rapidly nearing the destiny of all. If we say truly: "Why should the spirit of mortal be proud"-We act easier than we answer. & life to me, at least, seems sweeter each year. As I understand more & more of its possibilities so that I could truly say I desire to live here for a thousand years & think this world is a grand & good dwelling place. What say you? We should always find so much to do especially (Can Snell Seminary) [*Gammon*] Oakland, Cal. 10-20-1887 Dear Sister Clara & Bro. Hubbell. How glad we were to again hear from you. "Out on the ocean sailing"-We hope every wish in Ref to Red X work is as you could wish. hope that your hearts were made glad in the warm welcomes that met you in every hand. hope that your health & strength will hold out-that you may be able to come over to Cal. next winter. as need season early & prepare for a summer cruise & weeks camping at the wonderful Mt. Shasta. that lifts its snow-capped head. cold & proud above all of its distant & lofty neighbors. Year in & year out. We went up there a few weeks ago & Mr. Sisson, who has lived there for 25 years begs us to come up next June & says that he will furnish us with tents, horses & c for a good sea(sea)son's camping at Mt. Eddy. First, that we may botanize & become acquainted gradually with Shasta.-from a little distance, then. inured to the rigors of climbing we shall be well prepared to ascend Mt. Shasta & study its mighty glacial rivers. It is just what we wish to do. & we also wish you to do it. Then from there, or before that, we propose to camp up & out for weeks in Yosemite. So plan to come? Do you know of a better programme? We are putting up shelves-about 300 compartments for rearranging our Herbarium. The process of moving has been laborious. Up three flights of stairs. We are in the upper story of the Medical Coll. about a block from Snell Sem. Once up here it is perfection-light, roomy, airy, sightly. We overlook the bay & San Francisco on the west & all Oakland & its lovely suburban hills on the East. The room is 16 x 45 ft. We partition off a bedroom. then curtain off the middle for a reception room, & beyond three sides are covered with shelves for the Herbarium. In the bedroom are two windows-in reception room a large double window & circular one above in all about 12 ft long & two windows in Herb. Above us, is an unfinished tower room. that I have thoughts about as a studio & observatory. We have a good little telescope & we may find much pleasure in constructing a light stairway & so be able to utilize this observatory. It is large enuf for a sleeping room. should you & Dr. wish to hide away with us in Oakland. We could then have a place for each as we now have a spare bed lounge, very comfortable, besides our wire matress bed. "The latch string is always out," to you dear ones wherever we might be in the wide or narrow or the round world.-The dayin the natural Sciences - then we could work in the great laboratory as some great thinker has said - "as though time were eternity" - In other times - or often we turn aside now for putting out a helping hand to those near who may need our feeble hand. We are limited too in this direction - but do whenever we can - as any little help - may assist another more than we know - We often meet with a veteran, outside of our Aux. W.R.C. whose needs are great & then we rally our outside friend & "Lend a hand" - the grateful appreciation is more than [a] compensation - Yesterday we went to the lovely Napa Valley - where our State Soldiers home is located - as you know - with almost 1,000 acres of land - of valley rolling hills & pasture-land. Where the vine & fig & all semitropical fruits grow so luxurious. Our Lyon Relief Corps No. 6. tookgifts of comfort, such as capacious bags for every veterans room to throw in refuse paper &c. that he might not be obliged to often carry waste material far off - we also, took rugs to place by the bedside, felt slippers - coats, caps, hose, games - - &c - &c - Their life being somewhat isolated, we now and then visit them with the intent of turning some added Joys to the boys for whom we count nothing too good. - There is a prospect of some having a U.S. Home located somewhere in Cal. The Appointed Commissioners are to come to Mr. W. here in Nov. & decide upon a location - Within the next few years there will be hundreds of our Veterans flocking over to the Golden shores of the Pacific & we shall be glad to have them get a taste of the joys here before translation time comes. Well, Sometime, we hope to hear again - when you've had time to fold your wings, take breath, and look about - among your host of friends - then we hope & trust you'll think a wee bit of us. & speak a word - your mind - - We read your letter to the dear Snells. and they were greatly interested & asked us to bear their loving remembrances to you - We both unite in sending our love - & best wishes - to you, Ever your attached friends J. G. & S. P. Lemmon I reported you & your work at our W. R.C. - All manifested great interest - The members frequently inquire about you - So there's many a green spot in hearts or for you there -J G LEMMON BOTANIST AND SPECIAL AGENT CALIFORNIA BOARD OF FORESTRY. California Hall, Oakland, Cal. Aug 3, 1888 Clara Barton & Dr. Hubbell, Our very dear friends, So many interesting things are coming to us lately that we scarcely have time to report, and no doubt the same is your good fortune. So we skurry about from station to station in the forests of California - now under a reasonable salary, thank Goodness & we are continually reminded of our memorable camp by the Webber Lake under the Pinus Murrayana as Amabilis persisted in rightly naming it. Poor girl! She is now in the throes of preparation of a large number of tree specimens, paintings, photos, &c, for the State Board of Forestry Exhibit to be held for a month in S. F. Amabilis may take time to put in her chirography & regards before this is closed. I enclose clippings that will tell a little of how we are occupied, and the much there is to do. Your bro. J. G. Lemmon.[*Morning Call S. F. July 26, 1888*] CALIFORNIA FORESTS Reports of Officers on the State Forestry Board The Evil of Denuding timber lands - Experimental Forestry Stations - Prosecuting Trespassers The State Board of Forestry met yesterday and received from its officers their annual reports or reviews. There were present of the board Commissioners Abbot Kinney (in the chair) and John D. Spreckels and the Secretary, Sands W. Forman. A dispatch from Commissioner Walter S. Moore of Los Angeles stated that he would not be present owing to severe illness in his family. There were also present: Special Agent of the Board E.J. Beham; Edward L. Collins, the Attorney; T.H. Douglass Head Forester; H.S. Davidson, Engineer of the board, and Professor Lemmon and wife, the botanists of the board. Mr. and Mrs. Lemmon exhibited a large collection of the foliage, burs, etc., of the conifers of the State, together with some elegant water- color paintings of the same by Mrs. Lemmon, showing with almost microscopical fidelity the structure and general characteristics of the subject. Edward L. Collins, the attorney for the board, submitted an elaborate review of the work of his department since he entered upon the duties of his office, one year ago. Acting under the instructions of the board, he has endeavored, with the limited means at his command, to make some attempt to lessen the amount of forest destruction, taking such measures as seem necessary to call attention to the statutes bearing on the subject, and enforcing them by a prosecution in the courts whenever reliable evidence concerning such depredatiens could be secured. INVESTIGATING DEPREDATIONS During the past year he has investigated personally cases of alleged timber-cutting and fire-setting in the counties of Napa, Sonoma, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Mariposa, Fresno, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and San Diego. Several prosecutions are now pending and others will be soon be commenced. It was the expectation of the board last year to commerce a number of civil suits against certain lumber companies for removing timber from State school lands. He says: "I submitted a case of this kin to Attorney-General Johnson. The trespass in question consisted in the unlawful cutting of some 400,000 feet of lumber from timber lands in Mariposa County. The Attorney- General advised the board that it possessed no authority to prosecute civil suites." Since then his efforts have been directed toward punishing depredators. Last winter the board received a generous offer of a tract of land for forestry purposes from General Bidwell of Chico, and it now promises to become a most successful feature of the forestry work. At the solicitation of Mr. Collins the Newit Land and Water Company of San Jacinto, San Diego County, donated to the board 100 acres of choice land for a forestry station, together with the water rights appurtenant thereto, and he has entered into negotiations for donations of land for forestry stations in other parts of the State. These plans will undoubtedly be consummated in the near future. Mr Collins says that the work in this stage is just emerging from its infancy and coming to a stage from which practical results may be expected. HEAD FORESTERS AND ENGINEER. T.H. Douglass, head forester, reported progress of the forestry station at Chico. He said that in the mountains, northeast of Newhall, he found spruce pine most abundant. In company with Mr. Kinney, he established an experimental station at Hesperia, consisting of twenty and a half acres. At San Diego certain trees that were doing well on the coasts were a total failure a few miles inland -notably the eucalyptus globulus, and rostratora acacias of several varieties, and the pepper tree. He mentioned a list of trees, however, that grow luxuriantly in the same localities. Mr. Douglas specified at some length the particular trees which flourish in stated localities, and appended to his report a list of the seedlings at the Santa Monica station. H.S. Davidson, engineer of the board, submitted a statement of the workings of his department for the past year. His instructions were, when appointed, to visit all of the timbered sections of [?] State, exclusive of those counties which had been worked by his predecessor, and to collect data relative to the growth, distribution, classification, destruction and preservation of forest growths in California. Acting under these instructions he visited sixteen counties in the northern half of the State. He has made maps of local characteristic growths, and has posted several hundred fire notices through the forests, visited and warned millmen and others against recklessness or carelessness. Professor Lemmon, the botanist of the board, made a verbal report on the conifers of the Pacific Slope, to which specialty he and his accomplished wife have given especial and close attention during the past year. They have spent much of the time in the high Sierras studying the idiosyncrasies of the pine family. There are. he said, twenty-two varieties of the pine this side of the Rocky Mountains, seventeen of which are found within the surveyed limits of California. He called attention to his exhibits and classifications, and invited the members of the board to visit his herbarium in Oakland. Mrs. Lemmon suggested the propriety of having a forestry exhibit at the coming Mechanics' Fair, which met with the hearty approval of the board, and a motion to that effect was made by Mr. Spreckels and carried. DESTROYING THE FORESTS The President's report which was submitted presented an elaborate review of the work of the board during the year. After beautiful places of resort and recreation, similar to the Botanic Gardens at Paris. Two of these stations have already been started, one at Chico, donated by John Bidwell, and the other at Santa Monica. The latter will probably be the main nursery for fruit trees. The board has been offered a number of other stations, notable eighty acres at Pasadena, 100 acres near San Diego, a third of forty acres near Merced, and a fourth of forty acres on the Colorado river. At the end of the year the board will turn over to the state property worth at least $75,000. The head forester reports about 225,00 fruit trees as ready for next year's planting. As an incentive to the planting the board will send Mr. Douglass to persons desiring to plant trees, to inspect the land to be planted and to recommend the best trees for the locality, the proper treatment of the ground, and, in some cases, perhaps, to advise in the work as it goes on. A charge will be made for this time and traveling expenses. The report closes with a brief tribute to the late member, Hon. James Bettner of Riverside, deceased.that the work to this stage [....................] from its infancy and coming to a stage from Which practical results may be expected. HEAD FORESTERS AND ENGINEER T. H. Douglass, head forester, reported progress of the forestry station at Chico. He said that in the mountains, northeast of Newhall, he found spruce pine most abundant. In company with Mr. Kinney, he established an experimental station at Hesperia, consisting of twenty and a half acres. At San Diego certain trees that were doing well on the coasts were a total failure a few miles inland - notably the eucalyptus globulus, and rostratora acacias of several varieties, and the pepper tree. He mentioned a list of trees, however, that grow luxuriantly in the same localities. Mr. Douglass specified at some length the particular trees which flourish in stated localities, and appended to his report a list of the seedlings at the Santa Monica station. H. S. Davidson, engineer of the board, submitted a statement of the workings of his departments for the past year. His instructions were, when appointed, to visit all of the timbered sections of the state, exclusive of those counties which had been worked by his predecessor, and to collect data relative to the growth, distribution, classification, destruction and preservation of forest growths in California. Acting under these instructions he visited sixteen counties in the northern half of the State. He has made maps of local characteristic growths, and has posted several hundred fire notices through the forests, visited and warned millmen and others against recklessness or carelessness. Professor Lemmon, the botanist of the board, made a verbal report on the conifers of the Pacific Slope, to which specialty he and his accomplished wife have given especial and close attention during the past year. They have spent much of the time in the high Sierras studying the idiosyncrasies of the pine family. There are, he said, twenty-two varieties of the pine this side of the Rocky Mountains, seventeen of which are found within the surveyed limits of California. He called attention to his exhibits and classifications, and invited the members of the board to visit his herbarium in Oakland. Mrs. Lemmon suggested the propriety of having a forestry exhibit at the coming Mechanics' Fair, which met with the hearty approval of the board, and a motion to that effect was made by Mr. Spreckels and carried. DESTROYING THE FORESTS. The President's report which was submitted presented an elaborate review of the work of the board during the year. After briefly outlining the history of the board, and the cause which made its existence necessary, he said: The extensive cutting or burning of forests, upon the mountains especially, bares the surface of the ground, evaporation is increased, the humus, leaves, roots and innumerable impediments the forest offers to flowing water are removed and the rains are either lost in vapor, or, having no time to sink into the earth or rock veins, flow off suddenly; no storage or reservoir for the streams and springs can exist, even the snow is now rapidly melted. Without forests, what we observe in Colorado and Arizona deserts must be the rule everywhere. The board found the work of denuding the hills and mountains of timber going on in a most reckless and thoughtless manner. It was difficult to find competent men willing to take charge of the work of preserving the forests. The commission has always realized that California with its high mountains, wet and dry season and irrigation is, of all the States in the Union, the one that will feel most the damage to the water-holding power of its mountains by the unwise destruction of its forests without provision for forest production. FRUITLESS LEGISLATION The Commissioners have introduced bills into every recent Congress giving control of the mountain forests to properly constituted forest officers. Thus ripe timber could be cut without injury to the fresh; fires would be kept out, and the hunting, fishing and pasturage be improved, and the whole State be benefited and no one injured. The bills however, failed to become laws, and the board has never had the power over Federal woodlands or State school lands in forest essential to give its efforts efficiency. The special officers of the board, however, have done a great work in warning the community against the dangers of forest fires and, in a great measure, putting a stop to illegal timber-cutting on the Federal and State school lands. Fire signs with the law against fire-setting, have been posted throughout the State. A number of flagrant violations of the law have been prosecuted, and this year a more efficient supervision of the main mountain trails is contemplated, to commence about August 1st, with a view to prevent fires, to put them out when possible and to punish those who maliciously kindle them. The number of timber entries under the Federal law previous to January 1, 1887, was 8033, representing about 740,000 acres. Since that date up to May, 1888, there have been about 160,000 acres sold - or in a little more than one year about 30 per cent of the entire timber-land sales in the history of the State have occurred. The same thing holds true as to the State school lands, and an amount of these have been sold in the last eighteen months out of all proportion to what would have been expected from an inspection of the records. The laws referring to the sale of State school lands in California and the method of paying for them are defective and should be remedied. The board has commenced the collection of a museum in forestry. Hon. Frank McCoppin, the United States Commissioner to the Exposition in Australia, has promised to aid the board in this work, and will doubtless be able to send some the forest exhibits made in Australia. EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS. The board has this year undertaken the establishment of the different climatic belts of the State of experimental stations. The purpose is to ascertain what trees are best in each locality. The stations will be planted in park form so that they will be not only places for study and information, but also[*1888*] Comrade - We hear that he is in reduced circumstances - living in Camden, N.J. - Do you know him + of his circumstances? What a charming book is Burroughs' 'In-door Studies' in fact "[Pepastor?]" - + any thing he writes. His admiration for Walt Whitman is great - Of course I'm only talking upon familiar ground to you - So, my play, it is soliloquizing - We long + long to see you vis a vis + the dear brother Dr. Do come + stay indefinitely - Let need of rest make us believe that you must come over here to fold your wings for awhile. Our regards to better appointed friends - but keep in your own heart a fresh green spot for we uns And come over here for a rest + new lease of your valuable life. - Did you note that is the day Jeff Davis was buried - Oliver Johnson died? - the last link of hope the early anti slaves had for three years. I was an in mate of [?] family with the Johnsons. & often met [??? like brother? [Ann? Dickman?]. My [clan-?] [????] Jeff, [Davis?] - & Oliver Johnson the au[thors?] of a principle - [??] [and?] love believe, me ever yours attached Sister Amabilis - Mrs S. A. P. Lemmon.Addenda - Enduring all that my good comrade sends along I add a little more - first to send our united + most loving wishes for the New Year + hope it may waft you to our shores once more - You have many friends over here who inquire [oft?] for you - Today we dined at our [spiritual?] friends the Snells - They all inquire for you + of you + are cognizant of the wonderful work that you have been doing at [?? ??] engaged in. We hope you [?] a [?] Miss [St?anford.] My ........ if they are [sick?] in ......[?ve] treasures in ....on the other side. They are ......ful work over here for the ...........[something?] the .......................... J. G. Lemmon, Botanist for the State Board of Forestry. Lemmon Herbarium, California Hall, 1015 CLAY STREET. Oakland, Cal., Jan 14. 1889 My dear Sister, Please pardon a brief & chiefly business letter that needs dispatch. Certain members of the State Legislature of Cal. (now in Session) have expressed a desire to right the wrongs - of N.O.W. Exposition - [and] if I will present my claims in a clear, direct way - I have never yet recieved a dollar for services rendered the State, & acting under a State Commission at the World Ex. at N.O. - Our Legislature meets biennially - and since the Exposition, has met but once previous to the present - Then too heavy a cloud of sorrow hung over us, to turn to this matter - but you know it is never too late to press a just claim. - Our U.S. Com. A. A. Andrews - a Jew - spent the State Appropriation in an unstinted manner upon himself & family & for his own interests. Our B[on.?] Dr. Avile recallrecall - his high handed ways - It occurred to him that it would be well to avert too close public-questioning & criticism of his disposal of Pub. funds - also he saw a chance to get Credit as an economist - So he cast about & decided to cut off my claim being a woman without political influence &c and actually returned with a great flourish nearly $3,000 to the State. Now the State appropriated $10,000 and expected those who worked faithfully & long and aided in representing its interests to be compensated for time & labor & did not desire to have any amt. returned at the expense of wronging one of the least. It did not beg services. I have full proof, of course of services there - but what will aid greatly, as I am sure you will see, is the endorsement of those in high public Stations - outside of the State who were cognizant of my faithful, constant, work, for the State's interests, during that Exposition - I was there hard at work with Lemmonia - two weeks before its opening - all through its six months Exhibit & for two weeks after its close - 7 months And they were long months indeed, of hard work 3 and brimming anxiety ---- Won't you draw up a Statement, as strong as you can - (the good Dr. will remember how the work went on after you left, and will vouch for me) - then sign your name with your full titles - - then get Dr. Bro - to do the same and hurry it back on [with] the N.E. wind, at the rate of 60 miles per hour. I know your spirit would make it come quicker than that - We have written to Major Burke, - also Mrs. Given - Gen. Supt. of [W.D.?] before Mrs Howe's advent (& some time later till she could endure no longer -) Also to the Sec. appointed by the Gen. Management. - I shall not write to Mrs Howe - or "Col" Andrews - as I do not wish their services - We have been extremely busy upon the Pines of the Pacific Slope. The Report-Illustrated is about to be issued, when we will send you on a copy(2) - How we should delight to be in W. at the Inauguration! Have you read Robert Elsmere, by Mrs Hump. Ward? It is a grand book! We have just been having a visit from Abby Hutchinson Patton & husband - You recall her singing with the [Bro] Hutchinson Bros. years ago. She is a sweet, lovely woman - Hair white as snoweyes bright, & expression & voice charming. They go to San Diego later - What a pleasant time we have had at Mt. Shasta - Have been up there twice this season - Hope to go again next season also to Yosemite - Come over, do you & Bro. & we'll all go Camping - Arrangements are made at Mt. Shasta - Mr. Sisson, the owner of the region all about there, who has become very rich in lands, & has been a friend of years of Lemmonias - has been to visit us recently & extends an invitation. He offers us a two room Cottage - the same one we had before - gratis - if we will come - and camp there indefinitely close by the lovely Sacramento Riv's source - It is grand! What say you? We have been fairly well, of late - feel all the time better since the load of work is lifted - - - - Both unite in warmest love to you both and believe me as ever Your attached Sister. Amabilis - Sara [Ars.?] Lemmon - [*Pension*] J. G. Lemmon, Botanist for the State Board of Forestry. Lemmon Herbarium, California Hall, 1015 Clay Street, Oakland, Cal., Dec. 17, 1889 Dear Sister & Brother, Now that your long and arduous labors at Johnstown are concluded and you are back in Washington and we hope rested a little we dare to intrude a letter upon your attention and congratulate you and the dear little Dr. our brother also, upon your successful labors and escape. A printed notice lately reached us telling of your brilliant reception by the Washington friends. We hope you derived much enjoyment from the occasion, and that the city has other pleasures and commendations for you, other triumphs and honors. While you have been busy alleviating the woe of mortals and we exploring the fastnesses of the forests, important events have transpired among the nations with more than usual speed and frequency. Have they not?How many startling advances of the divine spirit, the highest development of humanity, are noted during the six month's just past: the growth of the liberal spirit in European states, its loosening of the despotic rule of the Czar of Russia under its light strewn upon the Siberian exile system by the letters of our American, Kennow, the birth of the Brazilian Republic in a night, the prospective unifaction of all America, including Canada, in the near future; the general awakenment of laborers to a realization of their limitations and the rising desire for education and opportunity; the wonderful discoveries and inventions that cheapen the ways of living and ameliorate the sufferings of humanity; the happiness vouchsafed now to a greater number of persons once they have learned wherein is happiness; the readier detection, the fuller appreciation of the worthy; - all these are blessings to be grateful for, bright illuminations for the afternoon hours of the Nineteenth Century. Ar'nt you glad to be living here & now? While there is so much to be thankful for, there are occurrences that seem retrogressive and shameful. The defeat of Republicans in several states, the election of democrats and unrepentant rebels to offices of honor and distinction, is most galling to me. My cheek burned with shame and I felt revengeful when I read how Iowa, the large and noble state of Iowa, filled to the confines of her farther counties with union veterans, Iowa went for copper-head Gov. down to be the pall-bearer of Jeff. Davis. I read that wherever an old veteran repels the statement that Jeff is now a saint in heaven while Lincoln is a stoker in hell, he is promptly knocked down, and its people applaud the act. I think the death of Davis has done us this much service, it has revealed the position of the enemy. Like a reconnaissance in old times we now know the position of those who have been foraging and begging, professing and declaring their loyalty; they are traitors and enemies now as much as ever, and doubly-dyed demons.4 I pray and hope that as a result the old union sentiment may arise, resent the insults sought to be cast upon them, and that the voters will take the counsel of Gen Dix and "Put only Americans on guard." We wonder how you feel about the aims and labors [and aims] of the temperance women. Those that insist upon prohibition spend most of their energies in destroying the Republican party it seems. Some Democrat desirous of winning by any means, profess to adopt [their] prohibition sentiments and so wins his place glad to find, subsequently, that prohibiting measures do not prohibit, while he proceeds at once to carry out his life-long democratic views. What we, personally, Amabilis and I, believe to be right is to fight the demon of drunkenness within the lines of Republicanism. This grand old party is large enough if all pull together to destroy the saloons and blot out, other dens of infamy. Prohibition is often repugnant to the feelings of good men, but the drinking dens, the gambling halls, the dance houses are a nuisance, a menace and an enemy that all right minded persons admit and will assist in abating. 5 We arraign the Prohibitionists with having destroyed the good Rep. majorities and yet back its wheels of progress, so that an old veteran now must apologize for defeating a traitor and soon he will be expected to slink out of sight apologizing for not suiciding. Of course another view may be taken of the late Dem. victories. Certain Rep. candidates had become wicked, corrupt and grossly unworthy of success, and good men had no way of rebuking them than by electing the opponent. This is especially the case in those sections where the rep. majorities have been largest. I fear that the signs of the times point to the reëlection of that old friend Cleveland. We have invited and transported the paupers of Europe and Asia here and as soon as they get through quarantine and are fumigated they begin voting the dem. ticket and the biggest of them are put on the police, and in charge of polling places so as to repress and control every distinctly American sentiment, - and [so] thus the great democratic principles are advanced.6 The wonderful growth of temperance in the south is not due to reformation in the practice of drinking, not a bit of it. The shrewd confederates simply profess to favor temperance that they may thereby divide the republican vote, and so triumph [always] I think . This is also the key to the greatly unexpected profession of temperance sentiments by the late Catholic clergy of Baltimore. Under this guise they hope to capture voters and stab the school-system of America and thus soon place the western world under the heel of the pope. The great Catholic University in our capital city will, if we are not wise enough to "Put Americans on guard," become the secret source of power and influence in our legislative affairs, and then the thoroughly organized minority of our citizens who are Catholic voters will attempt to reduce America to the condition of papal vassalage, while the unsuspecting majority will wonder how it all can happen. After that University is established every Congressman not a pronounced protestant (as but few are,) will be artfully assailed and won over to Rome. The thought is maddening! 7 There, please pardon my pessimistic utterances, I do not often allow myself to think in these channels, but rather hold the idea that here the dominant thought will always be that of religious liberty and enlightenment, despite the fact that our policemen in all the cities of the land are mostly, of the Pope's Irish. A few words of ourselves. We have been very busy for the past year exploring the forests for specimens and data upon which to base quite a lengthy report about our large family of Pines. I will mark a copy by turning down a leaf where my part of the Report begins, put in the volume some other little scraps and send all to you. You will see by the table of contents that your little friend "Amabilis" is to be credited with the beautiful and instructive illustrations, and standing by one of the trees you will recognize herself, gazing at its cones. Some of the descriptions perhaps, will interest you and recall your brief interview with our forests.8 This last season we have continued the study extending it to the spruces, firs, cedars and other families of our numerous cone-bearers, but another year will be requisite to complete the study. About next Nov. the next Report will be published. Will you care to read that one also? We are employed by the State Board of Forestry under a good salary for six months of the year. This expired Nov. 1st. since which time we must live on retrospections and anticipations. This would not be as bad if the board had paid all that is owing us but owing to their ignorance of the necessity of extensive explorations they have refused to pay the expenses of trips in Oregon and Washington. By this time we lose over $450. There may be a change in the board soon and so our rights be adjusted. At present two of the three are merely politicians without the slightest fitness for their positions. In the mean time we keep at work studying our specimens when health permits, for we are often prostrated this fall and winter. 9 Dear friends, you will think me demented I fear, to intrude so long upon your attention, but I have not discussed the half that comes into mind after so long silence. But I will only touch upon two more topics. Did you duly receive a large package of documents relating to the successful attempt Amabilis made to get her deserts from the state at the hands of her legislators last winter? We hope you did and that you had time to read the documents. They included letters from Nora Howe and Miss Greeley in which they attempted to break down the character of Mrs Lemmon, - carrying out the spite and hate which you saw exhibited by those parties at New Orleans. The action of the legislature was most satisfactory - passing the bill for $1000, almost unanimously, only 1 dissenting voice in the Senate and 4 in the Assembly. The documents were sent to you with the request to forward to 'Amabilis' sister - Mrs Martha P. Everett, at Dover, Mass. We hope you had time to read them first.10 The other topic is that of my request that you look after the Pension claim of my sister - Miss Rebecca Lemmon - who was commissioned Matron of hospitals by Mr. Yeatman. I told you of my putting the valuable papers of my sister into the hands of good "Mother Bickerdyke" at her urgent request, but that the old lady could not give a clear account of what became of them. Just a few weeks ago a letter from Mother Bickerdyke's son James assured me that my sister's papers with those of 25 others were in the hands of the pension Com. at Washington, and that a bill for the relief of Army Nurses passed one of the houses and was moving through the other without opposition when the death of Gen. Logan suspended action - I think. Now as vigilance is the price of safety we should not lose sight of this pension measure at any time, so I beg the Good Dr. Hubbell to make inquiry for me and learn the truth of the matter - where my sister's papers are and if they are in good hands. I will give you a Memorandum on another paper of my sister's name & address. 11 G.A.R. matters here have nearly lost their interest to us owing to misconduct of the controlling parties in power lately. Amabilis has been quite stung out of her loved Lyon Corps by some coarse cruel women, while in my Lyon Post I am but little better treated. However there are so many good and noble people here that we can let the the G.A.R. go and yet not lose all. The Ladies Ebell Soc. here is very choice and the Chapter of the Eastern Star both of which furnish very good entertainment to Amabilis, while I have great enjoyment in the quiet of the herbarium and the writing of certain papers now and then, I have ceased making addresses my voice has given out. Cannot sing for sister Clara "Nickodemus", now. Last winter a valuable flute was presented to me but I have nearly forgotten how to play, and do not try once a month. A few weeks ago we had a delightful visit from C. J. Hopkins of the Ag. Dept. Do you know him? Try and see him and also H. E. Von Deman the Pomologist.12 Yesterday we were given quite a fright by a fire kindled under the stairway on the first floor. We are up on the top floor 60 feet from the sidewalk, with only one avenue of escape, that of the stairway. Luckily the fire dept. were promptly on hand it being about 3. p.m. and the flames were soon extinguished before they reached the 2nd story. But the thought that our herbarium the collections of 23 years, may be destroyed in an hour quite takes my breath away at times. We must get down into a better place next winter sure, yet I dread the labor and expense of moving. Rain, rain! Floods of rain all over the coast. Great damage done everywhere. Poverty and suffering all around. We think of you and of Washington and talk about you every day. How we would long to spend a winter there, hear some of the speeches and visit the museums. But better than that we wish to have you pass [the] a winter with us. When will you come? We have learned how to keep you well and cheaply. Try us. Very affectionately your bro. J. G. Lemmon. [*Senator. Plumb is spoken of by Mother Bickerdyke as interested in her pension work.*] J. G. Lemmon, Botanist for the State Board of Forestry, California Hall, 1015 Clay Street, Oakland, Cal., 1889 Memoranda, &c. My sister's name when she was in the Army was Miss Cyntha Rebecca Lemmon, but as she did not like the name of Cyntha she often omitted it or placed a "C." in between her other names thus, "Rebecca C. Lemmon." But as she was the only Army Nurse by the name of Lemmon I think her identification will not be difficult. As you know she married in California and has (over)become Mrs. Rebecca L. Olesen. Residence at Etta P.O. Sierra Co Cal. I remember that she wrote her name and address on each of her four papers before putting them into my hands. I think [the] her Matron's Commission was signed by the Chief of the Sanitary Com, Mr James L. Yeatman. Her other papers were certificates of service, commendations of deportment etc. from officials of great value to one in her position. I hope that you can find them in the Document room or in possession of the Pension Com. With affectionate regard, J. G. Lemmon. LEMMON HERBARIUM, J. G. Lemmon. Telegraph Ave and Flores St., North Temescal, Calif. 3 May - 1898. Miss Clara Barton, Pres. American Red Cross Washington DC. Our dear friend, Memory is very busy with the past during these days of war-like assemblings and martial preparations. In all ministrations from Charleston to Armenia, we have followed you with our prayers, and now when you were among the first and almost alone to press the enemy's soil we feared more than ever for your safety. Now our army is at your side and fear vanishes. You have not time for mere letters of friendship, the demands of destitute sufferers are too urgent, but we can tell you how dearly we cherish the memory of our first acquaintance with you in 1884 at New Orleans, to be renewed here the next year with you and good little Dr. Hubbell while camping out under the Pines at Webber lake. Do you recall the scenes at the lovely lakelet? the quiet strolls among the trees and the great log fires at night? with stories and song? When next you need to rest, come to us here again. We have lately builded a house near a beautiful park, and the guest chamber is often occupied by cherished friends attracted to us in our wanderings. We are glad now, to return the hospitality so often extended to us, - and none more welcome than you and the dear Dr. The R. C. Society here started off with much enthusiasm and as secretary of it Mrs. Lemmon finds much to do. Yesterday she went over to San Francisco as a delegate to its Central Society and because she learned so much of the R. C. from its founder in America, she was called upon for information and the morning papers [are full of] contain pleasant notes of her remarks. When time permit, how happy we would be to be remembered by a letter. Meantime as ever, with affection J. G. Lemmon.[*Lemmons - Sept 23, 1900 to Galveston*] and occupied to say a word - but as these tremendous emergency calls lessen - as it is to be hoped may soon be - we shall be so glad to see you again & vis a vis talk over everything, as in no other way - I am sure Mrs Harrington & all the State Board - as well as voters will rejoice to press your hand or at least look into your soul- lighted eyes - after you have had a much needed rest. So come and hide with your ever loving - Lemmonia & Amabilis. Mrs. J. G. Lemmon. Sept. 23. 1900. J. G. Lemmon Lemmon Herbarium 5985 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, (Alden Station) California. Our dear Sister Clara Barton. When the news came that you were very ill & had returned home from G. we were greatly distressed. The papers of S. F. announced the next morning - almost the opposite, giving your picture which is enclosed, with paper comments. We trust you are quite recovered as this note expressive of our loving interestnone may disturb you till you say the word - just how & when & where. You can also see what we are doing for the issuance of itemized work done on the coast - as a permanent record - in the name of the Red Cross of the State in behalf of the National. I think you will approve it. I have written twice about it to you but suppose you are too distraught. comes under your eye - Do take as good care of yourself, as the harrowing surroundings will allow, & as you return to W. try to come this way, and rest as long as you can with us, & if good Dr. Hubbell is in the field we wish him to come too - & remain as long as you both can - We have room galore to stow you away, where *[An'sd Jan 1 1901 C. B. *] CHAMBERS OF THE City Council 598 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, Cal., Dec 22 - 1900 MEMBERS: FRANK K. MOTT 1ST WARD F. R. GIRARD 2ND " M. W. UPTON 3RD " EDWIN MEESE 4TH " FELTON TAYLOR 5TH " LOUIS SCHAFFER 6TH " H. D. ROWE 7TH " ANSON BARSTOW AT LARGE B. C. CUVELLIER " " [C. H. KRAMM] " " J. G. LEMMON " " GEO. R STETSON " " J. W. TOMPKINS, CLERK E.F. HOLLAND, DEPUTY CLERK Miss Clara Barton, President Am. National Red Cross, Dear friend of the olden tyme. I must not let a whole century pass without a few lines, even though they must be weak and incoherent - as the penalty for sin; for it is simply sinful to become sick in such a glorious climate as ours. I will confess that I've been in bed most of the time for many months past. [Was] Am just able now to sit up. Have been unable to attempt writing before. The official communication to "Members of the National Red Cross" was received long ago while I was ill as stated. I regret not being able to reply and assure you of my cordial acquiescence in your wish to have Mr. Stephen E. Barton appointed General Business Manager of the Red Cross. From what I've read about his work in the good cause - especially as Chairman of the Cuban Relief Com. - I believe him worthy of the position of General Manager, and certainly you need such an official more than ever, now that the status of the R. C. has been fixed and its work enlarged. 2 CHAMBERS OF THE City Council Oakland, Cal., ................. MEMBERS: FRANK K. MOTT 1ST WARD F. R. GIRARD 2ND " M. W. UPTON 3RD " EDWIN MEESE 4TH " FELTON TAYLOR 5TH " LOUIS SCHAFFER 6TH " H. D. ROWE 7TH " ANSON BARSTOW AT LARGE B. C. CUVELLIER " " C. H. KRAMM " " GEO. R STETSON " " J. W. TOMPKINS, CLERK E.F. HOLLAND, DEPUTY CLERK The appointment of course, has been made ere this date - if not I cheerfully vote - Aye. Red Cross work in California is active along its regular lines and the members by instinct, are sure to be active in kindred labors. A score of helpful projects among the unfortunate and poor in San Francisco are to culminate on Christmas, while half a dozen are maturing in Oakland. Your little friend Amabilis, you may be sure, is hard at work. We read with interest of your work at Galveston, and note with pleasure that Congress has just voted over a million and a half dollars for the relief of that stricken city. Your official report is awaited to complete our knowledge of the magnitude both of the disaster and of the relief. Please do not lose confidence in my ability to work for the R. C. on this Coast, for I'm not ill all the time. Amabilis has to execute all the errands to town now, and has left me for a few hours, but enjoined me to give her best love with mine to sister Clara and Dr. Hubbell. With best wishes to both during the opening year of the new century - and for many another year, I remain yours in the noble philanthropy of the Red Cross. Long may it flourish! J G Lemmon We very much enjoyed the visit of Mrs Foster.[*Ansd. Jan. 8, 1901 CB.*] December 26 - 1900 J. G. Lemmon Lemmon Herbarium 5985 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, (Alden Station) California. Dear sister Clara, We wish you a Happy New Year and, as many others as you wish in the New Century. What a grand Greeting is planned for the glad New Year! We here in Oakland have heard that, for reasons, you had postponed the "Greetings" until Jan 15; so no arrangements have been made for the meeting, as yet. Amabilis busy as usual and very tired. I have been convalescent for four days. Hope to keep up now - with care. The Bill for dues in advance to Dec. 1 of 1901 was sent me recently, but the Sec. did not state to whom I should send payment of $5. So I will have to trouble you with the matter and perhaps Dr. Hubbell will see to it that the Bill is receipted and returned. I enclose also the Bill of Aug. last to be treated likewise. Too busy and tired for thoughts. With love from both to yourself and staff. JG Lemmon. (over) I paid the first dues and had a letter acknowledging receipt.Dear Sister Clara Barton: A heart full of good wishes for you as a starter out upon the journey of the twentieth Century New Year - and may your life be filled with happiness and peace in the thought of more than the value of a century, of doing the best possible for the immediate duty just before you - the work of the hour. May you live right on, upon this blessed planet, as long as you wish, and when you pass on & up to another plane of existence, it is our hope to meet you there - in the meantime we wish that we might have, at least another vis a vis [love?]. Ever Yours Amabilis - Mrs J. G. L. Glen Echo, Md. Jan. 1, 1901 J. G. Lemmon, Esq., OAkland, Calif. Dear Brother & Sister, Like yourselves I do not want the new year to commence without by greeting to you, and let me give it here in return for yours received this morning. I regret to know of your illness my dear Brother and only wish I could be there at the right season of the year and we would all get strong and well at the dear old Weber Lake. I am sure that Amabilis is busy as a bee and that she is making both the inside and outside of her house attractive, comfortable and desirable for somebody. I thank you for all your interest in the Red Cross; but don't my dear Brother and Sister trouble yourselves about it too much. It ought to be large enough to walk alone now and let go a little of the tender hands that have steadied it tottering footsteps so many years; let it try for itself and don't feel that you must burden yourselves through loyal to it or to me, beyond what is perfectly comfortable for yourselves. I often feel sorry for my friends who have stood so loyally by me, fearing that although I ask little of them their own good hearts tax them heavily on my behalf . Once more dear Brother and Sister, a Happy New Year for you both, from your Affectionate Sister,[*Cannot reply immediately. C.B.*] [24 auxiliaries 1901*] CHAMBERS OF THE City Council Oakland, Cal., Jan - 10th - 1901 MEMBERS: FRANK K. MOTT 1ST WARD F. R. GIRARD 2ND " M. W. UPTON 3RD " EDWIN MEESE 4TH " FELTON TAYLOR 5TH " LOUIS SCHAFFER 6TH " H. D. ROWE 7TH " ANSON BARSTOW AT LARGE B. C. CUVELLIER " " [C. H. KRAMM] " " J. G. LEMMON " " GEO. R STETSON " " J. W. TOMPKINS, CLERK E.F. HOLLAND, DEPUTY CLERK Miss Clara Barton President American National Red Cross Washington D. C. Dear thoughtful and affectionate sister, Your New Year greetings have just arrived, with the old-time reminiscences [and] of camping out at Webber Lake and visiting at home in our sky parlor in Oakland. There is much that I wish to chat about but being out of the sick chamber but a few days, I may not have strength of arm and mind to write but little. Hoping that all the Charter members favored your report for the appointment of Stephen E. Barton to be General Business Manager, and learning from your last letter that the great Philanthropy is now able to walk alone after all these years of solicitude and peril, we again Congratulate you upon your latest triumph - the reorganization of the Red Cross upon broader, more protected lines, - and I particularly am grateful to you for allowing me to assist in the great work with the galaxy of distinguished persons forming the Corporation. Also I thank the Board of Control for adding the name [name] of our worthy Mrs W. B. Harrington to the long list, - making two on this coast. 2 Mrs. Granville Abbott, President of our Oakland Red Cross and Mrs. J. L. Regna the distinguished patroness of the R. C. called upon us, one evening last week. The conversation turned upon the good work Mrs. Regna had done and how much of it should be incorporated into the Record that is being prepared. Mrs Abbott turned to me and said "Do you know that word has come from Washington that all of this relief work must be thrown out as not being legitimate Red Cross work?" I declared that it was very worthy work, timely and voluntary, citing instances. Mrs. Regna interrupted "Never mind, I dont care about recognition I am doing what I wanted to do and am only glad that I have the means to help the needy and despondent soldier boys." (Her husband is a multiple Millionaire & President of Central Pacific R. R.) Now you must have heard from Mrs Foster about this relief work of Mrs Regna, of its timeliness, magnitude; and also if its acceptableness by the officers both of the relieved troops and the authorities at head-quarters in D. C. who could not assist without orders, while soldiers were hungry, and naked, in some instances - tempting to mutiny and desertion.3 You may not know that the report of the entire work of the Pacific Slope, in charge of a Com. of three ladies, is now in a condition of forwardness, and may soon go to the printer. Mrs. Lemmon is Chairman and has much already written with the approval of the State Executive Board (of which she is also a member) in San Francisco. We think the report of non-concurrence in the recognition of the important, self-sacrificing work of Mrs Regna, must be a mistake; or that it is qualified in terms that will not give offense to one of the most efficient workers on the Coast. Let us be assured that the latter is the case. In regard to the state of California in relation to the reorganized Red Cross, we understand that you let us go on with the work about as formerly. Do you regard the state as one large auxiliary? with others composed of Oregon, Washington, Nevada, etc? Or shall those latter report to our state Society with head-quarters in San Francisco? The little societies to the number of over 600. all over the state, are quite well organized and 4 their officers declare their readiness to assist upon short notice in relief work. Mrs Lemmon has handled the largest part of the correspondence, writing over 200 long letters, during the Spanish war, and many since. I've had to rest several times during the foregoing writing, and must close now, - but first I wish to express the pleasure I've taken during convalescence, in reading the many lofty and helpful thoughts presented by the New Year writers. Truly the Nineteenth Century was a glorious one, full of advancement and helpfulness. Think of the hospitals, asylums, Reformatories, as well as schools and Universities that have been organized within the memory of you and me - my dear sister. Think of the vast associations of earnest workers along a hundred lines of helpfulness - in striking contrast to the few unorganized, ignorant vicious persons whose deeds fill our newspapers, and so blind the general public to the fact that, while the daily papers are mere chroniclers of morbid conduct and crime, the sober magazines carry on the true record of man's elevation, and good deeds, - the world does move, does'nt it? Your tired but true & affectionate friend & brother, J G Lemmon. P. S. I enclose pamphlets showing the lines of thought that principally engage the mind of Amabilis & myself. Forestry is the salvation of the land surface of the globe, as Red Cross is of its inhabitants. JGL.[*Answered Oct. 29/01 & Act of Inc. sent*] CHAMBERS OF THE City Council 5985 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, Cal., Aug - 26 - 1901 MEMBERS: FRANK K. MOTT 1ST WARD F. R. GIRARD 2ND " M. W. UPTON 3RD " EDWIN MEESE 4TH " FELTON TAYLOR 5TH " LOUIS SCHAFFER 6TH " H. D. ROWE 7TH " ANSON BARSTOW AT LARGE B. C. CUVELLIER " " [C. H. KRAMM] " " J. G. LEMMON " " GEO. R STETSON " " J. W. TOMPKINS, CLERK E.F. HOLLAND, DEPUTY CLERK Our dear sister Clara, The Report of the Galveston Relief is at hand with its thrilling descriptions and terrible pictures. What a pathetic volume! I've read it all through, have stood by the side of each narrator amidst the ruins of that unfortunate city and noted your methods of relief work, and have taken several valuable lessons therefrom. I notice one element is present in all your cases of rescue, - the saving of the destitute from falling into a habit of receiving aid. Just as your instinct in Germany taught you how to set the long-imprisoned citizens of Strasburg at work clothes-making; so you devise on every occasion some occupation that at once yields a reserve or subsistence - in this case it was raising strawberries. I think that but few realized how great was the devastation of Galveston. It requires your descriptions and pictures to convey an idea of the destruction to houses and the burning of bodies. Horrible! It makes ones blood stop in its course, as he contemplates the scene. We are glad to notice the amiable spirit pervading the relief party all working hard and all loyal to their chief, no bickerings or censures; and we notice with joy the expressions of appreciation and gratitude on the part of the City officials. Truly, that series of strong Resolutions form "a tribute of honor of which a sovereign might be proud," and as you say they are "clothed in language, the elegance of which our English tongue does not surpass." And all these years since Strasburg and Paris, since Johnstown and Port Royal, you have been the frequent recipient of similar testimonials to your self-denial and devotion to others. The wonder is that you have not become proud and haughty, refusing to speak to common mortals, much less coming to California and camping at Webber Lake with a couple of botanists, for three weeks. 2 Now you may ask "What of the Red Cross over there? Well, the answer is much along several lines of relief. Our proximity to the Philippines caused the centralization of troops and munitions here, and the necessity for organized watchfulness has continued to the present date. Now the war is practically closed, and it is time to make up the record, - or rather to collect and publish the records. Several months ago this was determined upon and a Committee on Publication was appointed with Mrs. Lemmon as Chairman. She has been Cor. Sec. of the Oakland Soc. since its inception and during one year wrote 700 letters, all of them long and no two alike. Also she was elected a member of the State Board of Managers, meeting often in San Francisco. From the first I commenced to save up materials for a history of the R. C. work here and lately turned over my clippings and MS. to Amabilis who has already got much of the work in type-written sheets, ready for the printer. The reincorporation of the National Red Cross has given the great organization here a new claim to consideration. It is now to be a mighty institution embarked in a permanent system of relief on short notice. By the way, your letter conveying the information of my appointment to membership in the new Charter, was borrowed by a Reporter - and I have been unable to find it. Recently, our Oakland R. C. requested me to give to the public a history of the reorganization of the institution, and I wrote to Dr. Hubbell for a copy of the Act of Congress, establishing it. The letter found the Dr. in Iowa, but he did not write a word about the paper I desired. Thinking you might be very tired I wrote as I did to the dear Dr, but now I venture to trouble you with my request, and ask you dear sister Clara, to kindly send me a copy of the Act alluded to. I hope this request will not trouble you, but it is very important to me here, and I must use that Act as the principal item of my paper. Please dont forget! The volume comprising the several reports from the workers here will comprise about 250 pages with over 100 illustrations, and a thousand copies will be ordered - with a chance for more. The paper and binding is to be of high grade - the ladies [think?] showing self-respect for their arduous labor and sacrifice. For 25 years past we have hoped that the horrors of war would not invoke the relief of Americans, and it is notable that we have averted war so long, that it was only after [with] extreme hesitation that the administration enters upon hostilities in behalf of pleading Cuba - , resulting in the unexpected acquisition of the Philippines.3 So long time elapsed between our letters that the earth has nearly made an entire circuit since last writing bringing to us many little changes. Then we forget whether or not we have given you some items of a personal character. Have I told you that Amabilis has presented me a pair of hounds? They are neutered: one being named Patience the other Forbearance; both lusty fellows, full-grown and passively very active. You see because I have the Grip every winter and have very low vitality with cold extremities and several other handy-caps in the race for life, these virtues are very useful to me, and in return I try to develop appreciation and affection. And have I told you about my being sent to jail, that is to the Council Chamber just over the city prison? A mere accident. Was appointed by His Honor the Mayor to fill vacancy. Have had the pleasure of changing the Council from [Solson?] Licensing to careful discrimination in granting licenses. Also have initiated several improvements for the sheets and parks, but I suffer so much from cold in the Chamber during late hours [that] and so many enemies are made in discussions that the work for this lovely city of 70,000 inhabitants becomes more of a dreaded task, than a coveted honor. However the end will come soon, - with the expiration of my term. Now I come to a new item certainly, one just being finished. Would you believe it, Amabilis has had to suffer an operation for Appendicitis! Was on the table 1 3/4 hours while the useless little vestige of an organ was removed and the numerous adhesions it had caused were being resolved. She had suffered much of late from what we thought was over-work, and sprains. At length a friend urged her to be examined by a specialist in S. F. Lo! it was Appendicitis! Immediate operation was recommended, and she began dieting for it at a noted Sanatorium, June 3rd, the excision took place and three weeks of care at the hands of trained nurses followed. I need not tell you that it required great courage to face this ordeal, so many result fatally, I'm told Amabilis, being duly prepared, approached the white-robed surgeons in the operating room with a firm smile and demanded that they make a thorough operation! And now she moves about the house quietly, and begins to take up the raveled threads again. If you were present dear Sister, she would probably jokingly tell you of her abreviated anatomy! and of her being up to date in the fashions of the times! The greatest danger perhaps is before us: that the dear girl may over work and bring on other ailments - there is so much to do, and her desire to work is so strong. There, dear sister. What an infliction, this long tiresome letter! It would be better to write less and oftener, With the constant affection of J. G. Lemmon. (Amabilis will add her thoughts.) [*Lemmon*] Dear Sister Clara: There is only time just now & strength to say Amen to all dear, Comrade Lemmonia has said so well and better than I could do it. Then again if I should start off with one of my chats added, you'd indeed be afflicted by it stopping your breath? Whereas, now you will have a restful atmosphere in reading instead of wearying you by a too long-drawn So I'll wait till the future Call: "Next," with the promise that you shall have our pictures, a little later as you request them. The sight of your dear face, accompanying the reports sent, brings to memory a thousand recollections dear to the heart of Your ever affectionate Sister Amabilis. Mrs. J. G. Lemmon - 5985 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, Cal Aug. 30, 1901 - cific brother and sister. Affectionately yours, Worcester, Mass., Oct. 29/01. Mr. John G. Lemmon, 5985 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, Cal. y Dear Mr. Lemmon, I am not able to say if I answered your letter of August or not, so many things coming before me at the same moment, it would be singular either way, if I did not or if I did. The act for which you ask will be found as nearly as I could give it, in the little Red Cross book which I will enclose in this, but which I suppose must have gone to you before. I thank you and you sister Amabilis for your brotherly, sisterly and untiring interest in me and the work I have tried to do. I hope it is not burdening you. I am for a few days in Worcester and catching the moments as they fly to send back my greeting to the treasured friends, one by one, who have waited long. You will be glad to know that I am in perfect health and as good strength as you ever saw me; infinitely better than in the dear old day od Weber Lake, to which my heart memory always clings. Dr. Hubbel is here with me and joins me in heartfelt love to our dear Pacific brother and sister. Affectionately yours,the date of your letter I have written over 90. four-page needful letters, two lines to the one of this - Well you know how things go in these ways. A Mrs Tanner, of your Nat. board of Control, out here on behalf of her son at Phil. [Isld?] - was present at our State Annual Meeting - in Oct. (I do not [*inter nos*] think she made [a] wise remarks; if we were vis a vis I could tell you. So many women just slop over.) When she met me, she exclaimed, "Why! You look like Clara Barton!" Mrs. Foster, said something like that too. There must be some resemblance & I must hug the compliment, & I think it must be because I love and admire you so much. Who are going to the next international conference with you & Dear Dr? Do talk back soon to your ever loving sister Amabilis Mr J. G. Lemmon 5985 Telegraph Av. Oakland Cal. Nov. 8, 1901. Have I told you that last June I had to lose my appendix, but am all over it & shall be better than ever - So "they say" & so I trust. Dearly beloved - Sister Clara Barton, Yours of Oct. 29th just rejoiced the very innermost cockles of our hearts. We are glad to learn of your good, better, best health - and trust you will be at the helm - of noble work - for years to come. You & the dear Dr. long for Webber Lake? Well! Come over again next Summer, and we will all speed up to the place of blessed, sacred memory. The everlasting Sierras still hold a place for we uns. So plan to come, but if you cannot doappendix, giving the account of the National & International R. C. - & so spread the knowledge to the uttermost, little places, nooks & corners, wherever any little R. C. workers have contributed mites of help & like to see their work recorded to the items in the historic book - there they will learn of the great broad work - and they will naturally desire to see the picture of the one woman of our country who stands at the head of it. Will you send us a picture that you would like to have us put in the book to look out upon the onlookers, or shall we use one full length that we already have at hand? It shall be as you say - Since (2) that and can run over to us here now for an indefinite good long visit = We have room enough to hold you in comfort, and nobody to plague us - Our rooms, just now, are ablaze with Red Cross work - The State Executive Board, has decided to publish a Red Cross Illus. Record of Pacific Slope work - As I am a member of that Bd - it fell to me to be appointed Chairman of the Com. on Pub. There are four others - including, the dear Comrade Brother Lemmonia, to keep things straight & in true line - He is to write an appendix[*25 proxies*] [*J. G. Lemmon - Dec. 1 - 1901*] J. G. Lemmon Lemmon Herbarium 5985 TELEGRAPH AVE. Oakland, (Alden Station) CALIFORNIA. Dear Sister Clara: Your Postal Card came in, giving notice of meeting at Arlington Hotel. As the time approaches we are becoming greatly anxious as to results, and hope for your reelection. To us it seems that no other person should aspire to the position so long as its American founder was alive. We have not been informed who the four persons are who are Caballing against you - the four persons practically united and represented by one. Please confide this information to us Certainly we are deserving of your confidence. Of course I promptly sent my Proxy to Stephen Barton, and only regret that I cannot be there to help. As Councilman of Oakland for [most] nearly two years past I have learned a little about how to do politics, and am credited with [the preparation of] the present Mayor in the stepping-stone position for his fortunate nomination. Of course I duly received from Acting Sec. Mrs Ellen S. Mussey a notice of the time & place of the election, and copy of the professed Amendments to By Laws. It seems proper that power should be given somewhere in the By Laws for dropping persons who do not care enough about the R. C. to keep up their membership. I enclose five dollars ($5,00) and ask for a Receipt. Amabilis very busy, writes many letters every day, and reports favorable prospects. Of course you have received her recent letter. The care she is giving to this work, rousing up the delinquents, procuring photos, classifying statistics, etc. you will remember, is characteristic of her, as you saw her at work at the World Fair, Ever your affectionate J. G. Lemmon. Amabilis hopes for your photo soon as she requested.[*33 J. G. Lemmon -*] [*[1901]*] J. G. Lemmon Lemmon Herbarium 5985 TELEGRAPH AVE. Oakland, (Alden Station) CALIFORNIA. Dear Sister Clara, Amabilis is snatching a few minutes from her work on Red Cross to chat with you - and I will do the same. By the way, I'm sorry that we did not think to propose some botanical name for you when we were at Webber lake - so getting your consent. Now I do not dare to propose such a measure - yet we wish you were in our loud botanical class! You may wonder why I was so anxious to get a copy of the Act of reincorporation Red Cross; it was because I am to furnish the appendix to the big book of Amabilis, in which I will give the origin and early work of the R. C. in Europe, tell how (in your own language) it came to America, etc. closing with the history of the late Reorganization. So I desired to be precise and copy exactly the original Act of Congress. There must be copies of our Legislative proceedings at Sacramento. No matter now. Amabilis - despite the loss (the willing loss of her Appendix as she says) is able to turn off a vast amount of work in a day - and you should see the piles of letters stacks of [M.D.?] and proofs on tables, chairs, window seat and even invading one end of our botanical table! It is hoped that the work will be finished in about a month. In meantime, other work her intended, addresses, before a Teachers Institute and other assemblies upon Forestry, furnishing papers to the press, etc. large most so of [M.D.?] recently upon our [?] Floral [?], and the Oaks of the Wood. Shall hope to have you and the Dear Dr. here at our lovely home and around the camp fire at Webber Lake next season. Your brother Lemmonia. [*The Lemmons Ans. Jan 16 -1902*] Humanity [Red Cross] Neutrality PUBLICATION COMMITTEE "RED CROSS RECORD" OF THE PACIFIC SLOPE MRS. J. G. LEMMON, CHAIRMAN 5985 TELEGRAPH AVE., OAKLAND, CAL. MRS. S. A. O'NEILL, ALAMEDA MRS. G. S. ABBOTT, OAKLAND MR. L. L. DUNBAR, SAN FRANCISCO MR. J. G. LEMMON, OAKLAND Humanity Publication Com. [Red Cross] "R. C. Record" Neutrality of Pacific Slope _________________ Mrs. J. G. Lemmon CHAIRMAN 5985 Telegraph Avenue Oakland, Cal. January 6, 1902. Dear Sister Clara Barton. A thousand blessings on your dear head and heart! Your Annual Report with holiday greetings also, the dear Drs. Card has just come to hand, laying aside what was before us, we two just sat down by our blazing wood-fire and over the warm-clean-hearth stone, read and re-read Your Report. We laughed aloud and applauded your keen-clear cut hits, which we need not designate. In short, it is competent, relevant and just hits every nail on the head, that has sprung out of that Board of Control, through its one seasoning process. Ha! ha!! ha!!! ha!!!! ha!!!!! ha!!!!!! ha!!!!!!!4 with you. The Record moves along, and I hope to have it off hand & to the printers by the end of January. You must have Recd. my letter in reference to it etc. So I shall be looking for a reply soon - now that the Am. R. C. meeting is over - We are having some [pictures] photographs taken & will send as soon as ready to your long ago complimentary request - Lemmonia is to write an Appendix for the book in which he proposes by your sanction to place the history of the national & international R. C. and any recent data of general interest with a personal sketch of yourself & portraiture. What answer to previous and all points exploited by Yours ever - Amabilis Mrs J. G. L.2 We have never had regrets but once in regard to that Board of Control, & that is [ever] continuous. Such unlimited power is dangerous to be lodged with unscrupulous & over-ambitious people, especially with [any] those, who hardly comprehended the real spirit of Red Cross work and could not [by] being blinded through desire for self-aggrandizement - How cold-blooded, to deny you the assistance so much needed - and declaring by resolution to be "unwise and unlawful"! Our feelings are touched to the quick and bleeding at the act - Right there you sent a good arrow home - On page 7 - "If I were to presume to make a suggestion" - Ought to cause heads to bow in guilt & shame. On & on to the end. How fine & glowing! pg 11. - "After all, the greatest work performed" - Page 12 - "but the administration of this relief" etc - The very last sentence is good, better, best - That ought3 to extend an added life-lease of ten years for you. We rejoice in your good health & if there is a special Providence it is easy to believe that it would protest your devoted few from all harm - and ever continue to endow you so Minerva - Now dear good, cherished sister; we are exulting over this in the freest way to you - but we take care outside - and express the same thoughts in this wise. It is a wise strong dignified concise report - with the true ring as ever - steeped in the years of experience - as you have been - Such preparation has fallen to the lot of but few - That board of Control may discover that your "armor" can hardly be placed to fit & not be a glaring "misfit." We trust you will be spared these many years, as the head of the Divine Red Cross. How we wish you and the Brother Dr. were here this very hour - to help us celebrate in our fashion of good will and love to you - There are many things that I desire to talk over (1st Sheet - ) J. G. Lemmon Lemmon Herbarium 5985 TELEGRAPH AVE. Oakland, (Alden Station) CALIFORNIA. Jan 7 - 1902 My dear Sister Clara, Good for you! Who says Clara Barton is becoming worn out, overcome, or fit to be laid on the shelf? Your sentences have the old ring to them, but with a higher pitch. I endorse all Amabilis says about your last Report, and have enjoyed it greatly. Besides the good paragraphs pointed out by Amabilis I am especially pleased with the principal one on page 9 referring to the broadening of the R. C. by nationalizing it so that now you recommend the enrolling of the whole nation under the banner of the Red Cross! Good as this appears it will not be realized until the country is again plunged into war. And the last paragraph on page 11, delivers one of the best sermons reported thus far, in the dawn of the 20th century. Amabilis is working at the limit of her strength daily, but has a wonderful attitude for good work - which is appreciated here - and which has resulted in her being charged with the most of it. In the midst of my work on the Appendix to her book I have insisted upon stopping to write two long Articles "West American Oaks" and "California Golden Poppy," and Amabilis must pause next week to write an Article "Forestry for Women." To Dear Dr. Hubbell I wish to say we are glad to hear from him since his return from Iowa. His letter from the home of his sick sister referred to Webber lake and his desire to visit again. Just say the word, Dr, Tell us when you and Sister Clara wish to come. It will not take many hours to organize for the woods. But first I know you would be pleased with the new Lemmon Herbarium. Try it. Your brother J. G. Lemmon.PIONEERS Cabin Diam: 32 Feet [Photograph of a giant Sequoia tree with an arch cut through it and a man and woman standing before it]CALAVERAS AND SOUTH GROVES OF BIG TREES It should be borne in mind that the Calaveras Big trees was the first grove of Sequoia gigantea ever discovered, and that the first "big tree" ever seen in California once proudly stood upon the great stump, 25 feet in diameter, now used as a dancing floor. Upon this stump, in 1854, 32 persons at one time "skipped the light fantastic toe," with 17 by-standers looking on. This magnificent tree required the continuous labor of 5 men 22 days to cut it down. It was felled by pump augers. Then there is "The Father of the Forest," whose circumference when standing was estimated to be 110 feet, and its height 450 feet. These, with nearly one hundred other forest monarchs, can be seen in the historically famous Calaveras Grove. But the trees that out-cap them all are in the South Park Grove, six miles south of the Calaveras. Here there are 1,380 of these botanical giants. One, the "New York," is 104 feet in circumference, and the "Ohio" is 103 feet. In the "Tree of Refuge" 16 head of cattle took shelter during a heavy snow-storm. The "Grand Hotel" is estimated to comfortably hold 40 people. Here, too, is the famous "Smith's Cabin," where an old trapper made the charred hollow of this burnt-out tree his lonely home for three years. This cabin was 21 feet by 16, and was to him a bedroom, sitting-room, kitchen, and sometimes, during stormy weather, a stable for his horse.* Please also to remember that the Mammoth Tree Grove Hotel stands directly on the edge of the Calaveras Big Tree Grove, from whence delightful walks are taken among its impressive and refreshing shadows. Then please note that in the streams near here will be found the finest trout fishing in the State. * For full description of these marvelous creations, see Hutchings' "In the Heart of the Sierras." "YoSemite and Big Tree Guide." For particulars address, J. M. HUTCHINGS Calaveras Big Trees, Cal. [Map east of San Francisco showing location of the Calaveras Big Trees] THE CALAVERAS BIG TREES THE FIRST DISCOVERED THE JUSTLY FAMOUS, and THE FINEST OF ALL THE SEQUOIAN GROVES Come and see over 1480 of these botanical giants, some of which exceed 100 feet in circumference, and are as symmetrical as they are collossal. HOW TO GET THERE Leave Market Street What San Francisco, by rail, for Milton (via Stockton) - - - - - 8:30 A.M. Arrive Milton - - - - - - - - 2:15 P.M. Thence to Murphy's by stage, (dining at Angels), arriving - - - - - - - - 8:50 P.M. Spend night at Murphy's and leave - - - - 7:00 A.M. Arrive Calaveras Big Trees - - - - - 10:30 A.M. Returning to San Francisco Leave Calaveras Big Trees - - - - - 2:00 P.M. Spend night at Murphy's, and during the evening visit the beautiful Calaveras Cave. Leave Murphy's for Milton - - - - - 7:00 A.M. Arrive in San Francisco - - - - - - 7:45 P.M. This is the cheapest and most direct route. FARE FOR THE FULL ROUND TRIP, $13 Tickets: Southern Pacific Co., 613 Market Street; Thos. Cook & Son, 621 Market Street; and Big Oak Flat and Yosemite Stage Co., 630 Market Street, San Francisco. ---------- Travelers can also reach the Calaveras Big Trees via Valley Spring or Sonora. ---------- Tourists going to or returning from Yo Semite via the Big Oak Flat Route and wishing to visit Calaveras Big Trees: Leave Sonora, by stage, for Angels - - - - 6:00 A.M. Arrive at Angels - - - - - - - - 11:30 A.M. At Angels visit the rich gold mins, and leave for Murphy's - - - - - - - - 7:00 P.M. Arrive Murphy's - - - - - - - - 8:50 P.M. Leave Murphy's next morning - - - - - 7:00 A.M. Arrive Calaveras Big Trees - - - - - 10:30 A.M. Fare by Stage from Sonora to Big Trees, $5.00. Private conveyance from Jamestown or Sonora via Murphy's to Big Trees, at following rates:-- Single-seated vehicle, per day - - - - - $4 00 Same, with driver - - - - - - 5 00 Double-seated vehicle, per day - - - - - 5 00 Same, with driver - - - - - 6 00 Eight-passenger coach, with driver, per day - - 10 00 HOTEL RATES, Calaveras Big Trees, $2 to $3 per day, $10 to $12 per week Lessee, J. M. HUTCHINGS, of Yo Semite Successor to Mr. James L. Sperry. Glen Echo, Maryland, January 16, 1902. Mrs. J. G. Lennon, Lemmon Herbarium, Oakland, California. My dear friends, the Lennons: I have two, if not three, most welcome communications from you. Time has helped to answer the first and events have done something toward even the last, still let me add my little word. Your letter of exultation of January 6th was the last I have received, and nothing could have been more welcome. You perfectly appreciated the conditions up to that time, and it was a good moment to exult but, when you learn the closing up of that meeting and the privileges given and being insisted upon most rigorously, you will find that there is still some cause for consideration at least. The Board no longer exists as a Board, but as a force it is still alive. Only two meetings have been held and, as no more can be held without a call, they will probably be few in future. I do not feel at liberty to write you just what I would say, you must read it between the lines. Referring to the missing reports, all possible search has been made for the McKinster report. It is not in this house and I believe never has been, it is stated that it was never received by the Board, thus it probably went to New York and has been packed away with Mr. Stephen Barton's papers of that date and removed from New York in heavy boxes to his store-house in New England, which it would perhaps be scarcely possible for him to take the time, the pains and the trouble, in this freezing weather, to open and search. After all, it may not be there but we can think of nowhere else. If it were possible, I would sugges that, in the sending out of an important report, a duplicate, as nearly as might be, should be kept. We find that quite possible with all our papers. We send no letters that are not in duplicate, and in a report all that is written can be duplicated, and it is not so difficult a matter either to copy the slips, or to get two copies and so have in ones hand their own statements and justification. If it were possible for you (not from me) to mildly make such an instructive suggestion to your ardent workers, trying-2- trying to have them remember the necessity for stability in these matters, it might be well. Our press books and carbon copies and duplicate clippings are our safeguard. We have learned this by long experience. I am sure, if there ever comes a time that Mr. Barton can open his sealed boxes, he will bring out the report, if there, although it will be too late for you. I am very, very sorry for the trouble it gives you and the pain it will cause Mrs. McKinster but see not help for it. I think the labor of one week has been put upon that search in our various departments, and there is nothing further that we can do. Please accept thanks and congratulations for the instructive booklet you are bringing out on Forestry. I have been selfish enough to keep them all to myself, that I may be able to study up and gather easily the valuable information that you have gained so laboriously. The country will not know until later the service that you and Lemmonia have been to it, but let us hope the grand old trees will know it and wave out their blessing, not only in the present, but a loving requiem long after you will sleep beneath their shade. Dr. Hubbell is with me and you will understand how lovingly we both look back to the memory of Weber Lake, that lies still in our anticipation that we may all meet there once more. Yours lovingly, Clara Barton. PP. S. Doctor asks me to say to you that he will wrap and send all reports that we have at these headquarters, although he does not expect the right one will be found among them. [*Ansd. March 3. 1902 - enclosing letter to Senator Bard =*] Humanity [Red Cross] Neutrality PUBLICATION COMMITTEE "RED CROSS RECORD" OF THE PACIFIC SLOPE MRS. J. G. LEMMON, CHAIRMAN 5985 TELEGRAPH AVE., OAKLAND, CAL. MRS. S. A. O'NEILL, ALAMEDA MRS. G. S. ABBOTT, OAKLAND MR. L. L. DUNBAR, SAN FRANCISCO MR. J. G. LEMMON, OAKLAND Date Feb. 27 - 1902 - Our dear Sister Clara, Just play that the enclosed is impersonal & the woman's way of it: as I've embodied the general tenor of M. Briggs appeal - to Lemmonia; it [..cusses?] to touch up the spirit of Sen. Bard of S. Cal. - You may think I've rattled around the subject amazingly, but I think it will fall into good Soil - Lemmonia is busy writing to Senator Perkins & Metcalf whom he knows well (perhaps he will enclose you a copy) - We hope dear one, that you are well & that we shall see you a& the dear Dr. in the woods with us during the Coming season - Let me know as early as you can - Do you go - of course you do - to Russia at the International? We hope so & that all things will be as you wish - (Inter nos) I'm sorry that some others are to go & push past & learn all the ropes. Won't you send your best picture for our itemized Historic Record, that will be put in printers hand very soon now.You mustn't refuse it - So many are hoping for it to appear in the book. With a heart full of love your affectionate sister - Jane again to act as Chairman for the Cal State Federation of Womens Club, in [...sty?] Co. Just now am very busy with poker, shovel tongs and all the irons in the fire - Thankful to the kind Powers that be. I'm holding my own physically. Lovingly yours in which Lemmonia joins me and asks you to speak with Dr. Hubbell. Washington, D. C., March 3, 1902. Mrs. J. G. Lemmon, 5985 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, California. Dearest Sister Amabilis: Your dear letter, enclosing one to Senator Bard, is just in hand. I do not know how to thank the good people of all this country for the precious things they are saying of me, I feel that I cannot deserve them and yet I am grateful for them. I have taken the liberty to overlook your letter to the Senator and find in it what I would expect, expressions of deep thought clothed in elegant and beautiful dress. I know that you are grateful many times for the power of direct expression which was given to you. It is a letter of strength that often times helps you to move heavy burdens easily. Again let me thank you and tell you a word of ourselves here. During the days of conventions and meetings here, I have come into the city and taken my rooms at the Fairfax Hotel, which is the rear of the old Willard, in order that I might see the women of thought and culture who would gather here and that such of them as desired to see me could do so without leaving the city. I have enjoyed the meetings very much and the meeting of the people even more. I need not say to you how well conducted the meetings were and how full of brilliant thought and how long gone by are the days when the reporter dipped his pen in ridicule. He does his best now and gets criticised and complained of by the ladies for his inferior expressions2. J. G. L. expressions and bad grammar. We will find that he not only must brush- up, but he must have a higher start, to begin with, in literature before many years, or he cannot report for women speakers. They have not only come up in the schools, but they have been the schools themselves, not only are they scholars, but teachers and will not patiently submit to representations of poor grammar or poor English. I do not think I have any pictures that you have not, I have no best picture, but I will try to send you such as I have. I have had nothing new taken, you know I do not enjoy sitting for pictures, and every one is poorer than the other, very naturally. I note what you say in regard to the representation at Russia. You are right, the object is to learn the ropes, but there is probably no help for it. Please give my thanks fo our dear Lemmonia for what you say he is doing. Again I say to you both, I have no words good enough in which to thank you, but such as they are, please accept. I wish we might meet this summer, but have not great hopes of it. Doctor is here with me and sends love and regards. Yours as always, lovingly Clara Barton [*1902*] Humanity [Red Cross] Neutrality PUBLICATION COMMITTEE "RED CROSS RECORD" OF THE PACIFIC SLOPE MRS. J. G. LEMMON, CHAIRMAN 5985 TELEGRAPH AVE., OAKLAND, CAL. MRS. S. A. O'NEILL, ALAMEDA MRS. G. S. ABBOTT, OAKLAND MR. L. L. DUNBAR, SAN FRANCISCO MR. J. G. LEMMON, OAKLAND Date March 18. 1902. Our dear Sister Clara: Here is something that I wish your decision upon - or rather in deciding we desire, of course, to do no act not in harmony with the length and breadth of the work of R.C. Twice the subject has been brought before our Oakland Executive Board by a member who would like to be recognized as a delegate, in the State Council of Women’s Clubs - as authorized by the Red Cross. - The Board has waived the question, by saying that the R.C. keeps to its Emergency line of work, with the thought of its being not only peculiarly linked with our own Government but there is a special, peculiar international link, that it is not a purely woman’s2 work - for both men & women are pronouncedly in its ranks & of it. Personally, I hold to it that no R.C. Aux of State or town anywhere should do other, than keep aloof from all (other) organization or Societies' I cannot see the advantage. I understand that the National Council & International Council of Women - of which May Wright Sewell is at head & prime mover - is rallying all sorts of Clubs & Societies who will go under that banner - $2 Annual dues paid by each club affiliating - Now dear, wise friend. Will you rule or have ruled this point - So that some of the omnipresent ambitious dames may know whether it is "hands off or on" & so have it settled. I have been asked as Sec. to write to you about this delegate business, as a Red Cross Society and whatever your National head decides will be strictly adhered to. Yours truly, Mrs. J. G. Lemmon - Cor. Sec. of O.R.C. [*[Mar. 18, 1902]*] Dear Sister Clara, Just a few words about the question Amabilis has asked you anent the affiliation [merging] of Red Cross with the California Woman's Federated Clubs, - as though the R.C. was a woman's club! I requested her not to submit such an absurd question to you, but she declared that the ambitious person here will not yield to our judgment and so invokes the highest authority. Have just received the dear Doctor's letter and heard from "Webber Lake" again. I'm glad you two are so affected by those pleasant memories, for that insures your early return to us, - at least as soon as next year. Have you received my last brochure on "Oaks of Pacific Slope"? Will send "How to Tell the Trees" in a few weeks. Must now return to writing up the early history of R.C. and then the Cypresses. Amabilis has written the news. This is only to greet you with a loving cheer for the fair prospects before you, and the assurance of the constant regard of Your bro, JG LemmonGlen Echo, Md., March 25, 1902 Mrs. J. G. Lemmon, 5985 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, California. My dear Red Cross Sister: Your letter of March 18th, asking my decision upon the a certain point connected with the Red Cross, is before me. It is scarcely necessary to recall to you, who have studied the organization so closely and been a part of it so long, the principles and underlying framework of the organization. The points brought up in your letter are all clear, true and fundamental. The National Red Cross has never affiliated itself with any society or organization; it has steadily declined this through all its twenty years of existence on the ground of its unlikeness to other organizations, which would render assimilation difficult, and the freedom which it must maintain unhampered by rules, except its own, and again, from its international and governmental character, it should hold itself free from all entanglements. Again, the Red Cross is not a woman's society, was not conceived by them, not originated by them, not organized by them, and, in fact, was not a society at all, but a governmental treaty which can by no means permit those working in its name and under it to take steps -2- which would misrepresent its true character. By this decision one would not in any manner hold any person desiring it back from full personal affiliation with any society, club or organization which their judgement or taste recommended. I would have every one exercise the greatest personal freedom in this regard, and would ask of them the same liberality in regard to others. There is no reason why any number of the Red Cross, National or Auxiliary should not also become a member of any reputable organization in the country, but any authorization of the Red Cross to such a step must be done without the sanction of the national body, which has taken great pains, withstood much importunity on that very line, and held itself, to this moment, perfectly free. If it would be any satisfaction to you, I can say that I am myself, personally, a member of the International Council of Women, have been one of its highest officers, and have been just now, for the second time, made a patron of that society, and paid my dues accordingly, but simply as Clara Barton, and in no way connecting the Red Cross with it. Mrs. Sewall understands this very well and, with the teaching I have previously given her, she would regret any deviation from my straight course. I trust that not only you, my dear friend, but that every member of your noble Pacific Organization, will clearly understand the nature of the decision which I give you, that they will not see in it an arbitrary ruling, but the results of the long study, experience and reason, which will not permit me to decide otherwise. With affectionate regard, As always yours, Clara Barton.THE AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, OCTOBER 1, 1881, APRIL 17, 1893, AND BY SPECIAL ACT OF CONGRESS, JUNE 6, 1900. FOR THE RELIEF OF SUFFERING BY WAR, PESTILENCE, FAMINE, FLOOD, FIRES, AND OTHER CALAMITIES OF SUFFICIENT MAGNITUDE TO BE DEEMED NATIONAL IN EXTENT. THE ORGANIZATION ACTS UNDER THE GENEVA TREATY, THE PROVISIONS FOR WHICH WERE MADE IN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AT GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, AUGUST 22, 1864, AND SINCE SIGNED BY NEARLY ALL CIVILIZED NATIONS, INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES, WHICH GAVE ITS ADHESION MARCH 1, 1882. RATIFIED BY THE CONGRESS OF BERNE, JUNE 9, 1882. PROCLAIMED BY PRESIDENT ARTHUR, JULY 26, 1882. __________________________________________________ HEADQUARTERS: WASHINGTON, D. C. BOARD OF CONSULTATION: PRESIDENT OF THE U. S. AND MEMBERS OF THE CABINET. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS: CLARA BARTON, PRESIDENT. BRAINARD H. WARNER, FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT. STEPHEN E. BARTON, SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT. ELLEN S. MUSSEY, THIRD VICE-PRESIDENT AND COUNSEL. WALTER P. PHILLIPS, GENERAL SECRETARY. WILLIAM J. FLATHER, TREASURER. Make all Checks Payable to AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS, and Send to Headquarters, Washington, D.C. THE AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, OCTOBER 1, 1881, APRIL 17, 1893, AND BY SPECIAL ACT OF CONGRESS, JUNE 6, 1900. FOR THE RELIEF OF SUFFERING BY WAR, PESTILENCE, FAMINE, FLOOD, FIRES, AND OTHER CALAMITIES OF SUFFICIENT MAGNITUDE TO BE DEEMED NATIONAL IN EXTENT. THE ORGANIZATION ACTS UNDER THE GENEVA TREATY, THE PROVISIONS FOR WHICH WERE MADE IN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AT GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, AUGUST 22, 1864, AND SINCE SIGNED BY NEARLY ALL CIVILIZED NATIONS, INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES, WHICH GAVE ITS ADHESION MARCH 1, 1882. RATIFIED BY THE CONGRESS OF BERNE, JUNE 9, 1882. PROCLAIMED BY PRESIDENT ARTHUR, JULY 26, 1882. __________________________________________________ HEADQUARTERS: WASHINGTON, D. C. BOARD OF CONSULTATION: PRESIDENT OF THE U. S. AND MEMBERS OF THE CABINET. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS: CLARA BARTON, PRESIDENT. BRAINARD H. WARNER, FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT. STEPHEN E. BARTON, SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT. ELLEN S. MUSSEY, THIRD VICE-PRESIDENT AND COUNSEL. WALTER P. PHILLIPS, GENERAL SECRETARY. WILLIAM J. FLATHER, TREASURER. Make all Checks Payable to AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS, and Send to Headquarters, Washington, D.C.[*Mrs J.G. Lemmon*] California Federation of Women's Clubs MRS. J. G. LEMMON CHAIRMAN FORESTRY COMMITTEE 5985 TELEGRAPH AVE., OAKLAND, CAL. [PR]esident MRS. KATE A. BULKLEY 541 ALBION STREET, OAKLAND VICE-PRESIDENT AT LARGE MRS. W. W. STILSON 812 KENSINGTON ROAD, LOS ANGELES RECORDING SECRETARY MRS. GEORGE BABCOCK FRESNO CORRESPONDING SECRETARY MRS. J. W. ORR 2420 GOUGH STREET, SAN FRANCISCO TREASURER MRS. H. WEINSTOCK 1631 M STREET, SACRAMENTO AUDITORS MRS. PHILIP MORSE 2038 E STREET, SAN DIEGO MRS. D. W. RAVENSCROFT PETALUMA August 11 1902 Our dear Sister: Just as soon as your letter came to hand from Strasbourg, we planned to hunt up the Kruger's - We took your letter and the address - which was at once recognized as the hand writing of the mother - We found the young couple very interesting - They are pleasantly situated with seven rooms at Command - in a snug home hotel - They showed the photograph of the Kruger home facing the river Ill - and then we wondered which room you occupied as guest(2) and decided it to be on first floor - second window from left hand? - We had a pleasant half-hour call - and hope to welcome them to our cozy home in the near future - Mr. K. is connected with the dining car service on the S.P.R.R. He has a pleasing personality and his little wife is charmingly pretty and interesting - We shall like to continue their acquaintance. We are glad, dear Sister that you are back again, after such a satisfactory Red Cross Council. We shall greatly desire to know all particulars of it. We trust you will be spared to attend many another famous international gathering. - What a was spread upon pure & incense cedar boughs under the low sweeping-fan like branches of a beautiful silver fir facing a high mountain that looked down upon the swift flowing King's river - At night the distant stars would twinkle between the leafy branches & in the early morning the birds would sing their sweetest overhead. - We both needed this change & are now busy - clearing away the various accumulations of literary matter. We have just mailed you a booklet "How to tell the Trees" - And are reading Red Cross proof and watching over the work, which we hope to have out of hand now in a few weeks at farthest - We write in love to you, dear friend & hope to hear from you soon as ever - Brother Lemmonia & Sister Amabilis3 fine opportunity too you have had to rest + renew the Strasburg + other friendships! There is truly nothing in life so sweet as the ties of friendship! And you can gather sweets from all the world. How rich! And how deserving too! We are longing in dreams to someday - go abroad - and enjoy some of its benefits - Whether that will ever come to us - We hardly dare hope - life crowds in so closely with world's work here but we will keep on hoping for the good time - We have just returned from a six weeks "roughing it" in the rugged, picturesque King's river cañon - in the Southern Sierras. 40 miles from a P.O. and [to] that consisting of rough mountain trails - We started (4) did more mountain climbing - i. e. on horseback, than I could. You know he cannot walk much then I had to start out with great care - after my operation a year ago for appendicitis - The Surgeon advised me to keep on my feet rather than to ride on horseback - I rode in all only about 40 miles and all the time gained in health and strength. The Sequoias - the noble redwoods never looked grander in their majestic Solitudes - We wish you could have been with us - for we are sure you would enjoy just such an outing as could be had with us - not a large party. Our personal camp was ideal - We had a large space enclosed by ropes + hung about with pine cones, firs etc. and our bed(3) out with a party of 200 - members of our Sierra Club - Mt. Climbers - but we remained several days after all had left - that we might explore quietly and study the trees of the region - We believe that was the largest party that ever started out - for so long a distance and so long a time. When we joined the party - We had serious doubts as to the wisdom of the attempt - but that is a dim-misty memory - All went well. No sickness or accident - during the month of high-mountain climbing and exploring on + off dizzy trails - fording rivers etc. We only slept under shelter two nights - and I boast of walking over 100 miles also doing some climbing and horseback riding - Of course Lemmonia [*Lemmons - Ansd - Jan 3. 1903*] J. G. LEMMON LEMMON HERBARIUM 5985 TELEGRAPH AVE. Oakland, Cal., Dec 3 - 1902. Dear Sister Clara, Amabilis has found time to write you a note telling of the beautiful volume just issued by the Red Cross Committee. We hope it will properly represent the hard and worthy labor of the good people over here who devoted themselves to the duty before them during the three years of the emergency work, Because you were out of sight from the workers here, you were out of mind also. and the chief members of the Executive Board in S.F. did not want any mention made of you in the book, but Amabilis and I insisted - and there you are! with your best portrait too, - much to the gratification of all but the two original objectors. And I do not mind telling you who the principal one is. It is Nora. W. B. Harrington our State President! Why not put Mrs. Lemmon's name on the roll of Members. Is she not worthy? No one has done more for the good cause, than she, not excepting Mrs. H. and your Mrs Foster. Five copies of "Red Cross on Pacific Slope" have been sent you. One is for Dr. Hubbell which will he please recall in memory of the good old timesDespite all the opportunities she has had - owing to her position - for enlargement she has remained a very small woman both in body and mind. easily puffed up with flattering attention. On the contrary we note with pleasure the broad generous character of your references to persons helping along in the great philanthropy. And you heap coals of fire upon the head of Mrs. H. in your strong endorsement of this "faithful woman" and her "matchless report". I wonder how she feels. Complacent probably. not suspecting that her criticism of you may reach your ears. I've read your grand Rep. of the 7th International Conference several times over with profound interest. Your strong, earnest, appreciative words ring out as clear as ever, and you seem far from the feeble "foiling" woman reported. We have seen in Collier's Weekly a large picture of the Conference with yourself seated exactly in the fore-front. Those foreign delegates know their business and what belongs to the first woman of this Great Republic. Come out again dear Sister, with the G.A.R. next year and make us another visit. We'll divide the time between the enjoyments right here in the new Herbarium surrounded with cones and pictures: and trips to the mountains enrobed with matchless forests. Loving regards to Bro. Hubbell Hoping a favorable reply We are lovingly yours J G Lemmon + wife Humanity Neutrality PUBLICATION COMMITTEE "RED CROSS RECORD" OF THE PACIFIC SLOPE MRS. J. G. LEMMON, CHAIRMAN 5985 TELEGRAPH AVE., OAKLAND, CAL. MRS. S. A. O'NEILL, ALAMEDA MRS. G. S. ABBOTT, OAKLAND MR. L. L. DUNBAR, SAN FRANCISCO MR. J. G. LEMMON, OAKLAND Date Oakland, Cal Dec 2, 1902 Our precious Sister Clara: Greetings to you and the Brother Dr - Before this reaches you the Historic Red Cross Record of Pacific Slope should be at hand (2 copies) - I want you as soon as you + Dr - have read Preface and read or sketched the contents, noted the Ills. etc. - to tell me what you think of this issue. The Edition is limited to 1000 - and there will be no future one as it was not electrotyped - + the type is pied It has been a tedious long drawn undertaking to gather and edit + arrange matter in all stages + conditions - from so many directions - You may be glad that I can feel that the work is off my hands + seeming to give some - I may add great satisfaction. The exclamation is often "Abeautiful book!" - We shall hope you and the Brother Dr. will arrange to be with us - next year at the National G.A.R. time. Try to come and see us in our own den once more - We hope you enjoyed the Thanksgiving Day to the full - and none the worse for it. - We had two women guests - one the wife of a Congregational Minister whose husband had gone East. the other the recently bereaved widow of Mr. Jas. Mason Hutchings - the "Father of YoSemite" + who was killed - the horses frightened by a bear - just as the happy pair were entering their loved Yosemite Valley Mrs H. was alone in her hotel in S.F. and so we tried to give her comfort + quiet by our fireside when she would otherwise have had a dreary time. - May peace, happiness and all good things be thine, with our united love to yourself + the Bro. Dr. believe me Your Affectionate Sister Amabilis - Ms J. G. Lemmon. [*25 / ?*] [*7 [parapol?]*] Humanity [Red Cross] Neutrality PUBLICATION COMMITTEE "RED CROSS RECORD" OF THE PACIFIC SLOPE MRS. J. G. LEMMON, CHAIRMAN 5985 TELEGRAPH AVE., OAKLAND, CAL. MRS. S. A. O'NEILL, ALAMEDA MRS. G. S. ABBOTT, OAKLAND MR. L. L. DUNBAR, SAN FRANCISCO MR. J. G. LEMMON, OAKLAND Date May 31, 1903 Miss Clara Barton. President American National Red Cross - Dear Sister: As a field Agent for the A.N.R.C. I tender my services, if you require them - in the present disaster of Cyclone and flood in the Mississippi region - My good comrade husband - also, as member of the National R.C - is at your service. should you need us there - The papers here do not [yet] indicate yet that the disaster is wide-spread enough to be considered of National importance, but it is so results We are at your service - Yours from us both lovingly loyally - Mrs J. G. Lemmon -Mrs. Lemmon. -2- and loving and will yield you far more grateful returns. True the vine may strive to climb the tree but it only climbs and clings and lends its verdure. It does not seek to wear it down and if by chance the tree decays, it still lovingly clings and beautifies the dead staff it leaned on; so cling to the flowers and the trees. They give you health and strength and a peace of mind that the living world can never do. Always lovingly, of both, The sister, Clara Barton Address Mrs John Gill Lemmon, 5985 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, Cal. [*ansd July 5. 1904*] June 22, 1904 Our dear sister Clara: My brother - Osgood Plummer - of Worcester, Mass. has just sent [a] The Sun - Washington D. C. June 12th containing an Article - A Woman who became Somebody - Clara Barton tending her flower [Garden] beds now after making her name known throughout Christendom" - We say thank Heaven the malcontents cannot take away the love, honor and renown of Christendom - that will always be yours - And now with dignity + the sweet spirit that is your inheritance - you turn to Nature ever kind and ready to give out freely from her treasure-house to her followers. We too turn to her ever and there gather strength and rigor for all our life-duties - and when the world frowns + scowls - we turn to Nature and ever find smiles and happiness. N.b. I do not wait for an answer to each letter - just now - I am sure you have so many demands upon your time.Mrs. Lemon. -2- selves and aiding them to do the best they could. They have perhaps all learned some lessons in self-help. Our most staunch friend, among all the press - The New York World - would have taken it up on behalf of the Red Cross as they did at Galveston, only that the disaster was likely to be of such short duration that there was not time to organize relief. By the offers that came from our field helpers everywhere, we learned to our great gratification what a matchless Corps of experienced help we could call to any field. That may never be, but we shall always know what could be, or could have been. A word of ourselves - You may have heard from the Doctor, as he is at Glen Echo just now and I thought I heard him speak of writing you. We are all very well and have the same loving desire to see and greet you both that always pervades us. I wonder if you are away for the summer, yet; what a beautiful life - among the flowers and trees. Fate chose for you more wisely than you could have done for yourselves: a useful and a charming life. Let me give you a word of caution; try to keep it in the foreground and don't get yourselves too much mixed in with the rush of the world. Don't try to help everybody - stay with the trees and the flowers all you can; they are true 2 We have turned some sharp hard corners and been able to do so - because we have fled to the woods, fresh Mountain Air Sunshine running water and flowers - & after a time the peace that passeth understanding would surely come - brain & heart would gather new life - and with courage - we easily could face & overcome the trial or difficulty - Just now we feel a R.C. nausea - And wonder what has actually come to pass - and wonder what will be its the R.C's fate - With you away from its Presidency - we wonder if there is really any life left. All we know up to date is a meagre announcement in the papers over here that you are no longer President - and some General (retired) has been elected - Naval officer retired Admiral Van Reypen? - Have you or the Bro. Dr. Hubbell the heart. to tell us all about - what has3 actually been going on. We wonder if our proxies were allowed at the Annual Meeting - We long to know about R. C. matters - that shall be strictly sub rosa if you so desire. Over here we cannot tell what to believe or what not - With you no longer President we feel that the Red Cross has passed its best period. You feared long ago, we recall, that if it ever fell into political channels, & had salaried officers, its downfall would follow. We fear that time [has] is approaching, as foreshadowed by the Foster-Mussy et al. corrupting attempts, months ago. In one way we are glad that you are lifted above, so much care, & self abnegation, but we are sorry for the Red Cross. How we wish you were over here with us. We would hie to the loved Mt. regions, & on the heights look down(4) and smile upon - all the uprorious, tripping, stumbling tanglefooted people - who are busy with the muck-rakes. "There is a pleasure in the pathless woods - There is a rapture on the lonely shore" - We have proved these lines again & again - There may be pleasure on every hand in our out of door life - This season we can talk glibly as never before upon our first experience in gardening - It came about in this wise - My eyes gave out through overtaxing them too soon after the attack of appendicitis & operation - The Red Cross Ill. Book work pressed upon me for a finish - & result - nerve batteries gave out - Dr. Nicholas Sen's friend - Dr. Southard of S.F. ordered me to busy myself out of doors even while at-home, where we've not been able to leave, so far, on account of Civic improvements that have run up against us - Telegraph Ave - in the front 150 ft - to be graded, sewered, Macadamized - and over 1200 ft. of Sidewalk to be laid - Water to be developed 5 lots to be filled in above side walk and St. grade - water pipes laid, fences re-set etc, etc. So we had to stand by and also face the many bills. In the meantime we bethought us of an interesting kitchen garden scheme - An accidental tramp called at our door one morning - & with good gentlemanly address, begged for spading-work - assured us that he could throw up some beds for a kitchen & flower garden that we'd be proud of - Lemmonia turned his case over to me saying: "I think you've found the man." He (the new-found) was as good as his word. I followed close upon his heels - planting potatoes - Peep o' day Sweet corn, pole & bush beans, Sugar pease, cucumbers, radishes, lettuce, onions, beets, turnips, pea-nuts. winter & Hubbard squash - sowed along South side of fence double & single sunflowers, plant at every front-fence-post = A climbing rose - & between, a rose-bush - and next the6 little 20 x 20 Ky-blue grass plot in front - a row of Carnations - on north side of house - ferns & lovely violets - The entire length of South side of house a banquette - A rich mass of scarlet geraniums, that can be seen distinctly from the summit of Piedmont hills - a mile away - "Let your light so shine" etc, On dividing of fence line, and at odd places of back yard are scarlet runner beans. on North fence a long line of sweet pease - Over 5000 gal-water tank shoots high above all - with its fulfilled promise of enough & to spare - We reach the cover-floor of the tank (from which is a lovely panoramic view) by stairs with risers and guard-rails - & top of tank - finished with guard rails - all as safe as house-stairs - It is quite a satisfactory reward - to look with stronger eyes. from out our windows and note the great improvement effected - and then the abundant supply of flowers & vegetables - The Tagetes Lemmoni shrub marigold - is coming into full bloom - When the seeds are ripe I will send you some, if you so desire. It is native to Arizona, discovered in one of our trips there - 7 Dear Sister: I hope my long, rambling talk will not weary you. for I trust you have taken on the full spirit of nature & if you've played - The Angelus - as the Woman with the hoe, as I've done - it will be a discovery to realize how much more interesting a Cabbage-head may become, when one has been the means of bringing it into existence - I mean the vegetable kind. As to the human Heaven forbid! too many already at every turn - Do pen us a chat soon - and with dearest love from us both - and to the Dear Bro. Dr. believe that our hearts and spirits speak to you as you would have us - & believe me ever Your devoted and Sincere friend and sister Amabilis - I say amen to all Amabilis has said, Yours faithfully Lemmonia L J G Lemmon.