CLARA BARTON GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Pfan, Theodore Mar, 1876 - Apr. 1878Miss Clara Barton. New England Village You will please excuse in directing a few lines to you and asking you to inform me of the whereabouts of our mutual friend Miss Loraine L. Raymond who left New York about a month ago, and of whom I have heard nothing since her departure, contrary to our agreement. I wrote to Miss Raymond 3 weeks ago to Boston as per direction but I received no answer. As she told me, she might visit you, I take the liberty to write to you, hoping you will be kind enough to inform me of her welfare and where she is. I wrote a second letter a few[*Prof Theodore Pfan 120 Chatham St NY. Ansd Mar 28. 1876*] days ago to Boston, but that might have the same fate as the first one; her silence astonishes me very much, as she, under all circumstances, should have communicated with me. After I heard from you, I will write to you in regard to the late Mrs. Cleadon. Hoping that you will excuse my liberty, I remain Your most obdt. servant Theodore Pfan 120 Chatham St. New York City March 26th 76.Prof Theo Phan ansd April 10/76 spoke of Min K. Miss Clara Barton, New England Village. Most Respected Lady! Your very kind letter dated March 28th came to hand; I am very sorry indeed to cause you so much trouble, but I had hoped and wished that you had recovered your health before this. Miss Raymond told me that you had lost your health by exposures during war times. My dear Miss Barton I must ask you in the first place to excuse my poor expression in your language, as I have done all my writing in the german language, and I am but a poor english scholar, but I can appreciatesuch good a letter as yours; I can not write those soft letters, which are liked by so many ladies, but I don't think by you. If you would have the kindness to put my letter for Miss Raymond, which is in your possession, in an envelope, and send it back to J.L. Newton, 27 Pemberton Square Boston, I think she will get it, as he always knows where she is I think; or you might right away direct a few lines to her, care of Mr. Newton, telling her, that a letter for her is at your house and where to send it. Miss Raymond is very unkind in not writing to me at all. I am very glad to hear, that she got well under your care, she thinks a great deal of you; the death of Nellie has made her almost crazy; business reverses and embarrassments have added to her state of mind; she is sometimes queer, she is certainly an unusual woman; she should think more of earthly affairs while with us; she is to much in the Spirit world; when she left New York in September last year with Nellie, she never wrote to me one line, and I was fool enough to write six letters to her. This time I wrote but once after she had left, waited almost one month, and then I wrote the 2d, which I was obliged to write. I am very much surprised at her silence as sense of propriety should dictate New York April 13th 1876. Miss Clara Barton, Most respected Lady! Your very kind letter dated 9th but mailed 11th reached me yesterday; your letter before this, a short note, informing me of the disposal of the letter to Miss R. reached me in due time. I could not understand, that you made no mention at all of my letter, as yours was mailed on the 3d of April, but by looking at the date I found that it was written already 4 days previous on the 31st of March; of course on that date you could have not got my letter. I have not heard any thing of Miss R. and I don't care to hear of her again; she is certainly the most ungrateful creature I ever saw. I may express myself plainer in some future time; in admiring a woman, who is a woman I detest a masculine woman, who has not those qualities, which are so dear to us. Frederic of Hessen Darmstadt had written on his wifes tombstone: Femina sexu animo vir. but we not often find such combinations; a woman who loves to imitate men, and does it only by smoking, drinking, sitting up late in barrooms &c, setting aside all womanly feelings and by adopting only vices but not manly virtues and force of character, is certainly a queer creature; I love toher to write. It would give me the greatest pleasure to have the honor to be acquainted with you, and if it is not taxed you to much, I would be very much pleased, and very happy, to hear from you again, but you must do nothing of the kind if your health should not permits of it. You certainly will take me for a queer creature, but I cannot help that, I always say what I think, and what I feel; I love to correspond, and particularly with such a remarkable, strongminded and genial lady as you. You will please excuse my liberty in writing to open and free to you, and in taking up so much of your time. - Yours very Truly Theo. Pfan 120 Chisham New York City March 30th see a woman smoke and drink, but she should never forget that she is a woman. A woman has her sphere, and things are very often overdone, like it is the case with the reformers. Mrs. Woodhull will never succeed, others must come forwards. Karl XI. of Sweden told to the queen once "Nous nous avons prise, Madame, pour faire des enfants, non pas pour gouverner." There is a great deal of truth in that, of course Louis XVI, who was not to galant, would never had said this to Marie Antoinette, and Jean Jacques who loved and adored women said: "Mon dieu quelle peine de faire entendre raison a une femme" And it is a fact with a great many women Plaire, charmer, seduire Est un bonheur dans leur printemps, Mais gouverner, avoir l'empire Est leur plaisir dans tous les temps. but I fear, that Victoria and Tennis prefer also: Ainsi mieux pour s'en faire conter Prêter l'oreille aux fleurettes du Diable Que d'être femme et ne pas coquetter. You will excuse me my dear Miss Barton. I get out of the track and talk about things what don't interest you; for you have devoted your life to a higher and nobler cause but nevertheless there is such a strange feeling coming over me whenever I think of a maid. I always imagine that each female who does not bear children has not fulfilled her part in this world, you undoubtedly know what Shakespeare are said in "All's well that ends well", commencing: "Loss of virginity is rational increase and there was never virgin got till virginity was first lost - tis against the rule of nature, to speak on the part of virginity: tis to accuse your mother etc. etc. You will please excuse all this, it is may be foolish, but I cannot help it but I always write, what I think, This is sometimes not wise, but I do it, and I don't hesitate at all in this case, as I take you for such a sensible woman, who understands me perfectly well, without being offended. Such an illustrious, world renowned Lady as Miss Clara Barton can well afford to be very liberal in her views, for there is nothing in the world, what could injure her. In regard to your kind remarks as to my english, I beg to differ with you, and I think I am a good judge; I always feel such things, and I never will understand any thing, which I can not master; if you would understand german, I could write you good letters, but in the english language I can not I was already 25 years old, when I came to this country over 25years ago; it is true I could read and write before ever I thought of coming to this country, but after I had lost all in the revolution 48 and 49 and was thrown in prison, I was a beggar after I received Amnesty, then I would not remain in a country, where I used to be independant rich and where I could not ever express my views. I never loved the english language, and at the time, when I could master [5?] languages I neglected the english and even preferred dead languages as latin for instance; I did love french the best and as I was several years at Paris and Bruxelles I could master it, but during my 26 years American life, out West I had never occasion to practice it, and I have almost lost it, as my memory fails me of late Your kind letter my dear Miss Barton has given me great pleasure, and I am very proud that you entrust me with the affairs of your lady friend. Frank Leslie who is a great fool left yesterday for Philadelphia, he is President I believe of the Art Dept at the exposition, but he will be back in a few days, and by that time you will be so kind to send me a manuscript of Miss Kupfer? "Story of a Kitten." You can rest assured that I will do all in my power to have it published and the lady remunerated, but as Leslie is a fool nothing can be promised, I will go first to the Editor and then we will influence him from different quarters; Leslie himself understands nothing; of course he is the proprietor, and the great masses think he is the man - he is an egotist, ambitious tyrannical thinking he knows it all, when he knows nothing. So all will be done, and if I succeed, it shall make me very happy, to have an opportunity to be of some service to you - but you must understand that I can nothing promise; but it is in good hands. You must not think, that your letters are to long, no, I was sorry, when I came to the end - to receive letters and to write, is one of my greatest pleasures, that is, when I find sympathetic souls - it is not often however. Miss R. is one of my latest experiences, which grieves me very much; she never wrote me one line after I had given her attention, timeand every thing for months; I never saw such a thing in my life; it hurts me to know that there are such human beings: I fear there is some hippocrisy about her; I tell this only to you because I know, it will go no further; but because I am constructed so quite different from that, it goes so hard with me - I can not understand it, the possibility, that a lady can act as she does; she is half crazy; certainly a very queer person. If you will do me a favor, you will please write her my complaints about her, I should like to know what excuse she has to offer for her strange conduct - but if you do not see proper don't do it; women have finer feelings in that respect. Mr and Mrs. Keppler send their highest regards to you; whenever you visit New York, you will not fail to call on us, No 142 West 4th Street between Washington Park and 6th Avenue. We will be very happy to receive you, and I hope you will come; My daughter Pauline takes after her father, she is full of life and I am proud to say a good wife and mother and a perfect lady. Now to invite you, is no formality or etiquette; I mean what I say; and if I should come near you I certainly would call on you; even uninvited. I suppose you will be tired by this time to read my letter, which contains a great many things, very likely, of no interest to you, and this you will excuse. If the manuscript will not meet the approval of Monsieur Leslie I will return the same to you unless I find an other channel for it. Please write me soon and don't be afraid, that the letter will be to long, and let me know, whether there is some prospect of seeing you here in New York. Sincerely and Truly Yours Theodore Pfan.Prof Pfan April 13. 1876New York May 5th 1876. Miss Clara Barton Most respected lady! As you have not answered my last letter, only by sending the manuscript with a few lines, I inform you that the manuscript is in the hands of the Editors; what the result will be, I do not know. On account of the exposition every thing at Frank Leslie's seems upset down; there never was much system in his management one said they were overcrowded with manuscript the other feared it might be to "childish"_ just think of such an idea_ but as those fellows feed the children with horrible awful stories, they got such bad taste, and then such stuff "tastes" better, well we will see- I could not see Leslie himself - he is a great deal out of town, partly in Philadelphia, partly making preparations for his Saratoga season, and when he comes he is overrun, overcrowded, and bad humored just now.as soon as I know the result I will write to you - may be I can find some other, more sensible man, than at Leslies'. I am very sorry, that I do not hear from you, and that you failed to answer my letter, and that you also did not grant my request to hear from Miss Raymond the cause of her silence - I have not heard anything from her since her departure. I am very unlucky with New England ladies it seems; I correspond occasionally with two southern ladies, whom I find different. I earnestly hope that it is not illness, what prevented you from not answering my last letter, which I did send about 3 weeks ago. I thought I would under all circumstances inform you, how matters progressed in regard to the manuscript and as I don't intend to trouble you any further with my writing, I will close, hoping to hear from you soon. True & Sincerely Yours Theodore Pfan [*Prof Pfan May 13. 76*] New York, May 13th 1876. Miss Clara Barton: Most respected lady, dear Friend! Your very kind letter, dated May 9th came to hand yesterday on my return from Staten Island. To day is the 13th day of May - it is my birthday, and you are the only person I shall write to today. This day calls for a great many incidents - a great many are joyous ones this day; 52 times I have seen the leafs fall from the trees - it was a long journey, and is it not strange, is it not terrible, that I have not one friend in this world? I am not thankful to have been put in this world - for me it was a long chain of sacrifices sorrows, disappointments, &c; my father like most of men, put children into this world in a moment of passion so I have nothing to thank him; I always revered the mother; and I never forgot while in Belgium as a youth of 21 I had a friend - Adolf Dillens - now a celebrated painter, living in London who would shed tears, when he saw a woman enciente - it made a great impression on me; I have noticed that mostly all great men have to thank their greatness motherly influences; as I don't believe in a future, at least not in that form, in which so manyProf Theo Pfan May 5. 1876 believe in, it seems natural, that I strifed to find my heaven here. My religion always was: For modes of faith let graceless zealots fight He can't be wrong, whose life is in the right but it is not my intention to speak to you of my life and what I believe or what I don't believe - I have to write to you as an unknown power drives me to do so; it is sometimes so necessary to have somebody to whom you can confide; a great many things I have to tell you, but I will not trouble you now with any thing, I only wish to ask today your pardon for writing to you such rude a letter as I did, but I told you in one of my first letters that I could not master your 'language', I feel it, and that is sufficient; please never write to me, if you don't feel like; it is not my wish that it shall be a burden, say it shall be an hour of recreation and pleasure. I did not mean to hurt your feelings. I will never be dissatisfied, even if you don't write for months, but I ask the privilege to write occasionally to you; I had no idea, that you was as unwell as that, and I thought, as long as you can write pages for the sake of Miss Kupfer you might just as well write to me. I forgot, that she is an old, tried friend of yours and that she has older rights; I am so foolish, to think or to expect that others should feel as I do. Your letter is a masterpiece, and I feel keenly the superiority and grandeur of woman, and have to acknowledge once more how far superior and how much more tact you possess as I do - you see I am not lost yet - I own up my faults; You will please pardon me and forgive me for what I did write if it should have pained you; it is not the heart, it is the head. Your remarks regarding Miss R. are equally correct, but I must put myself right and say, that it was not my intention, that you should tell her more than my surprise as to her silence, the balance was written only for you, and I left that with you to judge yourself how far to go. I had a great many things to tell you but as you, while so overburdened, will not care to listen to it, I postpone it for future times. words, I have not, to tell you how cutting your letter was in several instances, and I felt that I owe you an apology andhope, that you will not take me to be a man without feelings and that refinement, which is so necessary to make things agreeable in this world; I hope you understand me perfectly. This evening I have invited a literary, musical and artistical circle, to celebrate Papa's birthday. We will have St. Louis Buckbeer and a Bowl of Maywine, a splendid drink made of wine with pine apple, strawberries and oranges flavored with an herb called "Waldmeister," this is a favored Bowl on the Rhine and as we Teutons always stand up for our language and fashions we will have a real "dutch" party and for the ladies some thing sweet besides and for gentlemen to wind up with Herring Salad. I would have liked to talk to you all day, I have a great many things to talk over with you, but I will tax your kindness not any longer. I shall Miss Kupfer inform, as soon as I hear something positive. Please excuse my frankness and don't disturb yourself in answering this letter, but I had to write to day to you and I am now satisfied. Adieu, hoping that you will with the beautiful season get strength and recover your health. I am truly and sincerely your friend Th. Pfan.New York City, May 27th [1876] Miss Clara Barton! Most Respected friend! Your kind letter, dated 21th came to hand in due time, and I am very glad to hear that your health is improving, and that you are able to go on a journey; I hope, that you will be permanently benefited by it, and that you don't exert yourself to much, and overrate your strength. You can imagine, that you made me very curious, and I am anxious to hear from you, as you wrote you had to tell me something in a few weeks. I did not hasten to answer your kind letter as I thought you might be annoyed otherwise, and it would be the best for you, to hear as little as possible, and having so muchrest as you can find. I did not hear anything direct from Miss R., and to tell the truth I do not care much - she is a mystery to me; my thoughts about her, I do not care to write down but as I hope to see you once one of these days, we will talk about it; it is remarkably strange and interesting in a psychological point of view - you must not imagine, that we are quarreling - I am only surprised at her unwomanly conduct, ingratitude and unkindness - she is either part of the time out of her mind, or to use a common phrase a "dead beat" you need not answer any part of the letter, which speaks of her, I only mention it, because you was kind enough in yours to inform me of her movements so far as they come to your knowledge Miss R. has before this acted strange towards me in never answering several of my letters but when she returned to New York she made excuses and said, that she suffered physically and mentally during Nellie's sickness and on account of her death &c., and I was good enough to believe it all, to be treated worse the 2d time. It amused me very much that you came out with some mysteries or rather impress me as if something extraordinary concerning you, is going on, and all sorts of things pass through my brain, well I have to wait patiently till you find time to "let me know something" I have not lost out of sight Miss Kupfer and her interest, and may be in my next letter, I can tell you something about the manuscript, as I shall go there I think next week, but as Mr. Leslie is not in town and either at Saratoga or Philadelphia, I might not get a final answer. You wrote, that the lady is very [bussy?] also - every thing seemed my birthday, we had a very pleasant evening, and as there were some sensible ladies in the party, it was all what could be desired; we broke up 3'o clock in the morning; I brought out a toast to my absent friends, which includes Miss Clara Barton I will not tell you what quantity we consumed, for you would be astonished, but as only hightened Gentlemen were present, and also ladies in the company, the greatest "decorum" was observed and we could not revive the students "commerce" what some undoubtedly regretted very much. I earnestly hope my dear friend that you are now in the full enjoyment of your visit; you will not write to me, unless it will be a pleasure, a recreation to you - no duty or burden - I don't want such letters, and rather wait till you really feel like writing to me. Hoping that this will find you in improved health, and good spirit I am sincerely and truly Yours Theo. Pfan.to sound mysterious to me - I might be in the wrong - Mr. K. has composed a cartoon, Offenbach leading and surrounded by personages of all his Operas - The Composition is pronounced by the Critic a masterpiece and the execution a further proof of his genius; after your return to your Cottage, I will send to you with pleasure a copy about 50 figures [surnamed?] the Master of the Cancan, the father of at least half of the popular melodies throughout the civilized world. I was last night at the Offenbach Concert; Gilmores Garden is beautiful decorated and illuminated; gigantic Palm trees, ferns, Ficus and all sorts of plants give the place a tropical view; the murmuring of the waters and the sweet music makes it delightful and a glass of lager, a Key West Cigar complete the enjoyment, and if you have a sensible lady with you, then it is almost heaven - I thought of you and wished you would be with me, wonder whether you had an idea then, that I was thinking of you. Please accept my thanks for your kind wishes in regard tothink so also, but they think that labor is a shame; this is very strange for this Country, don't you think so? Corruption and luxury has destroyed the roman Republic and if they continue here as they are doing for the last eight years this glorious republic will go to pieces. My dear friend, I shall be so much pleased to hear from you soon, and how your little house looks and your "sanctum" have you flowers there? Are you going home after? Fannie will feel lonesome is she not scared to be in the house alone? Are you improving in health and strength? I had a great many pleasures since my last, driving out to High Bridge; summer night festival of the [Lieder...?] - a party at our house, Offenbach, Aimée, Horticultural exposition at Gilmores; Theater at the Athenaeum, Brooklyn, &c. &c., but I always thought of you and wondered how you might get along; I did send you the other day one of Keppler's Offenbach Caricatures - how do you like it? The people of your former residence will miss the sick lady in the big white house very much I suppose. New York City June 19th, 1876 Miss Clara Barton! My Esteemed friend! Your very kind and ever welcome letter, dated May 31st, reached me in due time, as you closed your letter, by informing me, that you are commanded to limit your correspondence in numbers and length, and so I feel, that I cannot ask to be placed in the rank of old and tried friends, and further as I do not wish to be instrumental to the delay of the recovery of your health, I thought best not to trouble so much with my letters, as there are others, who have better and older rights. It is almost three weeks - a long time - I missed your letters and I trust not to ask to much, when I ask you now, not to let me to long without an answer. I was very much surprised to hear your unexpected removal - I imaged you had a little paradise near Grafton, and I thought you would not have energy enough to think of such a thing as to move - for me is moving the most terrible thing I can hardly think of. You know in the old Country, we are used to live in the house, wherewe are born, all our lifetime, and after our forfathers for many generations back are born in the same house, but America would not be what it is if it would not be characteristic with Americans to move and push forwards. You very likely with the loss of Miss Küpfer would have felt lonesome, and will have more suitable attractions at your new home, besides being under constant treatment which I earnestly and sincerely hope will in not a very distant time restore your health in such a measure as to enable you to participate in the pleasures of this world. Your remarks in regard to fashionable living at watering places are to True; I would not give a Cent to be at Long Branch or Saratoga; I made an exception to Newport; I passed two summers ago a few very happy weeks there, there is no shoddy, no gamblers or fast people - I found the best class of Americans and foreigners, of course to aristocratic for my taste, but nevertheless pleasing - we all prefer good society, and are not in our sphere amongst low, rude people, of course you in your noble work went through all. Newport is by rights the Bijou City; I cannot express with words in your language how I felt there - it was very strange and is so yet; I never saw in this Country so many beautiful flowers, gardens, &c. and it is so still and quite there, and the murmuring of the waters and the particular smell of the sea, healthy and pleasing to me, the fine beach and the many ladies who bath there with the greatest nonchalance - modest and pure, all together appeared to me like heaven on earth; I wrote an article at the time about Newport, which I published in Schurz's paper, and which I consider one of the best I ever produced in that line of journalism, because I was inspired, I wished to live there all my life and in winter to - I admire Nature, the sea, the rocks and the foaming waters all this is my God, I think you understand me and my feeling; but as a poor fellow can not do as he pleases, I can not see Newport, and I do not know, when I ever will see it again. A great many say "poverty is a crime", I believe the American Aristocracy2. I have never heard one word from Miss R. directly; whenever we should meet in this life I would tell you what strange creature she is; I never experienced any thing like it in my whole life. I have not been at Philadelphia yet, and it is very strange. I have no desire at all, I shall go about September I think, of course I must go, as I never saw a worlds exposition yet. I expected my brother Ludwig here, he is a celebrated writer on art, but he has a perfect horror for America, he said he might have come but there is a great exposition at Munich he receives from "Bazar" Berlin fifty Dollars for each letter, and one thousand travelling expenses; he has written a great many books and he was an intimate friend of Freiligrath and Herwegh, whose works he is now Collecting - he wrote a celebrated Art history &c. I just received a letter from him, as a lyric poet he is often quoted. I now must close, you will get tired reading all my nonsense Note: Ferdinand Freiligrath (1810-1876), a German poet. Note: Georg Friedrich Rudolph Theodor Herwegh (1817-1875), also a German poet.Hoping that this will find you much improved, please accept those little flowers from my yard and believe me to be Your sincere friend Theo. Pfan [*Prof. Pfan June 19. 1876 Ansd " 23 "*] [*Prof Pfan*] New York City July 3d 76. Miss Clara Barton My Esteemed + dear friend! Your very kind letter, dated June 22d came to hand, and I was very much pleased in receiving such a long and good letter, a sign, that your health is improving - I earnestly hope, that the time will not be far, when you can move about, and go wherever you feel like, like other mortals; it is strange, that you, loving the sea so much, did not select a place near to the Ocean, but that might be to strong for you, having near relations at Newport I think, I would under all circumstances have gone there - you know I love Newport so dearly, that it is You speak in your letter about "my strong, well seasoned taste" - do you judge me by my letters? I must say, notwithstanding having passed fifty, I feel young - to young sometimes, for it not always looks well for a man whose moustache is turning white, to feel or rather to act so young, but you know I never care for the opinion of the names - if I am satisfied with myself, by laying the hand upon my heart, then all is right, but this cold world judges sometimes wrong. - I always had a desire to see it all - I moved in the most aristocratic circles in Europe and had amongst my intimate friends princes of royal blood, I made it my bussiness also to visit the lowest dens of depravity, the most dangerous holes of gamblers and thieves, and I wasmy only wish to be able to spend about one month there, but that is just now impossible - I always have been a martyr - to good for this world, to liberal, and this world has always shown the cold shoulder to me - I have earned a great deal in my life, but the art of keeping money I never learned yet, and I am afraid, I never will; if I had never seen a certain lady, I might now be able to spend a few weeks at Newport, but who would think, that a lady with such pretentions and aristocratic, airy manners would not only not keep her word, but keep as silent as death - well this is a great Country; I was well aware, that there are a great many such birds amongst men, but I must confess, that I am rather astonished to find this amongst ladies - The whole thing is rich - but there was no necessity of telling lies, Miss R. would have accomplished the same, by telling me that she was in need, but could not tell the time, when she would be able to return the money, but as she promised to do it in a few weeks, I done more than I ought to have done; and in the last days, she worked me to make a loan with Mr. Keppler, she giving her note - I am glad, that I told her, that I could not do it, it seems to me now, that she, for the last couple of years makes it a practice to do such bussiness, leading a lazy life in hotels and first Class boarding houses at the expense of others, and getting funds by false pretenses. for luxury, what will finally destroy this country - history teaches us that; American woman are almost the cleanest woman I know, but for a great many I would not vouch as being true to their husbands, but this is only with the so called good society - french are lovelier and german deeper, more sentimental and therefore in many instances unhappy As for Kepplers Cartoon, may be you dislike all such things, as being trivial - he will start in a short time an illustrated paper called "Puck"- I shall send you the Prospectus, which will be issued in a month or so. I was under the impression that you had selected N.E. Village for your permanent home, therefore I was astonished to hear of your movement. The love of a home is characteristic with the Germans, and I can well understand all you wrote to me about it - you can well imagine my dear friend how unhappy I feel in not having my own home, that is a little house and garden which I 2. happy amongst the peasants in those beautiful villages in Germany - I think I have by that studied human nature in such a degree, that I consider myself a pretty good judge but in regard to Miss R. it failed; I have to high an opinion of American ladies, who moved in better society, as to think, that it is possible for them to be able to act such a part. I have seen woman of almost all Nations, but I must say, that an American lady is almost perfection - that is a lady of wealth, whose husband can provide for her in such a manner as she wishes; in other stations of the society, I never found with any other nation the knowledge of "keeping up appearance" & well carried out, as it is understood by American ladies, and notwithstanding all this I think the best and noblest class of American woman are to be found amongst the farmers - you must not look for them in large Cities, for every thing gets spoiled; I only had the pleasure for five years to live Note: Puck was a humor magazine with cartoons and political satire first published in German in 1871 by Joseph Keppler, an Austrian-born cartoonist, the first English language edition being published in 1877.two years on a farm in Ohio, about 25 miles from Cincinnati (Loveland Station), this is over 22 years ago; I was cheated out of a small fortune by an Englishman, and my friend Judge Stella laughed at me, for being as foolish as I was, he said he could not help me, as I failed to put it down in writing, I trusted to the honesty of the man, when I considered my friend; but this lesson did not make me wiser; I had heavier losses after that, but I cannot help it - I am made so, but Miss R. has given me cause of earnest thinking. - During my country life in Ohio I had some occasion to learn to esteem the American farmer girls, and I think with pleasure back, and often wished to have remained amongst the hills of the Little Miami - I laid out an orchard of 40 acres and 10 acres vineyards, started a nursery and laid the foundation to a large horticultural establishment. I not only love wine, woman and song, as Martin Luther said, I also love flowers, and in such a measure, that I, all my life time, have always some little flower in my button hole. I was borne rich on a great valuable estate, with all the flowers and fruit you can imagine, greenhouses, fountains amongst birds and flowers- and the revolution of 48 & 49 rendered me penniless, every thing was confiscated and I was thrown in prison, after 9. months I received amnesty through the friendship of royal princes - I was foolish to be with the people and endeavor to dethrone and destroy my friends; people is a savage beast - they say to day Hosianah! and tomorrow crucify him! I lost an immense fortune and made twice small ones in this Country, but always lost it again- now I am almost to old, although I am making great efforts again to get up once more - I told Miss R. that I thought very strange to take all from a poor man and not call upon her rich friends, but I suppose she has already abused them. An American lady or rather woman has it more in her power, than any other, to suppress her feelings, but they are to much for the dollar and3. can call mine; we of course live in a very nice house on 4th street and Washington Place near 6th Avenue, a house with all modern improvements &c. but I would prefer to have a frame Cottage surrounded with trees, shrubs and flowers - My father owned one of the largest horticultural establishments in Germany. I was his pet and it was his wish, that I should take charge of it; my education was first Class and I studied particularly Botany and all the branches of this most beautiful bussiness, but after I had lost in this Country the rest of my fortune, I found it to hard to compete with others, as I had not the necessary funds, and I did not like to work for others or benefit them by my science and knowledge - my education enabled me to join the "Bohemians" But my dear friend you will excuse me, I don't know what ails me, to speak so much of myself, but it is partly necessary to know each other, to make the correspondence more interesting - this letter you must excuse any how - it is terrible hot, and has been so for the last 8. or 10. days, but I felt liketalking a little with you, and particularly on that eventful day or evening before the 4th of July, the 100 anniversary of our Republic, this letter needs excuse, for it is badly written also and contains much nonsense I suppose; but I always write as I feel and never dream of thinking what I will write or reading my letters over, after they are written; I never look [of] over my manuscript for the newspapers, but this I often had to regrett, but I don't do it yet You closed your kind letter, by telling me, that you had to go to a lecture at your Hall - how do I pitty you I do not like lectures - I can not digest all, as it comes from the lips and by thinking over this, I love that I am very fond of reading and I never feel lonesome, but I never went to a lecture yet but once I believe; but people often does things to pass time. Hoping to hear from you soon and good News as far as your health is concerned I send you my best wishes and am as ever Your true & sincere friend Theo. Pfan.[*Prof. Theod. Pfan Ansd asking him to look after Abram Golay and enclosing $3. to give him.*] New York City, Aug. 16th 76. 120 Chatham St. Miss Clara Barton! My dear esteemed friend! It is about 2 months, that I have not heard any thing from you; my last letter, which I send to you, about July 3d, was not answered. I hope, it is not sickness, what prevented you from writing, and that your time is more agreeable occupied. I have to day mailed for you a Copy of the "Westliche Post" of Sunday Aug 13th, for which number I wrote an article about Miss Clara Barton - it is my wish that your name shall live forever in the hearts of my German fellow Citizens, and that the memory of Clara Barton shall be sacred and dear to Germans as well as to your own Countrymen. The two papers I mailed to you, isone issue - I choosed the Sunday paper called "Mississippi Blaetter" 2d page because it is devoted to literature only, and has a very large circulation here and in Europe, the "Westliche Post" of St. Louis, whose owner Carl Schurz is, has the 2d largest circulation of any German paper in America - if you like an other Copy you will please inform me. I suppose you will find an intelligent German there, who will translated the article to you, and in such a manner that the same is expressed in english, what I said in german - I further wish that you will be pleased with my little work, a proof that I am in spirits with you, if you do let me wait for months to hear from you and your welfare. Mr. Keppler will issue the Prospectus of his new paper called "Puck" in a few days, and I will send you a Copy. I have been part of the time a little unwell, consequence of the terrible hot weather I suppose. Miss R made her appearance a week ago; I saw her twice, but lost sight of her since Friday last - the heat preventing me from leaving the house. I will not trouble you any further with my writings to day. Hoping that this will find you in improved health, and that you will favor me with an answer to my last letter and this one, as soon as it will be convenient, I am Your sincere friend Theodore Pfan Note: Mississippi Blätter (St. Louis, Mo.) 1857-1932, was part of the Sunday edition of the Westliche Post, a German newspaper edited by Carl Schurz. Note: Puck was a humor magazine with cartoons and political satire first published in German in 1871 by Joseph Keppler, an Austrian-born cartoonist, the first English language edition being published in 1877.[*Prof Pfan Aug 30 1876 Ansd Oct 24 "*] not work any and that he rooms on Amity Street - now this street is in that vicinity, Green, Wooster, Thompson, about the worst locality in New York and hardly any better than Baxter, Crosby, Mott, Elisabeth or any one of those terrible places near Five Points; I thought, before making any further efforts in finding Mr. Golay, I would write this to you, as I think it would be wiser to return the $3. to Dansville, in the first place, it will not help him more, than to have a frolic with his associates at your expense, but I most leave it entirely to you if you wish, that I shall carry out your order of Aug 21st, I will make it my special bussiness to put letter and money in his hands New York City, Aug 30th 76 My dear friend! I received your kind letters dated Aug 20th, and yesterday the one of the 27th, and will now answer both; my dear friend, I have been very glad indeed to hear from you after such a long silence; I was afraid, that the state of your health is preventing you from writing; you may rest assured, that, as sorry I am to receive not more letters, you need not to apologize, and if I had to wait twice as long for an answer, I never will complain again. I sincerely hope that the pleasant weather, which must come now will improve your health and give you strength, and that you by strictly following the advice of your physician may soon enjoy health enough to enable you to participate in those pleasures of this worldwhich we only can enjoy when in good health. I hope you will get a good translation of the little article, which I wrote about you, - some of my german friends pronounce it very good; it will give me great pleasure to send a copy, which I have fortunately left to your friend Miss Küpfer; I shall also enquire about her manuscript, and in case that there will be no chance of getting it in, I shall return the same to the lady; I must confess, that I have attempted only 3 times to see the proper parties, and that I have failed, and this summer it was almost impossible, even dangerous to do so many errands particularly for a man full of blood and built as I am; I suffer a great deal in hot weather, and accordingly prefer the winter; spring, we have not got any in this country, and the autumn is the finest season in the year, but sometimes of short duration also; of course, whom providence has provided with earthly goods can make it agreeable all the year round, but my enthusiasm for freedom and liberty made me side with the people in 1848 and 1849 - the consequence of it was the loss of all, and I was glad to save my neck, which was only done by my intimate acquaintance with one of the royal princes; I have drawn the sword in this country for the Union, and I am proud of it. I have endeavored twice to see your protegé, Mr. Golay, but failed so far, although I found out, where he stops at every day; this be 10 South 5th Avenue near Amity Street is a little bit of a shoe shop, the folks there told me, that he didI am glad to perceive by your last letter, that you are improving and I think, that you soon be able to stir about like other mortals. The Prospectus of Mr. Keppler's new illustrated paper "Puck" will be out in a few days, when I will have the pleasure of sending you a Copy - of course it is in German, but you will understand the illustrations. Hoping to hear from you in regard to Mr. Golay - if only a few lines - I am Sincerely Yours &c Theodore Pfan. 2. at once, otherwise I will burn up your letter to him and send the money to you; in this case you might write him a few lines, telling him that you was by sickness prevented to tend to any such affairs; the letter directed as before, will safely reach him. I hope you will understand me; I am only suggesting of course and will act according to your wishes after you had this letter before you - it looks to me like throwing away money; I will however with the greatest pleasure see what I can do for the poor man in getting some work for him, and after you have decided and informed me I will under all circumstances appoint a certain time, where we will meet; I hope you will approve of my action so far, I would have written to you this without receiving the letter yesterday.Miss R., I have not seen for 3. weeks, I only saw her twice, the first and 2d day of her arrival; I told you long ago, that I did not care of seeing her again - I have no time, money or inclination to be her "chevalier servante"; she is entirely to masculine for me, and the first time, when she had arrived 3. weeks ago, I went to pay her a visit, I saw a whisky bottle stuck away in some corner; she has twice after I had done her a great many favors never wrote me one line, after she had left the City for six months and more; well it is useless to go into details; the letter for her, I gave to Mr. Specht a gentleman at whose Saloon she drinks nightly her beer; I think it would be far better for Miss R. to live at home, as it is very expensive to live in New York and to live at the expense of others does not seem right to me. She has her good parts of course as every body has, but she failed to explain in a satisfactory manner what induced her to act as she did. I am not situated to make loans, but of course if I see an acquaintance or friend in need, I step in and do what I can, particularly if it is promised to me, that the money would be returned to me in a certain time; she has not acted right by me, and taking all together I am not very anxious to see or meet her, and that will remain so untill she comes out fair and square; but all this is "enter nous" because I would not speak to any body of it but you and to let you know that the lady is nothing to me after I found out, that she does not act alltogether right.always used to live in large Cities, more doings in those little New England Towns must appear strange; the streetcars will only accomodate church members - at least they make such pretentions - and a glass of beer or a Cigar I could not get for love or money - every body seems afraid of denunciations and, what they call State Constables, detectives &c. &c. - all this looks strange to take place in a free Country! Of Miss R. I have heard nothing since she left, and she left even without telling me good bye - she is a strange, queer creature, who means good very likely, but got into trouble by her kindness - why she does not try to do something for herself, I cannot understand - She might do such in giving music lessons - I do not know her circumstances, but it seems that she has pretty much exhausted her means, lost energy and pride and finds relief in whisky, this is sad; did you hear any thing from her lately? Mr. Keppler's new enterprise "Puck" is a success and there is a probability of issuing an english edition pretty soon - it seems that the Graphic Co. can not keep up, as they have sunk already 750,000 Dollars. New York City Dec. 31st 76. Miss Clara Barton, My esteemed friend! This is the last day of the Centennial year, and the last letter I write this year; and the only one, and I write to you. The year 76. was rather a lucky one for me; and one of the most pleasant incidents of the passed year is, that I had the pleasure of getting acquainted with you. - My last letter to you was written at the end of August, and after I waited patiently two months, I received your welcome letter dated Oct. 24th - so not to feel slighted, I punished myself in not writing to you, because I can not expect an answer, if I do not write myself - to wait two months also in answering your kind letter, is no retaliation, but it saves you the trouble to write to me any sooner, and as it seems you fixed the time at two months, I hope you will now be ready to write me soon, and by not waiting two months again we will change the time of exchanging letters. [*Prof. Theo Pfan Dec. 31. 1877 Ansd - Jan " Sent NY. card*] It is also my desire to visit Europe once more, and when I am able to do so, I shall certainly go 1878, when the Paris Exposition takes place although I think, it is not so pleasant now for Germans to live in Paris as it was at my time during the reign of Louis Philipp and the last time I was there Napoleon the 3d just became powerful. The news of my brother Ludwig are sad - he used to live at Paris about 20 years and hates Emperor William, he has written fearful articles against Prussia but in view of all this, he was compelled to leave France like all Germans during the Franco-German War; he always protested against the assumed protectorat of Prussia over the Southern German States and last summer he was at Munich where a great exposition took place, he went there as Special Correspondent for the "Frankfort Journal" - he took occasion to make bitter remarks about Prussia and it seems connected The Emperor and Bismark with it, he wrote to me, that he had to give security to appear at Frankfort and stand trial, and he expects, that he will be imprisoned for aNow I hope, that this letter will find you in improved health and good spirits, and that in future you will feel more disposed to write to your [...?] New York friend Pfan. I have often thought of you, and how often had I the desire to talk with you? At the time your letter arrived I was at Philadelphia, where I remained a full week; I was perfectly satisfied ever more, to talk the truth. I was agreeable surprised and proud to see, what this young Country was able to do; I can assure it was a grand sight; I am so sorry you did not see it; I can not commence to go into details, for books might be written, I only was sorry, that I did not go sooner and did spend about a month at Philadelphia, for I am sure, if I would have remained there three months, I would not have seen every thing; a great many things connected with the exposition were true American and very characteristic - the Yankee was visible here and there but it was a great success and the American people can be proud. I felt like writing to you from the Exposition Grounds - I wrote several letters at the Pavillon of the German Empire - but I thought as I had received no answer then for about two months from you, that my letters had no interest for you, and I did not like to trouble you so much - you must however remember that I am perfectly satisfied with your doings, and find no fault when your health does not permit of letter writing, but when you are well, I claim my share of you. And an other thing I must write to you, two weeks after my return from Philadelphia - in the middle of November- it was just fine weather - I made a tour through a part of New England, seeing New Haven, Bridgeport, Hartford, Springfield, &c. I was delighted, what a beautiful country must this be in June or July or when the fruit ripens - after I was gone about one week, terrible bad weather sets in, what prevented me from going any farther, but I shall certainly see that part of the world some other time - the people is kind of queer - to much hipocracy - I am very independent and I care not for public opinion one straw, couple of months. The Brooklyn disaster was followed by the terrible railroad accident, near Cleveland a few days ago, and yesterday a large ship, the Circassian went down near this port, with a great loss of seamen and all the officers; we had fearful storms this Season and abroad, and for many years sleighing for now two weeks. This evening I will pass at the Belvedere Hotel, corner of 15th St. and Irving Place, where a great supper is served, and at 12 o'clock I will open a bottle of Heidsich and drink your health - at the change of the year, I earnestly wish, that you will, during the year 1877, recover your health in such a measure that you will be able to visit Europe in 1878, which I think will be beneficial to you. I further wish, that you feel more disposed to write to me, or I should say more able, and that all you wish yourself might be fulfilled. You will please [excuse?] this letter and the lack of flowery phrases &c. as I am but a poor english scholar, but what I say comes from the heart You will also my dear friend excuse the length of this letter as it will be quite a job for you to make it out I presume; if it gives you pleasure, I will send you occasionally a number of "Puck", I will close now, and hoping to hear soon from you, I am as ever Your sincere friend Theo. Pfan.[*capirol*] [*16*] [*CV 15 are - D.*] Prof. Theodore Pfan Dansville April 10. 1878. Prof. Pfan: Esteemed & dear friend Numberless apologies are due you for my long silence - but I had thought to get relieved from my constant occupation, and have something to tell you about it long before this and waited scarcely thinking how the months were rolling on, until your card came reminding me of my remissness - but even then, I was not the mistress of a few minutes- for I was turning the keys of my trunks to leave Wash - for home. I have made the journey alone, and have rested a little and came around to my pen again - although still closely so confined with some spring changes in family & domestic arrangements - which will persist in paying annual visitations to all persons who have not actually made themselves a permanent home, and settled them down to a "local habitation if not a name" It is over five months since we communicated, - Yours very truly and respectfully - Clara BartonI went to Washington. I thought to remain less than half as many weeks, but I went to accomplish something, which was slow, and I found the climate and weather more kindly than I had anticipated, I gained slowly in strength and power of endurance, and all in all it seemed well to stay the winter as I did. If home matters had not called me a trifle too early, I should most likely have returned via N.Y. City, - and then should have hoped to meet you, I had partially arranged to take that route, indeed, and quite disappointed several friends in changing my course, I too, regretted it - but it seemed a little more than I was equal to, to make a journey alone, and at the same time break it with visits and calls. I feared the expense and the unsettled season of the year, and to come directly, as I went, and this has deprived me of the pleasure I should have been certain to enjoy on seeing you. The object of my visit to Washington would be more readily recognized by you than by our people generally, who largely confined to their own language & affairs get very imperfect, if indeed any knowledge whatever of the minor matters of other nations - I have been selected by the "Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the condition of the wounded in war" as their Representative on this Country and desired by them it to present the subject to our Government, and obtain its signature, to, and recognition of the principles and Resolutions adopted by it - Our Government has been previously invited but until now, we have remained silent, the only civilized nation in the world not in that treaty. Our people have heard of such a thing as the "Red Cross," but know little of its import and our Government had no knowledge of it. I have passed the winter in connection with this matter and shall look some day to see it recognized by our nation. - I have many other things to attend to during the winter and sometimes felt pretty hardly worked for a weak woman who does not account herself of any importance in the way of work any more. - I suppose the summertakes you to the "Exposition". - I do hope it may prove a grand success. and a grand re-union for you, if you really do go - what a taste of old times it must give you, and here you will enjoy it, I trust.. If you go East, I cannot even hope to see you in this direction during the summer and most likely I shall not be in NY. unless I should be called back to Washington in a few weeks, as indeed may be the case if so, one or the other of the trips might be through your city. We are having a touch of March winds just now, and far less delightful weather than a few days & weeks ago - This is a miserably hurried & most unsatisfactory letter to me and can scarce fact of being to is and to you, but it is just better than none at all perhaps and as such I must let you to accept it I wish I had something I could relieve for you must [?] prized photograph, but he lost nothing - Please excuse all & write me Theodore Pfan. Correspondent of the "Western Press", Special Corresp. of the "Westliche Post", St. Louis, Mo. " " for Chicago, Ill. & St. Joseph, Mo. New York.