CLARA BARTON GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Louise, Grand Duchess of Baden Jan. 1871-Apr. 1912 See also: Gen'l Correspondence Sternberg, Amélie M. Letter by Mdm. Steinberg for Her Royal Highness asking if Clara Barton can leave her work in Strasbourg & go to help ambulance work on battlefield if she calls her. of leaving Strasbourg. The Grand Duchess would be sorry to alarm you in any way, and does not wish you to speak much about her ideas, not to leave Strasbourg ere you get any other news from her, or any call from another side, to help and assist the ambulance at the battlefield. I hope you will excuse those hurried lines, written very late in the evening, but I thought it better not to delay the dear Grd Duchess's message for you. Believe me as ever dearest Miss Barton, Your's sincerely Amelia M. Sternberg this 25/1 71. Dearest Miss Barton, The enclosed Photograph had been destined to you long ago, but had never been ready when our dear Grand Duchess wanted to give it to you herself, as there were only few copies made this Christmas. I hope you will find it like, although it looks rather earnest in it's expression. Since those last bloody battles near Belfort, where all our troops were engaged and have until now fought so bravely, we have after heard a sad account of the theatre of war, and thought at times how precious and useful your presencemight be in the midst of those wounded and suffering men, who require assistance, more then those in our warm and sheltered hospitals. Conforming to the laws of the international society we are not allowed to send any help, untill the delegate (which is Prince [Glakoulske?]) will ask for it, and the dear Gr. Duchess thinks that her cousin may have written for aid and assistance to Munich or Wittenberg. But in case that Pr. [Glakoulske?] should still apply to us, H.R.H. wishes to know whether you would leave your present occupation suddenly, and leave it to some ladies in Strasbourg. Another question would be whether Miss Zimmermann's parents would give their assent for an enterprise, so very different and more dangerous than what their daughter has shared with you until now. At any rate she ought to be with you in case you should promise your help at the theatre of war, near Belfort. But let me tell you at once, that we have not got any orders yet, that it is very uncertain whether they will come to us, and that it is only to prevent for you a hurried breaking up in case a telegramm should come, that Her Royal Highness thought it wiser to write to you about a probabilityAutograph Letters from Her Royal Highness Grand Duchess of Baden Addressed to Miss Clara Barton Washington DC United States of America [*? 1870-71*] Dear Miss Barton This is the answer of Mrs Morris at Darnstadt. There is not much heart in his reply but there is one good idea that of facilitating the arrival of provision by taking in hand the enterprise. I mean that you get personaly the permission to gather provisions for Paris, and then, so make known that Prussia allows magazines to be found. This wuld be done notwithstanding the generous gifts that would be sent by your varcountry. Perhaps you would show [?] letter to Dr. Appia & if you think there is anything I can do or help ask him to come (?) for with you at 10½ for a little talk. Ever yours affectionately Louise Nov 28/ 10[?] [*33 G.D.*] The American Association of the Red Cross, FOR THE RELIEF OF SUFFERING BY WAR, PESTILENCE, FAMINE, FIRE AND OTHER NATIONAL CALAMITIES. [*copy*] CLARA BARTON, PRESIDENT. Washington D. C. Dansville N.Y. Nov. 20 1882 To Her Imperial Highness The Grand Duchess of Baden - My dearest Grand Duchess- This is not to be a letter, there will be no time for you to read letters in the busy glad gala days when this will reach you. It goes only to remind you that time and change and oceans, have never dimmed my memory to the return of the honored Third of December that your home, your friends, your land, and humanity unite in blessing. Every year since the good [God] Father permitted me to know you. I have blessed him for the day that gave you to the world, and to me. But this year of all others, we came to rejoice with you. In Spirit let me kneel beside you, and through the distance in the fullness of heart too great for words offer up to Him, who has mercifully held your cup that it should not be dashed, and at last, filled it to overflowing with gratitude andjoy. The silent tribute of Thanksgiving for the lives and loves preserved to you. In imagination I see you back once more in your own royal halls. gay with the verdure and bloom, and sweet with the perfume of [exotic fl] exotics - the pomp and splendor of a court about you, for which you care less. The true loyal greeting and welcome home of the faithful and beloved for which you care more. I see the beautiful smile that welcomes each and all, and the stray silent tear of gratitude that even that [strong] firm and bravest of hearts cannot repress. All these are dear and beautiful to me, and on that bright [natal] December morning, if I am [pern] spared, I will come in spirit with the others, and lay my wreath of love and memory beside you, and leave the tender respectful kiss my heart longs to bestow. God Bless and keep you my beloved and make every return of that natal day richer and sweeter than the one before it. Always Lovingly Yours, Clara Barton - [*Baden*] Karlsruhe 11 April 90. Dear Miss Barton, H.R.H. the Grand Duchess wishes me to send you this brochure about the late Empress Augusta, hoping it will interest you to read it. The Grand Duchess is well, but feels rather tired after all those sad events. Äbtissin & Mentzingen showed me the papers which told about your great works after the [madness?] in Amerika. HowTo Her Imperial Highness -. The Grand Duchess of Baden for her Birthday, Dec 3, 1882 happy that you were there to bring help to all those a misfortunate people. With many compliments Truly yours Marie Schönaur[*33 Gd Dch*] Miss Clara Barton President of the American Association of red Cross Washington N. 9478 st. N.W. Gr. & Bf. [Autograph?] and yet being strong enough to stand the cold winters in London. Our charity work is ever increasing and I am still able to be a [?] though being obliged to cut off a good many of the branches formerly being [taken care] cultivated by me on the ever growing tree of christian help to suffering mankind. When I think of our small activity in comparison to the immense extent of yours, I tell myself that it is beautiful to witness how a great link unites all the endeavours to help our suffering brethren and that each little task if faithfully fulfilled is its own blessing. And now may god's help always be with you dear Miss Barton, and may many be allowed to derive the same blessing from you. [?] Louise Grand Duchess of Baden. How is Mr. Hubbell? [*Karlsruhe, 22 2 95*] [*Febr. 1895*] Dict. Dear Miss Barton, I hope and trust you will send me a little word telling me how you are and letting me know which work is now on your hands and on your heart. I feel sure that you are doing always and every where good and I feel sure too that God's blessing is ever with your noble, helpful work, which I follow often in thoughts and with that feeling of unalterable sympathy always the same since now nearly 25 years![New York Apr 22] [OC RECD 90] Now and then a little note in some newspaper sent by an unknown hand conveys to me from far a report of your doings and every letter more than all is a well- comed token of your remembrance I so much value. Let me thank you though very late for the last one, and let me tell you that time and distance will bring on no change in all the very affectionate interests following you through your most noble and unselfish life. May your strength and your health always be equal to what you ask from them. But this is so much that I often fear you are too generous in giving away the often not enough taking care of delicate health which had always to obey I remember it too well. You would find things much changed here and I myself more and more an invalid from the bad state of my eyes. But I have so much to thank for nonetheless. The Grand Duke is well, thank God, and so are my son and daughter in law, now residing at Freiburg. My daughter spends her winter at Rome[*Cablegram from Her Royal Highness Grand Duchess of Baden On her Birthday Dec. 8. 1895.*] [*33 Grand Duchess*] Karlsruhe (Baden) 1 Eingeschrieben. R No. 331. Miss Clara Barton president of the red cross society Washington 1225 [*93*] KARLSRUHE 22.2.95. 1-2N BADEN 1 K Washington [Gr. Dss.? .............?] Form No. 3. CABLE MESSAGE THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY ---------------- INCORPORATED ---------------- All CABLE MESSAGES received for transmission must be written on the Message Blanks provided by this Company for that purpose, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, and on the back hereof, which conditions have been agreed to by the sender of the following message. THOMAS T. ECKERT, President and General Manager. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TWO AMERICAN CABLES FROM NEW YORK TO GREAT BRITAIN. CONNECTS ALSO WITH FOUR ANGLO-AMERICAN AND ONE DIRECT U.S. ATLANTIC CABLES. DIRECT CABLE COMMUNICATION WITH GERMANY AND FRANCE. CABLE CONNECTION WITH CUBA, WEST INDIES, MEXICO AND CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA. MESSAGES SENT TO, AND RECEIVED FROM, ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ OFFICES IN AMERICA: All Offices (21,000) of the Western Union Telegraph Company and its Connections. _________________________________________ OFFICES IN GREAT BRITAIN: LONDON: LIVERPOOL: A5 Exchange Buildings. No. 21 Royal Exchange, E.C. GLASGOW: No. 29 Gordon Street No. 109 Fenchurch Street, E.C. BRISTOL: Blackhall Chambers. 640am _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NUMBER SENT BY REC'D BY No. OF WORDS. FROM 5 RM Mg 9 Baden baden ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ RECEIVED at Washton DC Dec 3d 1895 Misy Clara Barton Washington Thanks never forget you Luise [*4 -*] [*634a*] SLCU Crown 1896 SWD AMERIKANS BREM NEW YORK TERMS AND CONDITIONS To guard against mistakes on the lines of this Company, the sender of every message should order it repeated ; that is, telegraphed back from the termines of said lines to the Originating Office. For such repeating, the sender will be charged in addition, one-half the usual tolls of this Company on that portion of its lines over which such message passes. This Company will not assume any responsibility in respect to any Message beyond the terminus of its own lines ; and it is agreed between the sender of the following Message and this Company, that said Company shall not be liable for mistakes or delays in transmission or delivery, or for non-delivery to the next connecting Telegraph Company, of any unrepeated message, beyond the amount of that portion of the charge which may or shall accrue to this Company out of the amount received from the sender for this, and the other companies, by whose lines such message may pass to reach its destination : and that this Company shall not be mole for mistakes in the transmission or delivery, or for nondelivery to the next connecting Telegraph Company, of any repeated message, beyond fifty times the extra sum received by this Company from the sender for repeating such message over its own lines ; and that this Company shall not be liable in any case for delays arising from interruptions in the workings of its lines, nor for errors in cipher or obscure messages. And this Company is hereby made the agent of the sender, without liability, to forward any message over the lines of any other company to reach its destination. This Company is not to be liable for damages in any case where the claim is not presented in writing within thirty days after the sending of the message Karlsruhe 2.7.96. dear miss Barton, H. R. Highness the Grand- Duchess wishes me to thank you very much for your most interesting letter and to tell how glad the Grand Duchess has been to hear from you. I am to tell you that Her Royal Highness just went to Baden and will spend the month of July at St Blasien in the badish black forest. They will return here for the winter stay. I am to tell you those plans, of course the Grand Duchess will be most pleased to see you again if it is possible for you to stay a little, or some hours on your way back to America. The Abbesse von Mentjengen asked me often if I had not heard anything from you through the Grand Duchess, so I was very glad to send her this last, so very interesting speech, just before she left for Herrenall. She was not very well, gets old, but remains always so very sensible. With respectful compliments and many good wishes for your welfare Truly yours with admiration Marie Von [Schönen?]One cannot go there with the railway directly but has to go for several hours in a carriage as it is situated pretty highly. The air there does always so much good to Her Royal Highness and they stay there since a couple of years. Towards the end of July or the beginning of August, they will leave for the isle of Mainau in the lac of Konstance that beautiful stay like a little paradise. For the beginning of Sept. they will come here in the residence as it is the festival of the 70th birthday of the Grand Dukes, and is this day to be spent in the residence. There are a great many of festivals in sight, rather [f..t 'going?] for those days. Afterwards they return to Mainau and will spend the month of October and November at Baden till the 5th of Dezimber [*Grand Duchess .. Miss Von Sternberg*] [*The summer residences -*] [*W July 2 R " 9 chle.? A Aug. 2 " *] [*33*] [*G. D*] [*file - *] Turkey REICHPOST - 2 BADEN 1. BRITISH POST OFFICE A JY 8 96 CONSTANTINOPLE Miss Clara Barton Constantinople #5 rue Mezander? [Gd. Dss.? [Angrass?] Form No. 3. CABLE MESSAGE THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY ---------------- INCORPORATED ---------------- All CABLE MESSAGES received for transmission must be written on the Message Blanks provided by this Company for that purpose, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, and on the back hereof, which conditions have been agreed to by the sender of the following message. THOMAS T. ECKERT, President and General Manager. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TWO AMERICAN CABLES FROM NEW YORK TO GREAT BRITAIN. CONNECTS ALSO WITH FOUR ANGLO-AMERICAN AND ONE DIRECT U.S. ATLANTIC CABLES. DIRECT CABLE COMMUNICATION WITH GERMANY AND FRANCE. CABLE CONNECTION WITH CUBA, WEST INDIES, MEXICO AND CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA. MESSAGES SENT TO, AND RECEIVED FROM, ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ OFFICES IN AMERICA: All Offices (21,000) of the Western Union Telegraph Company and its Connections. _________________________________________ OFFICES IN GREAT BRITAIN: LONDON: LIVERPOOL: A5 Exchange Buildings. No. 21 Royal Exchange, E.C. GLASGOW: No. 29 Gordon Street No. 109 Fenchurch Street, E.C. BRISTOL: Blackhall Chambers. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NUMBER SENT BY REC'D BY No. OF WORDS. FROM A5NY IT MG 10 Bbaden 450AM ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ RECEIVED at Washington DC Dec 5th 1896 189 Miss Klara Barton Washington Tender thanks hope meet again Luise. [*In response to message sent her at Carlsruhe. Dec 3. 1896 "Loving greetings Happy Years" Clara Barton*] [*2 = 455a*]CONSTANTINOPEL 1 67 96 9-IOV. DEUTSCHE POST. Correspondenz [I. E. F.?] d. reg Grossherzogina Baden TERMS AND CONDITIONS. To guard against mistakes on the lines of this Company, the sender of every message should order it repeated ; that is, telegraphed back from the terminus of said lines to the Originating Office. For such repeating, the sender will be charged in addition, one half the usual tolls of this Company on that portion of its lines over which such message passes. This Company will not assume any responsibility in respect to any Message beyond the terminus of its own lines ; and it is agreed between the sender of the following Message and this Company, that said Company shall not be liable for mistakes or delays in transmission or delivery, or for non-delivery to the next connecting Telegraph Company, of any unrepeated message, beyond the amount of that portion of the charge which may or shall accrue to this Company out of the amount received from the sender for this, and the other companies, by whose lines such message may pass to reach its destination : and that this Company shall not be mole for mistakes in the transmission or delivery, or for non delivery to the next connecting Telegraph Company, of any repeated message, beyond fifty times the extra sum received by this Company from the sender for repeating such message over its own lines ; and that this Company shall not be liable in any case for delays arising from interruptions in the workings of its lines, nor for errors in cipher or obscure messages. And this Company is hereby made the agent of the sender, without liability, to forward any message over the lines of any other company to reach its destination. This Company is not to be liable for damages in any case where the claim is not presented in writing within thirty days after the sending of the messageMy daughter is now staying with us for a short time, not well alas and suffering much from nervousness, unable to stand the cold winter in Sweden. This is a great time for her husband and children as well as for her parents and we feel it deeply, more so as age gives a particular character to all impressions of that kind. What ever I read of Turkey and Armenia always brings back to me your unselfish and noble work in these countries and the help of these gentlemen you so kindly introduced to us. What you have done there is not lost. Nothing can be lost which is done in the true spirit of the Red Cross when Clara Barton takes a thing in hand. [What] But I feel, that you must be very very sad, that not more has been attained Baden, December 20th, 1896 Dictated My dear Miss Barton! A happy Christmas and a happy New Year. This heartfelt greeting is to tell you, how much I think of you and how I hope and trust, that God blessing will be ever with you, as it has hitherto been for suffering mankind and for the propagation of all, which is good, grand, noble, deriving all of it from the greatest power in the world: Charity! May Christmas, which broughtso many years ago the first great christian revival to poor humanity, give much joy to yourself! For the new year to come I have a very egoistical whish, namely that you will come over to Europe again and then come to see your old friends! May we then have again a sunny day at Mainau or Baden - sunny not alone in the brightness of God's nature but also by all the conviction of sympathy and mutual confidence outlasting as it has done so long years, events and age. I have never thanked you for your last very dear letter. Alas, since that time I have gone through different trials. The Grand Duke has been very ill at the end of Octobre. It was very sudden and the malady itself short, but grave. The recovery is slow and long. But thank God it seems to go on favourably, and I have to thank God every day, for the progress, I am blessed to witness. We are still here, where a greater quietness can be afforded. The Grand Duke has already resumed his work and is occupied, as he always is, but we must try to see him entirely restored to health and strength before we return to town.it? Is it not asking too much? If any body can warm hearts for a good work, it is you, my dearest friend. And now God bless you. May God give you happy days. Once more let me repeat these most affectionate Christmas whisches. Ever yours! Louise as jet. I look for to your report with greatest interest. Your work has been beautifully done. May God give that others may take it up, where you left it among those deeply to be pitied people in the East. During the long weeks of the Grand Dukes illness I have been unable to give as much time and thought, as I ought to have done and as I am accustomed to do to the different branches of activity ever increasing around me. Still there is one, which occupies me much; it is a new hospital to be build in remembrance of the Grand Duke's 70. birthday and which is to be called "Friedrichsbau" annexed to the one, which bears by dear son'sname "Ludwig-Wilhelm-Kraakenheim" in Karlsruhe, hospital and school for our nurses as well, their number being now 300. May I ask your advice in the same question. Our whole country has contributed largely to this building at the never to be forgotten date of that beloved birthday, which thrilled through all hearts and opened hearts and hands for this hospital as people knew the Grand Duke was so much interested in its erection. But of course things of this Kinds afford great sacrifices. And we are yet in want of more means to begin and to bring to a good end this Central Institution for the training of our Red Cross Sisters of the Badischen Frauenverein. Now the thought came to me that perhaps there are many German people of the Grand Duchy of Baden in America, who have not heard of our purpose and who, had they heard of it, would have liked to contribute to its fullfillment. My husband 70. birthday has been solemnised in a most touching way among our country-people over the ocean and the German Newspapers in America brought most touching tokens of it. Now I venture to ask your opinion in this matter. Do you think there is somebody who would take interest in our hospital building and who could attract the attention of our country people towardsMiss Clara Barton President of the Red Cross Society Whashington Gw[?] Augab[?] [*33 Grand Duchess*] week but not longer as we have such bad autumn wheather. How kind are all your dear words and how much I regret not to see your companions, Dr. Hall before all and Mr. Hubell and all the others. Please give them my kindest compliments and well do I remember the most interesting visit last year. It is hard to say good-bye to you in this way but let me hope and trust that another journey to Europe will mean another journey to Baden. And so, my dear friend, God bless and keep you. Well do you know, how great is the affection as well as the faithful remembrance, with which I ever think of you. Louise Mainau, Sept. 21st, 1897. Dict. My dear Miss Barton! What a surprise! And I was asking myself all the time, who would be sent from America and telling myself that of course Clara Barton would not come this time as I would have heard it. And so she came and so she goes! Indeed, our 19. century is grand in the deployment of quickness, but scarcely has there ever been a quicker journey than yours and alas! a quicker return. Just time enough to understand that you are in Europe to be told so by the kindest ofletters and then to hear that you leave immediately to cross again the Ocean, as one of use would cross the Rhine. Well do I understand that It was important enough to come over on purpose of this Congress, full of interest and promising some progress in the great questions never to be left by side, as long as peace is granted to us. And even if not much would be attained or gained, yet would it be most important always to meet again and always to keep up the noble banner of the Red Cross. You have heard certainly that same good has been done by the Red Cross of Germany in the last short war between Turkey and Greece. I hasten to send these lines a few hours after having received your dear letter and much do I envy my secretary M. de Chelius who will be happy enough to deliver the short letter to you. Alas much trouble have I gone through since my last writing to you in November last. The Grand Duke was then recovering from a great illness, he was much better in spring, but has been ill again first part of the summer. Two months mountain-air have done him great good, and I hope and trust his recovery will be granted to me before long. We stay here at Mainaw for anotherMiss Clara Barton. Her Royal Highness the Grand Duchess of Baden received at Vienna - Sept 1897 It is not long since we have returned to town. The Grand Duke has not been well part of the winter, christmas was spent at Baden on account of this. Now his health is good again thank God. My daughter has been a short time with us before going to Italy. A very mild winter overall Europe. May it be a token of peace over all nations and mildness rule with confidence. Dear Mad. de Menzinger sends her kindest love. She is remarkably well, thank God. And now let me end this little note, which is to tell you all the old and never changing affection with which I think of you. God bless you. [Your?] [affected?] Louise [*Many messages to Mr. Hubble.*] Karlsruhe, 4. Febr. 98. Dictated My dear Miss Barton! The papers speak of a great disaster in your country, snowfall and storms of the very worst kind. You may well imagine that I thought of you at once and of the help you would have to give very likely. I always feel such sympathy for all the interests belonging to you, touching your heart's feelings and giving you ever renewed occasion to help and to be the good angel of yourcountry people. It is very long I have not heard from, and when I think of the short visit to Europe last autumn I cannot help feeling a great regret at not having seen you. You seem so hear and yet so far. I have not seen neither the friend of yours who had stayed some time at Heidelberg and at Baden, and if ever there should be an occasion, I hope you will let her know, that I regret it much. Plenty of work everywhere. If evil comes from evil, much more can we say thank God that good comes from good. In a time like ours with so much activity, such restlessness, such development in each branch of human industry, such rapid progress in science and all the powers united in both one really feels sometimes as if tired from the rapid course of things. Then one feels quite a feeling of rest and repose in witnessing, how much good is done and now much selfishness is balanced by real love to mankind. This is really beautiful to observe, and it seems to me, as if God's blessing is spoken over the end of this century allowing the noble feelings to devote themselves to suffering humanity. And if so everywhere, how grand it must be in your country!And now let me add nothing more, but let me only say that I feel convinced, God is very near you. Yours affectionately Louise Mainaw, Aug. 27th 98. Dict. My dear Miss Barton! Thank God war is really over and we may hope and trust for long. I feel the earnest desire to express to you how often my thoughts have been with you. I have followed you from very far, feeling sure that where everyone would be, wonders will have been done by you. Mrs. Hall-Brown has kindly sent me lately some reports of your activity. I had long wished for some news and did not know how to get them. What is said about your work does not astonish me. Nothing astonishes me what is done by you. Whatever you do for mankind is done under God's blessing by your great and noble heart. The pastword unselfish may be used for others. Applied to you it is far too weak. Nothing is too difficult for you because your love and pity are greater than anything else and your ailing health is supported by the One, whose commands you obey in faithful confidence. But still I am anxious to know how you are, and however sure I feel that God has protected you and will protect you for ever, still I should like to hear how you are if ever by so short a line. I know but too well that when the great word of peace is spoken and war is ended, your work is not ended and will not be so for a long time yet. I do not see you leaving Cuba for many many months to come and fear that [page break] the sort of activity now awaiting you will be of the most difficult kind. Organisation is one of the great gifts God has given you, and this gift will be most useful in present and future times. How much misery you will have to help and how many will cling to you for aid and advise. It will be a comfort to you to feel that you have been able to do your uttermost and to see that all you have done has been of real use and of real help in so many respects. How much you have suffered both physically and moraly I am sure. The reports relate the facts so simply but how much more could be said and how much more I read between the lines knowing you.with its manifold appeals and its often overwhelmingly interests asking to be taken care of. Eye and heart must always and more than ever be raised up to God's Almighty asking him to show us the right way in the greatest questions as well as in the smallest duties. The Grand Duke is well thank God, but we are both growing old, and well do I feel it for myself. My son and his wife are often with us, and my daughter is some what better upon the whole. Dear Mad de Menzingen is keeping up wonderfully. Princess' William's son is happily married. I like to think that it is now more than 30 years that I know you, that I admire you and that I follow you with loving affection. Let me soon hear again how you are going on and if you feel now stronger. God bless you over and over again. [*Ever your's Louise*] Karlsruhe, 12 Jan. 1901 Dict. My Dear Miss Barton! You may well imagine how very great has been the pleasure of receiving again a letter from you and such a letter, so dear, so kind, so very precious. Let me thank you for it from all my heart and tell you like in the old days that often I think of you and always with the conviction that your noble life continues to be a blessing to others and to may though alas! I can follow all your doings only from far. Often do I feel anxious about your health and strength, knowing but too well that your noble heart is always ready for each sacrifice however great it maybe, when a [k]new appeal is sent to you, and that you will work on and on, even if it is too much, humanly speaking. I know that God is ever near you and that it is His strength which keeps up yours, as you always fulfill His holy will, shown to you on your path, the path of love to mankind in its most beautiful meaning. It is such a comfort to have such living examples as yours in the true understanding of what means the Red Cross. Glad am I to hear that you have succeeded in organising on a still larger scale this great and never enough to be developed great work in time of peace as in time of war. Whenever I hear of any great accident in your own country, always do I feel sure that Clara Barton is there with her great plans of active relief and her benevolent feelings understanding sufferings and knowing, how to help. I fear that some of my letters may have been lost and so I have been doubly thankful to receive yours. Often do I try when meeting some of your country-people to hear some account of you, but seldom have I succeeded. Your country is so large! Are you not coming to Europe once more? Distances are getting always smaller and shorter, but so is time also and years seems as if they were weeks. Work grows more and more everywhere and on every stage of life, age and position. Sometimes one feels that one is no more able to keep up in that great trouble which is called active lifeNo.___ Dispatch from Grand Duchess ___189 To Sincerely Sympathize with you all answer below. Sept. 15 1901 No. of Words,___ Form No. 102. THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY INCORPORATED 21,000 OFFICES IN AMERICA. CABLE SERVICE TO ALL THE WORLD. THOS. T. ECKERT, President and General Manager. Receiver's No. Time Filed. Check. SEND the following message, subject to the terms on back hereof, which are hereby agreed to. Washington DC Sept 15 [189] 1901 To Grand Duchess of Baden Carlsruhe Germany Heartfelt thanks for sympathy in deep affection. Clara Barton READ THE NOTICE AND AGREEMENT ON BACK. [?] Carlsruhe, 20th of [?] 1902 Dear Miss Barton! What a most joyous surprise it was, to receive your dear letter written on board of ships and to know, that you are in old [?] again. I'm taking leave of Geheimrat von Marschall, who will represent both our government and our Red Cross Society in Petersburg and in ?ebbing, to whom he was to convey my messages of [?] that of [?] dear Miss Clara Barton would not be there this time.You may well imagine, what I fell in receiving your kind letter. In it not a [?] that your old strength, granted by God's blessing is always there. I have and trust the [?] is not to great. And it will not be. I feel sure Mein Got will be with you, as you always serve the noble cause of the the Red Cross. I hasten to send this lines to Paris as a loving message of welcome and of most affectionate remembrance. I hope you will let me know your further [?], and what you are going to do after Russia & before, there will be some chance of seeing of you somewhere? We are going to pass all May and June between here and Baden with a few interruptions according to the durant [?] a [jutidee]? 50 years of [?] which we have just [?] and which obliges us to go to different parts of the country; it was a most blessed [?]. Thanks for all you say about the Great Werke. I have not yet thanked you for your dear letter, written at the time of [?] Army of [?]most interesting visit to your great and most impressive country. Since then both my dear nephew and Herr von Bisentbecher[?] have told me so much in reference to you and I was glad to listen. Henry has but one wish to go once more to America! We all feel so thankful for the never to be forgotten negotiation[?] he found there. Please feel my best wishing to those who acc[?] you to Russia. I know they will take good care of you. And now God bless you! and please God we shall meet again! Everyone[?] truly affectionate, Louise [*Lesser*] July 11th, 1903 To Her Royal Highness, The Grand Duchss of Baden, Carlsrhue, Germany. My dearest Grand Duchess: Before this reaches you I trust another letter will have done so. May I take the great privilege of asking from your Highness a few minutes interview with my most esteemed friends, Dr. and Mrs. Monae A. Lesser, who are the founders and heads of the Red Cross Hospital in New York and loyal members and workers in the National Red Cross. The pleasure of meeting you, though for a few moments, would be so great to them and an honor to be remembered through a life time, that I cannot refrain from begging the privilege for them. The Doctor goes abroad in the interest of his profession and of the Red Cross. They are such personal and old-time friends of mine that it will seem almost like meeting you myself. In the dear hope that this finds you well and happy, I am as always, with deepest affection, Yours[?] Karlsruhe, 19th of Jan 12 My Dear Miss Clara Barton! This new year is not to go on any further before of sent you my very best wishes for the coming time. May God's blessing be with you every day, as it has always been hitherto, protecting and guiding you in your long life, so entirely denoted to the welfare of others These 42 years I have known understood life, with its trials [?] God sends them to us after his holy will. The affection of my children is an immense blessing for me, as well here as in Sweden, where I have already four great-grand-children And more my dear Miss Clara Barton on a more all my best wishes for you, in unchanging affection! God be in with you! Louise Grandduchs of Badenhonoured + admired you in all the great works you have undertaken, following you with true affection and thankfulness are very rich in remembrances which I keep in faithful fidelity and memory. Time goes on very quick. I am now in my 74th year, and we have to learn a good deal, when age comes on and we cannot work as we used to do. But those who have always tried to fulfil God's will can bear well, what great age brings with it. I know well that you are an example of patience, as you have been one of incessant activity for the sake of suffering mankind. May God bless also this time of rest. I venture to send to you a german poem, I am very fond of about patience, and I trust you will find somebody around you, who will translate it. It has been a great help to me and to many others. It must have been written by somebody whounderstand life, with its trials as God sends them to us after his holy will. The affection of my children is an immense blessing for me, as well here as in Sweden, where I have already four great grand children And now my dear Miss Clara Barton once more all my best wishes in never changing affection: God be with you Louise Grand Duchess of Baden (Copy) Dict Carlsruhe. 19th of Jan. '12 - My Dear Miss Clara Barton: This New Year is not to go on any further before I send you my best wishes for the coming time. May God's blessing be with you every day. As it has always been hitherto protecting and guiding you in your long life, so entirely devoted to the welfare of others. Those 42 years I have known honored and admired you in all the great works you have undertaken.following you with true affection and thankfulness are very rich in remembrances which I keep in faithful fidelity and memory. Times goes on very quick. I am now in my 74th year, and we have to learn a good deal, when age comes on and we cannot work as we used to do. But those who have always tried to fulfil God's will can bear well, what great age brings with it. I know well that you are an example of patience. As you have been one of incessant activity for the sake of suffering mankind. May God bless also this time of rest. I venture to send to you a german poem, I am very fond of about patience, and I trust you will find some body around you, who who will translate it. It has been a great help to me and to many others. It must have been written by somebody whoCopy of last letter written by Clara Barton Glen Echo Feb 26 (1912) Dearest Dearest Grand Duchess: They tell me I am changing worlds, and one of my last thoughts and wishes is to tell you of my unchanging love and devotion to you - I have waited long to be able to tell you of better news, but it does not come. Thanks, oh, such thanks for your letters and your love. Dr. Hubbell will write you of me when I am gone, and I commend him to you. May God bless and keep you forever more Blessings Ever Clara Barton[*c?*] 29 also contains 2 cards with C. B's last autograph Last letter from the Grand Duchess of Baden To Clara Barton And Her reply Given to me for safekeeping & I am to hand the letter to the Grand Duchess after Aunt Clara passes away [?] E. Barton [?] 20/12 Glen Echo, Maryland, April 11th, 1912. To her Royal Highness, Louise, Grand Dutchess of Baden, Karlsruhe, Baden, Germany, Dearest and Most honored friend of my Aunt:- I am the nephew of Miss Clara Barton, her only male relative. Since the death of my father, many years ago, my Aunt and myself have been like sister and brother in our attachment for each other. During all of these years I have known the great pride and honor which your beloved friendship has afforded my Aunt, consequently I feel that I may introduce myself to you as her representative, to inform you of her unhappy condition as she, herself, is unable to communicate with you. Your most treasured letter of January 19th last, came to her during the first days of an illness which is still upon her. Nothing could have given her greater joy and consolation than your loving words of praise and friendship. During the latter part of January, all of February and the most of March, we despaired of her recovery, feeling that the end of her long life of self-sacrifice and devotion to humanity, was rapidly approaching. But she still lingers with us, somewhat improved apparently, though still with grave doubt as to her recovery. Her ailment is-2- primarily a muscular weakness of the heart. A heart which has for so many years, during her long life, beat and throbbed for the suffering of others, now fails to perform its functions for her dear self. Still she lives on in hope and contentment. Occasionally, during the past year, through some official, alarming reports of her condition have reached the public press. Desiring to spare her friends from needless anxiety and sorrow, we have kept from them as far as possible the true condition of her health, in the hope that she would recover. As a sample of the many testimonials of love, honor and respect which constantly come to her in her hours of trial, I take the liberty of enclosing herewith one which has just been received from the Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic (War veterans of 1861-5) at her native City in Massachusetts. Dr. Hubbell, who has had the honor of meeting you personally, I believe, is the faithful guardian. and servant of Miss Barton, almost constantly, day and night, and to him must be accorded very largely the credit of her continued life with us. My Aunt has often told me that some day she hoped for the pleasure of presenting me to your Royal Highness in person, but that can probably never be. She desires me to cherish the memory of your most honored devotion to her as my most treasured remembrance, which, permit me to say, I shall do. I am a busy, business man residing in Boston, -3- Massachusetts, but if time is over afforded me I pray you will grant me the privilege of looking into your face and clasping your hand in mine, in memory of her whom we both honor and adore. Your dear letter of last January to my Aunt should have had a more prompt acknowledgment. Some day I shall explain to you the reason for the delay. It will be my pleasure to send you, occasionally, a brief report of Miss Barton's condition, which is still very critical. My home is nearly 600 miles distant from Washington but I have made the journey six times since January for a few days comfort to my dear Aunt, by my presence. She desires me to convey to you the expression of her everlasting love and the appreciation of your lifelong devotion and friendship. Permit me to subscribe myself, Most gratefully and sincerely yours, P.S. My address is No. 4 Liberty Square, Boston, Massachusetts.