Clara Barton General Correspondence Nason, James S Mar. 1868-Mar. 1872 Jas. S. Nason Ansd Mar 15/08 [*11*] New York March 7, 1868 My dear friend Yours of the 2d. came duly to hand as a welcome messenger - I always like to hear from you and trust you will favor me with lines from you often as possible, perhaps I am asking too much from you - for with the constant strain on your time speaking almost every night, and traveling through the day cant not see how you can stand it - I am not certain as you will get this letter but hope it is not going to the dead letter office - I expect you have laughed at (me), the way you found me when in N.Y. I have been almost ashamed that overI should show so little of the man. I am all right now. have had my sleep. and when I see you the next time hope it will be when I can entertain you better then on your last visit - I have regreted so much of not dining with you - but you must excuse me for several reason - one thought some of your friends was going to dine with you - and one other, my poor condition. I was poor company I know in the kindness of your heart you will over look all short comings and take the will for the deed. Mr. Warner called to see me and had a long talk about your lecture - he and others are earnest in having you on here soon again - every one who heard you speak are more than pleased - I will not praise you - but come again. I will agree to go every night you speak if possible and be with you all the time [possible] that will be propper; and shall think nothing impropper with us. I must not write to much at this time. I have more to tell than I can write, let me hear from you soon as you get this hasty scrawl, have just time to send it before the mail closes Yours James S. NasonNew York, March 20/68. My dear friend Yours from Chicago came duly to house - have given it my full attention. Everything is all right you will have no anxiety about any fail. re in the arrangements - tickets will be sold to the amt' of 4,000 Every thing will be all that you can expect. shall sell some 40 or 50 tickets among my friends Every body is selling them - Mr Warner was here twice to day - he sent you programs &c. - be careful of your health have your voice clear for the occasion - was sory you [had] caught cold hope you are well of it now - dont venture much, save all your efforts for the 3d of April am greatly interested in this matter am glad you wrote me - you have a right to call on me for any aid you want - it will be freely given with pleasure - Mr W. thought I had better write you to night hope you will excuse this short note - I realy have been quite busy to day and now the mail is ready to close - write me soon as convenient, and accept love & friendship of your old true friend, James Jas S. Nason Recd Dec. 21st Ansd Jany 3d 69 New York Dec 21st, 1868 My Dear Sister Clara I have been wondering where you could be during the few cold days that have visited us during the past 3 weeks. Tis a long time since I saw you (and) have expected a letter a month ago so I I should know of your whereabouts. I think you must be sick or you would have written. I do hope you are better than when you went through N.Y. We have wished you with us this winter. Annie asks almost every day if I have not heard from you. do write soon as you get these few lines. You must be carefull of yourself your life is of more value than too waist it upon so muchJas S Nason March 20 1868 Ansd " 26 " [*11*] cares for others - you must care some for No 1 - my health is improving slowly - my old Dr. at Bath sent me some medicine that is healping me very much - the weather is so changable that I am subject to colds most of the time - I do not know of much news to write - have been out very little - we have been going to see Mr Ames people for the last 4 weeks - now have set the time the first day in Jan - Miss Thurston the young Lady I have spoke to you about is spending the winter with us - and by the way I have just recd a letter from Geo Lincoln from Washington he writes that he would like me to give him something to do - and says that Miss Barton is somewhere in Mass. he says he will be willing to do anything for his board - I have been willing to healp him and agreed to do so - but he leaft me without giving correct information of an other situation - I do not feel like healping him anymore. and think you had better not and hope you will excuse me in advising in the matter, but I can not healp it when I think you are imposed upon - I have an apolegy to make in not answering a letter sooner written to me from Mr. Graw Washington I have written him but think he must be offended please excuse me in some way I like to be prompt I must close Annie sends kisses miss you always love write James --you - all the family think so much of my dear friend Clara - I am so glad you are better try and get quite well again - I am better than when you last saw me and hope by spring to [be able to] be well again - Excuse these Errors I am writing in so much haste = Mrs. Thurston of Nabbors is still with us - I do wish it had been you x x x -- she is young and Harry is young [c]. I have some care - but so far have managed to get along she will return home the last of April I suppose --I am truly glad you have got a House of your own - where you can have some ground I know you will enjoy yourself so much better -- when shall you be on to see us -- I hope not long -- I shall be delighted to see you in your new home -- I have not been to Baltimore since a year last Nov -- Annie sends her love Frankie goes to school - just across the street I must close -- from your ever loving friend James [*Jas. L. Nason Ansd. Feb 2 1869*] New York Jan 30th /69 Dear Sister Clara Yours of the 28th came duly to hand - enclosed find bill & bill Ld - for one suit of Walnut furniture One Hair Cloth Rocking Chair & 40 lb best Hair Matress - Now what you will want to go under the Hair Mattress will be a good Husk Mattress size 4x6 by 6 feet - I should send it with the sett but think you can buy them cheaper in Washington -- you will have to pay for the best tick about $8 = good live geese feathers can not be bought here less than 1.00 per lb -- Now I am almost affraid you will think I have boughttoo expensive furniture - let me explain - I went to Boxter & co my old company ground, and found that it was impossible to get a full suit of any kind - they having just had a trade sale [of] which amounted to some $80,000 - I then went to [Ives?] [?] &c. and found I could buy a Walnut Suit for $130 - that Boxter asked 150 for at wholesal - and B & Co. make bought at the Sale - I could not get solid Chestnut much cheaper - and I think Walnut is so much better - Dr. & I agree to make it all right if any thing happens to it or if it should not, be quit right by any fault, on there part for you to go to Moses, and have it fixed and they will pay the bill - in other words it is guaranteed - The burlap is to be returned - at your expense - now dont you remit until you see the goods - I do hope it will suit - Now dear Clara I must close the business part of my letter - You do not know how disapointed I have been by you not writing to me. All that time and then going through N.Y. without me knowing any thing about it I have half a mind to scold through the balance of this letter - Annie asked me so many times if I had heard any thing from you - and also Mrs Ames on whom we called last Saturday Eve - Mrs A was not well so we did not see her the daughter sent her love toJames S. Mason Feb. 13 - Ansd. March. 6 - 1869. New-York Feb 13/69 Miss Clara Barton - My dear friend Your letter with $170 draft came duly to hand. Also the little emblems of spring - they speak words of love, and kind remembrance - they are my favorite. I was a little affraid the bureau glass would be almost too high, for what might be low sealings - I thought it all over and was in the hope of it going in without any trouble I like a good size glass - and bureau - The ornament can be sawed of for the presant arrangementand placed on again when you have a room that will let it all in - although I do not like to do that - the best way would be to exchange - with Moses - but you might not get a good glass - I am glad the chairs and table suit - they did not belong to the sett - I substituted a larger table & better chairs - The amt you sent is just right and any thing that I can do for you will always be done with pleasure - I am well paid for all my trouble by having your friendship, and shall think myself highly honored by your favoring me with any thing you may want. done - I am truly sorry you have been so poorly - I hope you will soon be well again - you must take good care of yourself - I am affraid you are not quite strong - I have lot to tell you but can not write half - I do hope to see you soon excuse this short letter - it is so dark I can hardly see and I want to send it by the mail this eve - I shall be pleased to see any of your friends you introduce to me - by letter or otherwise, write me soon - From your friend James - Excuse yellow envelopeWARE-ROOM OF C.B. ROGERS & CO., MANUFACTURERS OF Wood-Working Machinery. JAMES S. NASON, Ware-Room, 100 Liberty St. N.Y. MANUFACTORY, Norwich, Conn. New York, July 13th 1869 Dear Sister Clara Yours came duly to hand — I think you had better come on here and spend the time you have to spare until you sail for Europe — We want you with us Annie has not gone yet and will not go under two weeks time — Come on here at once — I will do all I can in your absence — but more when you are here — bring all your baggae — will tell you all about it when you come — will meet you at the boat Thursday Morn. Truly your Brother J.S. Nason I have sent a Telegraph dispatch to come on at once and directed to Mr Vassell I think that would be better than wait until Thursday. If none of us should not be at the boat in time take the [Disfassos?] Ferry [and go over to the Ware house?] Excuse the hasty way this is written C.B. ROGERS & CO., MANUFACTURERS OF Wood-Working Machinery. JAMES S. NASON, Ware-Room, 100 Liberty St. N.Y. MANUFACTORY, Norwich, Conn. New York, July 17 1869 Miss Clara Barton — Mr Nason has just returned from the sale of your [Drafs?] & requested me to write that he thought it best to send the enclosed check drawn to your order than the Green Backs — he has just started for Sing Sing — hoping that all will prove Satisfactorly I remain — Yours Respectfully H. A. WeetteJames L. Nason James L. Nason Answered July 21-69Ware-Room of C.B. Rogers & Co., Work-Working Machinery James S. Nason, Ware-Room, 109 Liberty St. N.Y. Manufactory, Norwich, Conn. New York, July 18th, 1869 Dear Sister Clara Enclosed find amt of Green Backs from sale of Gold Draft - $338 75/100 I have not engaged state room as yet - will wait until I hear from you - I have to go at 15-45 to Sing-Sing via RR train - and shall not return until late at night - write soon as you hear from this - let me know what I shall do about securing state room and on what line is best - Truly Your Brother J. S. Nason. New York July 24/69 Dear Sister Clara Yours of the 21st just at hand - I am sorry you are so ill. I truly felt for you when in the city and if I had known that you was so poorly should not had you come on as you did; and then to let you go back so soon - when you was feeling so badly - I could see that it was an effort, to get around and keep up - wasn't I cruel to have you exert yourself so much? I feel that I was. It was no trouble for me to attend to anything my Sister wanted; it gave me pain to see how you suffered - I know you had so much to think about. Of things at home, and the great undertaking to go such a journey all alone -I should not want to travel alone strong as I am; I know how you felt in the matter. Now I think you will not have to make the journey alone think some good friend is going, so cheer up and feel glad & strong - Miss Raymond came in to the store to day, soon after receiving your letter - she will write you soon - It grieved me to read some partitions of your letter - you must not feel sad to leave your dear friends that you have always known - part with them the same as if you should meet them on the morrow we are in the hands of an overruling power - who knows what is best for us and who will keep us let us be where we will, what seems dark at times, is but the dawning of a brighter day. It is my prayer that you will be restored to sound and perfect health, and after enjoying the beauties of the Old Country be returned to your own native land with all the powers of the mind restored to there natural strength - You will find friends among strangers, it is good to get away from old friends some times - Change is needed for mind and body - soon as you are ready come on and stay with us until you are ready to go on board ship and find one to suit you - You have a home with me - when ever you feel like favoring us with your good company - this you know - I am going to Stanton next Monday.morning and shall not return until Wednesday morning - I have to get on business - [Ami?] would send love to you if she knew of my writing so I will send for her with lots from your Every faithful Brother James S. Nason P.S. Write me soon as you can find it convenient and excuse this hasty scrawl. J.S.N. New York Jan 24/70 Jos. Nason - Dear Sister Clara Your letter from Geneva and one from Island of Corsica came duly to hand, the first would have been answered sooner but thought you would get it just as quick to go direct, so waited until you wrote me from your present location, - you must have a fine climate where where you are now living wish I could be with you I did mention to Mr Rogers if there was not something for me to do in Europe, he thought not so I can not see any chance of going for the present - I am too poor to think of it now - I do think you have changed places with your friend Miss Raymond you in her country and she in yours - she is all the time talking about the old country and does not like America. She seems to have a hard time to get along here and think she is discouraged, she has not succeeded as yet and spent some $500. I loaned her to help herout $75. I do not think she gets the assistance of a friend of yours she expected, and which as I understand was promised. I think her and her sister both have to struggle hard to get along - I do not see them often I am truly sorry Miss R has been so unfortunate. They have moved to cheaper rooms and a better location - they have both been to see us and spent two nights, all I write you is in confidence, about them, as they might not like what I have written, and I know you do not want to bothered with any thing of this kind. I can not think what became of my first letter to you, as it was planely diverted - it contained a statement of amt paid out and balance sent to Judge [Heal?] - as you directed - think you must have recd. a letter from him that he recd. it ere this. Now if there is any thing you should want all you have to do is command and it is done. I will get you any thing you desire, and forward as you direct, in your letter was one for Miss [Lowell?] which was forwarded immediately to Washington. The Island you are in must be a delightful location and so historical being the birth place of Napoleon Bonapart - I hope to hear something of interest of the country if you should have the time and patience to write I do not know of any thing of interest to write you from here as you get the paper so regular which I am so glad - I have not been out of the city since you leaft and do not know as I shall go any more - all my evenings are spent at home - Do you think your health is better? You have not said any thing about it in any of your letters - I do hope you are getting rid of your old complaints - when are you coming home? I want to see you so much - Our winter has been so mild and to day is just like a spring day, so bright and warm. Anni's health and Franklin is good & Bridgett & the [?] Henry is the same. Anni has got one of her [friends?] from Balt. with herspending the winter - do you think of going to See Mr Atwatter? - he must be having a fine time - return my thank for his remembrance and remember me to him - I have not seen Mr Richards since you was here but hear from him. I have also been on the Steamer you sailed on at two different times the Officers are just the same pleasant fellows - you do not say if you are alone among Strangers or with acquaintances - you must not let me anoy you in asking questions. I have not quite got over my Yankee Curiosity - My dear friend write me all you have in your heart to write and do not mind any thing I ask -- and just as often as you choose -- I think of going to Norwich to the Annual Meetting in Feb I sold last year $110,000 - doing much better than any of the directors Expected, but for all that the Company did not declare a divadend of but 10% payable next July -- this letter will be a little interest to you . Excuse all errors. Annie & Frank send lot of Love Your loving Brother James -- [*James Nason 33*] New York Jan. 31/ 71 Miss Clara Barton my Dear Friend Your letter under date of came to hand and would been answered sooner but thought I would wait until the Party of whom you write would call. he has not as yet made his appearance -- I assure you I was truly glad to hear from you once more, had concluded you had almost forgotten me and laid your old friend on the shelf -- well I truly forgive you knowing how much of your time is taken up in things of great interest in a foreign Country. I had not heard from you. only through some papers sent me from Washington. In those letters you wrote giving an interesting account of your visits to the Hospitals in France &c - I assure you they was read with great intrest by knowing all these scenes was witnessed by your eyes and penned by your hand -- I am truely glad you are so well and hope you will continue to improve. I think I can see how it was brought about -- am affraid the [Excitement?] of the war had something to do with it - am I right? you must not let what you think is a duty to humanity deprive you of the greatest blessings of life - health It must be dreadful to witness the sufferings that have been brought uppon the French people - It has been a short but dreadfull war. Should think ours was nothing compared to it. Your duties must be great, and more so on account of a different people to treat with - but the human race are the same all the world over. kindness will tell among all nations of the world. Your Experience must be felt in the duties devolving uppon you -- no one can excell you in devotion. Oh, how it must gladen the heart of those poor wounded men to feel your gentle hand softly raising there weary head to wet their parched lips with Even a drink of cold watter. surely your mission is a noble one. Self sacraficing depriving yourself all of the comforts of home and friends. in due time you will have your reward -- I am just about the same that I used to be going along in the same old track -- do not expect to change that position much -- I had the pleasure of seeing Mr Sheldonfrom him learned much - was sorry to hear him say that he did not think you much better, up to the breaking out of the war. Am glad you are not in the field the exposures such as you experianced in our war would be too much for you - Do not do too much. I do wish I could go out to visit you if nothing more but can see no chance. how long shall you remain in your present field of opperations? - Will you return to this country in the Spring? do come back. We want you to make your home with us, we often speak of you. Annie & Frankie are both well and send love - the [sot?] is well also. I have not heard from your sister since she stoped on her way to Washington from her European trip. I have thought it must be her who sent me the papers for which I am so thankfull. Have not seen many of your friends -- Mr Bertram think is in business at the same place. Miss Raymond and her sister are in Brooklyn. do not think they are doing well, given they have a hard time. do not see them often they was at our House Christmass. as for news you are posted in a general way through our papers. have paid for the Tribune for six Mo' send weekly as you requested. I think Mr Sheldon thinks of going to England again in April. he has Engaged some machine of us to take out. It must have been pleasant with them -- I will not write about myself further than to say I am some heavier than I was when I saw you -- my health is generaly good. I do hope you will find time to write me a few lines soon after getting this letter if it will not be taxing your time and strength I will not wait so long before answering. We have just received news of the [the] capitulation of Paris. they are passing through great trials but good must come out of it for the benefit of France - poor France I truely sympathize with her -- what do you think. the future government will be? -- You must be among both Nations and see the contrast in both. I could not finish this letter when it was commenced as you will see. had to leave the city for a few days. by date of mailing -- have expected to see the party you said would call -- I do hope you are well -- you will see that our country is doing something for the peace of France -- write when you will come home. please excuse haste &c -- The winter is severe with heavy snow storms. I see there is little room to write -- so must close accept the kindest wishes from your True friend James -- Please excuse the delay in not sending the letter -- I have waited to see some ans from you or hear again I am truely asshamed to send but you will Excuse -- I know have nothing new to write -- things are the same -- the war is Ended -- when will you come home? always your friend James --New York Mch 7 /72 Miss Clara Barton My Dear Sister Yours of the 25 Jan reached me. I suppose in due time and should have been answered before but for the press of business. I sent to the office of the Revolution and found that the paper had stoped So I paid it up to the first of Mch as per bill inclosed -- do not send the money for it -- wait until you return -- It gives me pleasure to transact any business for you that you see fit to place in my hands -- I had begun to think you had forgoten me entirely. well you might think perhaps you letter would not find me it was so long before you answered mine -- I must excuse you in the duties that have been pressing uppon your time. I have been quite anxious to hear Something from you to know that you are well and your location you have staid much longer than I ever thought you could remain from your native county and your friends -- I am glad you think you are better. I do hope you will get strong and well again, and soon return to us. I am feeling quite sad by the death of two of my best friends. Mr Rogers losthis life by burning of the City New London on the River Thames, one of the Norwich Line of steamers last Nov. he was only five miles from Norwich. Also Miss Thurston my dear Mother to me you have heard me speak of her. She died in Dec. last -- In following them to their last resting places I felt as if I had no near friend - berft. Mr R was like one of the family - Mrs Griffins also died your friend in Washington a short time since, and so our friends 'ar passing away. I am still remain at the old place 109 Liberty Street - no change will take place in our business as we are a Stock Co - I have constantly remained at my post and shall continue to do so. for the present at least - my health is good for me and so is all our family Annie Frank. &c - I shall send them in the Country in the Summer so I shall be all alone for a couple of months. but think shall be able to get along. as I have done so before - It will be very pleasant for you to meet the Sheldens in London - I hope you will return with them, at least not later than the Fall - you have been gone Entirely too long. I want to see you so much but I supose my case is like hundred of others - I will wait until you have accomplished your mission, which seems to have been a providential one to the great advantage of France - I should be happy to hear from you soon as you get this letter - and let me know when you will come home - I will almost promise to meet you in London and come home with you, but hardly dare to say of a certain I want a trip across the Ocean. Am needing rest from the cares of business &c Your Miss Ramond and her Sister Mrs Cleavland. went to Chicago last fall and lost every thing they had but the Clothes on their backs - I did not know that they was there until they retd to N.Y. some 3 or 4 weeks past - I do not know where they are now but think they are some where in N. Y. they have been very unfortunate, I am truly sorry for them - Every thing seems to go 'rong that they undertake. There must be some missmanagement Some where - Miss R asked me if I had heard from you at that time had not Says she has not rec'd a letter from you for a long while I do not know what to write you for now you no doubt & are fully posted about what is going on here So far as politics &c are concerned - The forces are begining to move in the next presidential Campaign - I hope Grant will be our next President or will be reelected.things have been at a high pressure here in N.Y. in financial circles - [Grant?] and his party are, at a discount, & [quick the Eire since?] has had his Earthly reign - Every thing in the shape of Corporations have been in for stealing and they have tried to see who can steel the most - Such humble servant like myself must be content to delve through the long years and be content with a small compensation - So it is with things in this life I like the humble position the best - at any rate try to be content with my lot - I have bought a place out in the Country some 24 miles in a pleasant Vilage - it is an hours ride from N.Y., but I shall not go out to live there this year shall rent it for the present shall want to take you out and See how you like the location I have not heard from your Sister since she returned from Scotland - Supose She is still living in Washington - hope she is well. was in W last season but did not know Exactly where to find her, So did not hunt her up as my time was limited - I have now come to the End of this Sheet, and must have wearied your patience in trying to explain this no wonder you do not want to answer often but hope you will over look it in this case. Annie sends love and also Frankie - write me soon and believe me as every your loving Brother James S. Nason