CLARA BARTON GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Phelps, S. Louise Nov. 1880 - Aug. 1890 [unintelligible] undated My Dear Miss Barton, [*15*] My conscience pricked me so when I got home that I thought I would feel better if I told you all about it. "The way it was," was thus. When I went down yesterday afternoon I had a feeling that I ought not to stay long, but when we got talking I could not remember what it was all about. And it was only after I returned home that it came to me that it was Monday, and maybe you were going to the "Coterie." I meant to ask you--and I should be so very sorry if I kept you away. Your house is so home-like and you are so wonderful my dear Miss Barton, that I never know how to get myself away. When you lift the curtain just a little bit and show us glimpses of what youhave done, it is enough to make common people wonder if they may fairly be said to have lived at all: Do not fail to write your book, Miss Barton,--in the fullness of time. Your own argument about Dr. Tanner calls for it. For as his effort, proving the capacity of [exaurancy?] of the human frame was of great benefit to the scientific world, so would the inspiration of your rich and noble life, with its measureless powers of service and self-sacrifice be of untold value in this moral world. The Son bless you and keep you on his Earth long enough to write the record and grant you many happy years of fruition of labor. Yours with love-- S. Louise Phelps. No. 9 Noble. Dansville, N.Y. Nov. 16th 1880. Greeting: Dec 14th Tues. morg. Cincinnati This is only to say that I arrived safely but oh, so very tired. I slept very little Sunday night, but I thot I made up for that on the train. Here I am as tired & stupid as I ought to be if I had travelled a week so I will only say thank you, for the pict. recd Sun. evng. & add that my address will be care S.P. Cheseldine, Mt Auburn, Cin. Ohio. I will write again when I feel more like myself. Yours ever S.L.P.[*answered January 5 1881] [*Miss Louise Phelps*] Cincinnati, Ohio, [partially obscured] 1880 Did you know it was a dear little birthday card you wrote me, for you wrote it on the 17th & that is my birthday. How glad I was to get it, for I cannot help feeling a little homesick and lonely, even in the midst of these dear, good friends, who nevertheless, are all strangers to me, even my own cousin, whom I knew well enough when I was a little girl, but whom I have not seen in many years. Ton managed to tell me a good deal of news even in the limits of that can, and I wanted to hear something of the friends I left behind me. I know that Com. had a delightful home, and I felt for a moment, sorry that I had shirked my duty as a member of it--but then it was all right for it gave Mrs. Wilson a chance. You must not "keep castle alone," my dear MissBarton, I think. Will you not get somebody in the house, so as not to be entirely alone? I wish the Prof. did not have to leave you--Give him my best wishes for his success with his "Annie"--and tell him to be sure and take my advice about mastering the regular school first. You'll not forget the other picture I an to have of you, will you? But I plainly see there will be no crayon work before I go home Which, between you and me, I hope I shall do before very, very long. I can't help it. I can't stay away fr. home just to visit! I am making a few demonstrations in the way of china painting, but have gotten hold of nothing definite yet. I do not dare to say a word to the home-folks yet but as soon as I do dare, I shall get them to send for me. This is all just to you, and I must hasten to say--that every thing is pleasant and comfortable here, and I am make perfectly at home, but yet the 'atmosphere' is not a sympathetic one and--I want to go home. I never cd quite understand how I could stay away so contentedly so long and it seems getting away fr. the Hillside has broken the charm. I smiled over your congratulations abt the "square table" for I pine for the Hillside fare, tho not for the service if it. I am just getting back to three meals but it is largely carbonacious and starchy food, & I am always hungry and always feel as if I had eaten too much. I am ashamed of having written you such stupid stuff! My lame arm continues very painful most of the time Nothing relieves it permanently. Mrs. Bushnells would be charmed to know that packs are my latest device, with moderate, temporary relief. I hope she got home with those children before this very cold weather came on. I'm glad I'm not in Mrs. Noble's cold room! I send with this a piece of nonsense. I am ashamed of it, for onsurveying it as a whole, with a critical eye, I find I did not sufficiently concentrate my attention upon it to do so simple a thing well, - but it may be serviceable when you are waking up from fire. I have not felt very well, nor very strong yet, I suppose I shall sometime - hope so anyway. I really think I was just getting stronger when I was - but it is all right, anyway. You do once in a while make a call, might [?]. Would you feel like calling on Mrs. Sands? She has been so ill since her unfortunate trip to Rochester, was still in bed when Mrs. Hawley wrote me, and Mrs. Hawley was to leave this week, and I have gone, and almost all her special friends have dropped away, and she will be so lonely. And you did her so much good. Just your voice, on Anniversary Day, perfectly charmed her, and I know she will not be well enough to go out to see you for ever so long, and I don't believe she will have the courage. If you should feel like stopping by, of a Sunday afternoon perhaps, I know she would be so glad. But I do not like to think of you alone in that big house, Miss Barton. I hope first the right person or persons will turn up. There was one thing I never remembered to have a laugh with you abt. The day I called for my rubbers, while Emma went up for them I picked up an old Annual - 1843 I believe, that was lying on your hall table and the one sentence that I read & that stamped itself upon my memory, was this - "Nature has made woman weak in order that she may gratefully accept the protection of man."! which struck me as a very heterodox sentiment to stumble upon just there! My sister wished to be remembered by me when I wrote. Did you have a merry Xmas? They had very merry times here, such loads and loads of presents! After dinner all the married children assembled at the grandfather's and exchanged presents, and the long, saloon parlor was a perfect bazaar! Filled with articles of all descriptions, Silver, glass, china dry goods, jewelry, books, stationery, toys and fancy articles of every description. And all beside the family gives, wh. had been exchanged at home in two or three cases. Our own little library was full of things, even I had a little table to myself, wh. was quite unexpected, as I did not know old Santa Claus would find me out. I tho't he wd. be confused as to my whereabouts, Friday morning. The folks all came home at once and in the midst of the merry chatter, I found it impossible to write. This is quite a bright, jolly family - my cousin, his wife, his half sister, a young gentleman cousin, and two nice little girls. But everybody is so noisy! You can hear every thing every body says all over the house! We are to receive calls tomorrow, four of us, I think it will be a mixture - partly fun, and partly a bore! I suppose you have lots of snow and cold weather. It has been very unusually severe here, mercury seven degrees below, and quite deep snow. As my cousin says enough to freeze the malaria strain out of sight. Will you please give my best love to Dr. Katy - and tell her that I want to wait a little longer, before writing to her. I want to make a little report of how I am when I do write and I have not found out yet. I send her my very best wishes for a happy New Year. I am anticipating much pleasure from the notes, too, dear friend. I have not forgotten about them. Is it not curious? Every thing that has come to me abt my work lately, has been in the direction of illustrating. That is badly expressed. I mean, the influences are such as to lead me in that direction. It may never come to anything. I can not tell, but I wish I could do such things. I am going to send two birth cards - one to you and one to Dr. Katy. It is too late, and they are very small, and it is only to show that I thought of you and wanted to send a great big one. I shall be so glad to hear from you when you can write. A postal is a deal better than nothing. Accept my dear love and very best wishes for a Happy New Year to you and yours. Is the grand-nephew thriving? Yours Ever - S. Louise Phelps. I have found a very pleasant Episcopal church with an able and earnest man as Rector. Mt. Auburn, Cin, Ohio Feb. 13th 1887. Greeting: This is to tell you that I am going home, D.V. on Thurs. next. After the date please send Lectures & things to E. Grange &c. I have not given up expecting that talk after you have given it in the Hall. I am saving my letter to send you after I get home. I will want to know how I find my follio & like my new "stewdijo." I've been painting things, but I don't know how successfully as they are still in the fire. The "picture" I meant Miss Barton, was the unretouched proof that the good Prof. promised to get for me fr. M. Betts, fr. the same negative as the one he brought the morn before I left D. You have never told me the final result of the crayon sin - I beg his pardon, but I've forgotten his name - made, such a very stormy night! I dread the journey home, I suppose Drs. K. & J. are in N.Y. I must write her abt my ear experience. I've had both eyes & ears interviewed by specialists here. My sister says she hopes I'll get tinkered up after a while. Ooh! Just think how jolly it will be to be home, within the week! But I've had a very good time here. My respects to "Trummas." Yours as ever - S. L. Phelps. Are you going to the Inauguration?[*Feb 1887*] US POSTAL CARD WRITE THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE - THE MESSAGE ON THE OTHER "NCINNATI 14 11 AM FEB 16. 1 PM N.Y. Miss Clara Barton. Dansville Livingston Co. New York. Mt. Auburn, Cin. Ohio. Feb 13th 1887. My Dear Miss Barton: The dear, familiar red cross envelope, with its enclosure of letter and addresses came safely to hand. I was greatly "set up" to have such a nice long letter. I am not going to send this just now but will wait until I reach home, before I finish it. Do you notice that localism up there. The Ohio folks are always "going to do things" - sometimes they are even "going to go," and the vernacular of my youth clings to me. Another peculiarity of my native burg falls with familiar sound, upon my ears. "Which'n do you want, this'n or that'n." No, my dear Miss Barton, I shall not see D. again until I have been to E.O. but I did work here. I painted 8 things, two over glaze - a study in greens, three "on the biscuit," and three "in the green". I suppose you know that the 'biscuit' is the ware baked but not glazed, & the 'green' is the ware not baked nor even dried, in wh. state, it is exceedingly precarious - sometimes cracking before it dries, as in deed, one of myvases did - & it was one of the prettiest too, Virginia creeper in Parian on a blue slip. So I do not expect that to be a success. I have not seen any of them & fear I shall not, before I go home. It takes so long to go thro' all the processes. Was it not funny? The first thing I did in under glaze - proved to be an original experiment, which, if successful, makes quite a discovery. But if not successful - let us not contemplate such a catastrophe. Only "two or three photos in as many days." I will have the grace to be sorry that my prophecy came true, and will not ever say - I told you so. Can photographers help being photographers? I hope you have caught up with your work before this. I am a little glad you did "miss" me, Miss Barton, for when I miss my friends so much, I cannot help hoping it is not quite all on one side. I made several friends on the Hillside that I hope I shall never lose. I hope I shall see the "three tidys" some time, I fear my illustrations will prove nothing but a dream, but I could do it if circumstances favored. I have been dreaming of it for years. How strange it is, to be roaming about, sometimes here, sometimes there, dwelling awhile until surroundings become familiar, then drifting away with only a memory - perhaps never to return, perhaps after many years - to find all the old landmarks gone or so changed as to be almost unknown. Are you going to the Inauguration - or I shld say, did you go? For you will not receive this perhaps, until after that date. I would like to see Washington city some day. I have finished the shawl I was making for my little mother, but it took a great while. It is very pretty, tho', and she likes it. Feb. 27th 1887 After two weeks I resume, I am at home and very glad. I had a pleasant journey, my cousin put me in a Pullman car, at Cin. on Thurs. morning, and there I stayed till I reached Newark on Friday abt 10 A.M. and my brother and sister met me. I was tired but not so tired as when I reached Cin, but I tell you what, my friend, it is very hard to come backhome, to old scenes and associations and keep within bounds as to work strengths &c. &c. I don't know whether I shall succeed or not. Last week, I went to a family re-union at Judge Mitchell's - my mother's cousin, - the occasion being his 80th birthday. It was in the evng, & in N.Y. but D. & I concluded to go, and such a hearty welcome it was worth the journey to receive 80 candles in a circle round the birthday cake was a pretty sight to see. Next Thursday evng -one of my cousins is to be married here in E.O. and Wed. is Ash- Wednesday, & the Annual meeting of the Woman's Club and Friday last, the Shakspear Club met at our House and so it goes. I had such fun exploring the new, little old house, for you know, it was all fixed over last summer. It is greatly improved. Mother's room is really quite nice, & tho D's office is much more business like, and convenient. My sister's at present represents chaos - for I have unpacked every thing in a heap & having to re-arrange the old things as well makes it a work of time. But I hope a week will see me all in order. I have not got my things from the hostess yet. When they come, - then for some rapid work I hope. Now just this once, I want to ask if you or Ref. were successful in getting the unretouched proof - will you please, send it to me as soon as may be. If it cannot be had will you send me a postal, so I can go ahead with the other. You know I never made any definite promises abt that - but if it should happen that I should have a chance to do some work on it by way of getting my hand in again, & if it should happen, that you were in Orange sometime, by & by, won't you see how nice it wd be to finish it up with some sitting? How do you get on with the autobiographical notes? And how comes on the late of the Franco-Prussian war? I should be glad to know something abt that, - when you know yourself - & at your convenience - how many evenings the course will take, and if you will have them all ready this spring, say by first of May. Shall you have a summary of the whole condensed in one? or not. How have you stood this bitter winter? There has been so much sickness wherever I have heard from. My parents were both very ill, with theprobably bronchitis, & for several days I was in hourly anticipation of a sudden summons home, but by the divine blessing or my sister's watchful care, they are both recovered. She is working very hard over a little child who has scarlet fever - a very persistent case, wh. yields to her persistent attacks, but then returns in some other phase. There is so much of that dread disease and diphtheria here. Are you alone in your castle now? Does the pretty red fire still shed its radiance down the street? I hope you are well and comfortably circumstanced in every way. Your acct of the quickly answered letters was quite pathetic. So I shall not expect you to answer this right away for if you do, I shall miss the enjoyment of anticipation, but that is a pleasure, wh turns to pain if too long continued. Have you given your second lecture yet, and oh! would you like me to distribute ten or a dozen of those red cross pamphlets? I would like very much to hand some of them around if you have them to spare. What a pleasant eveng we had over your "memorial" or whatever it was - and those jolly meetings at the Castle, adjourned, subject to the call of the Chairman? Am I to have the 2nd lecture? I have been working up to this question two or three times and then shying off again for fear it was audacious, but its out, at last. I wish the accounts from my good friends, Mrs. Willett & Mrs. Sams, were more favorable. What do you think of an inauguration on Friday? Are you at all superstitious on that point? I confess to an uncomfortable feeling about it, while I acknowledge its weakness. I hope you will be there. While I was in Cin. the only paper I saw was the Enquirer, a villainous sheet. Also Dem'ic, and I would not read it so I knew as little abt things as when at D. Somehow I do not read anything, - my time for reading and writing is at night - and that istabooed - I believe I shall grow stupider and stupider, year by year. It is wonderful where the time goes to, here at home. It gives no acct of itself. I am thinking of buying a set of McCaulay's History of England, just to put in the bk- case, and draw inspiration from gazing at the backs of the volumes! I hope I'll show you this funny little house some day. My sister joins me in love and cordial re- membrance - Hoping to hear good news of you. I remain - as ever - Your friend S Louise Phelps. When your right ear burns - you can think there is that ridiculous girl talking abt me again. Dear Miss Barton - For more than two wks I have tried every day to write to you. At last I have made a beginning. So you are really at Washington, pushing forward the organization of the Red Cross, and you think it is moving - a little. There have been no more meetings of that Committee wh. adjourned without a day!! You are left to labor alone, but we were only satellites, any way. Do you find yourself strong, Miss Barton? Can you stand the strain of the active life into which you must be plunged? I have often wondered how you would find it. I think I was quite a good deal stronger until I got to work at all sorts of things as one does at home, and then I find that altho' I can endure long walks -(to- lerably long) and am greatly better for being out of doors - when I settle [much?] occupied for that [...?] send me a note when you know what you are going to do, & we'll talk it out when you come So hoping to hear in good time. I remain Sincerely Yours - S. Louise Phelps. East Orange, Essex Co. N. Jersey April 17th 1881.backward spring! Not a posy to be found! only the "symplocarpus fetidus" wh some enterprising tradesman collects here in Jersey and sells on the corner of 14th St. & 6th Ave to the guileless natives of New York under the name of California Lily! I think I know - as far as the Botanical names of about four plants! and as this "skunk cabbage" happens to be one of the four, I can tell this story with relish. That by the way reminds me of "Tommas"! Who takes care of him while you are away? What have you done with your Castle? At the last meeting of the Women's Club of Orange, Miss Barton's sweet letter was read, and as it left the time very uncertain, the matter was referred to a Com. of wh. Miss Phelps holds the position of Chairman occupying that position for the first time. So, my dear Miss Barton, when ever you have anything to say abt your Eastward movements, I will summon my trusty aide, and we will lay our plans accordingly. Do you know down to inside work requiring concentration of thought and attention, I am very soon tired and if I keep at it long, I am as anxious and fractious as ever. I get rather discouraged sometimes but D sends me off on a tramp with the Botany Club and tries to make me believe I shall be all right by & bye. I've had to give up one thing wh. I am very sorry for, and that is singing in the May Festival. I belonged to the Oratorio Socy for five or six years, and when I came home, I tried to attend the Rehearsals, but found I was not up to it. I suppose you know all abt it. Four evening and three afternoon concerts in the first week of May. In the evening performances - a chorus of 1200 voices and orchestra of 250 pieces, with the most noted soloists - to be had. Think of hearing the "Messiah" that way. I hope to hear that and one other, any way. I wonder what sort of an Easter Sunday you have had in Washington. It is quite pleasant here, but a strong wind & clouds of dust. Such a slowat all when you are likely to leave Washington? You see, Orange is quite metropolitan in character, and our distinguished citizens are apt to fly away by the middle of June - They have to go into the country, you know, [?] on. So if your coming is after the 1st week or 10 days in June, it wd probably be better to leave it until Fall. And perhaps May wd be better than June. Are you going to be any where in particular on Decoration Day? It is so very jolly to think you are coming to see us. I had - I might almost say, the melancholy pleasure of a call on Dr. Katz for how cd it help but be melancholy, when I knew all the time, I must go so soon, and we had so much to say. I was so glad to see her, and Dr. Jane. She had much to say of you and how they missed you, and I told her maybe I wd see you before she did. She was just as sweet as ever, and I wish I cd see her some more. That horrible crockery came at last fr. [Cmite?] but most of it was wrong, and some of it was horrid & some did not come & the only one pretty thing, was cracked. So none of it is profitable. I have done almost no work since I came home, but the last two or three wks. I have been really trying to do some little as there is to be a Women's Exchange and Art Socy. started in Newark, so I have tried to get a few things ready for sale. It is quite time I did something in that line. I have begun a plush fire screen, but I got so disconsolate yesterday that Eliza [sent] took me off on a tramp to Montclair in the sunshine, so it remains to be seen if I can finish it tomorrow. I wish we had the pretty walks abt. here that there are on the Hillside These are pretty ones, but the [hiles] hills are too far away. The streets, however, are very pretty. We'll show them to you when you come. But I love hills and woods. You will find us very plain, Miss Barton, in a funny little home, old-fashioned, and pieced on to. - with very plain ways. but a hearty welcome, and Dansville [?]. and plenty of [?]![*Answered April 19, 1887 S. Louise Phelps*] EAST ORANGE APR 18 N.J. Miss Clara Barton. Washington. D.C. All the family hope you'll come. My sister sends love and says you have her permission to call me Louise, and I am sure I shall be very happy to have you know me by my name. How has "the Prof." enjoyed his [Assns]? Does he graduate this spring? I hope he took my good advice about the schools. He is too good to waste on the homeopaths and the water-ites. I recognized Mrs. Bucknell, airy remarks in the last Laws. Did you know our friend Washburn had been home at his mother's for several weeks with a sprained knee? It must be hard for him to have such a set back on top of his other tribulations. I hear Rev. Brush has been ailing this winter, and Mrs. Sand & sister do not get on very well. So I guess I am as well off as the rest if I am not as strong as I want to be. I am going to buy a hammock with the first money I earn, & then when I get all on edge I go & take a swing. Now, my dear Miss Barton, of course I want a letter when it is right for you to write one, but if you are too E.O. May 24. Dear Miss Barton, I recd your most welcome letter in due time. I have not answered it bec. I knew you must be busy, & I have rather waited to hear if you were to be round this way before hot weather. I think very early in June wd do for the pow-wow say not later than the 1st week, if it does not prove frightfully hot. You are to [?] your own pleasure. You know whether it shall be now or in the fall. When you do come the G.A.R. want to receive you, or do something or other, to pay their respects. Did you receive the paper I sent. It occurred to me to day that I had better send you a line. If you do not come, I shall answer your letter. Perhaps you have not yet decided. When you do we shall be glad to know which way it is, I hope, you are very well & the Red Cross triumphant. All join in warmest greetings. If you have any special suggestions to make abt the G.A.R. let me know when you appoint the time. Yours as ever, S.L. Phelps. Greeting, Thanks for the book wh. came today. Do you want to send one to Mrs. J. J. Crocker, Williamsport Penna, She asked me for something to explain abt the Red Cross, I see the Post at Indianapolis has expressed their approval of the R.C. Now would you like to send a 'itty book to Mrs. S. T. Bowen 44 West North St. Indianapolis Indiana. She was one of the audience when Mr. Washburn read your document in Mrs. Sands' room & was much interested. She has means time & energy & wd be complimented to have you send her a copy. She sd she shld be on the look out for the Socy. When it came her way. Yours with love as Ever - S. Louise Phelps. E. Orange, N. J. Jan 11th 1882.NEW YORK APR 18 1 PM 81 TRANSIT [*Ansd June 2 1881 38*] EAST ORANGE MAY 25 N. J. WASHINGTON D.C. MAY 25 11 PM 1881 RECD US POSTAL CARD. WRITE THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE - THE MESSAGE ON THE OTHER Miss Clara Barton Washington. District Columbia. [*30 ... '82*] WASHINGTON, D. C. JAN 12 11 PM 1882 RECD. EAST ORANGE JAN 12 US POSTAL CARD. NOTHING BUT THE ADDRESS CAN BE PLACED ON THIS SIDE. Miss Clara Barton. 1842 Vermont Ave. Washington. D.C. E. Orange, N. Jersey March 19th 1882. My Dear Miss Barton. Thanks for your sweet letter telling me the good news of the near consummation of your wishes in regard to the adoption of the Treaty of Geneva by our Govt. I have searched the paper daily for the publication of this most desirable fact - but have not seen it yet. All the same, I can send my hearty congratulations that you have at least accomplished this most important work. I can imagine the satisfaction with which you regard it, the happy consciousness of having inaugurated a movement which will carry comfort and relief to so many suffering ones and make efficient the relief so lavishly poured out in time of trouble. It has seemed to me that illustrations for your arguments have not been wanting - your societies ever so efficient in the Michigan fire and now you have the sub-mergedSouth for a [test?]. I suppose that would be a case in point, would it not? I read your little message - for such I took it to be - to the Club, and afterwards some of the ladies said - "When is that Red Cross matter coming up. I've watched and watched for it!" Oh, well, I said, keep up your courage, you'll hear from it soon, I guess. But before the meeting - of her own motion, our worthy Pres't. addressed me, about you. I must digress to explain that we have had an Annual meeting & Mrs. Ropes is again Prest. but declared she wd only accept on condition of being released next year. I was glad she was re-elected for I wanted you to come during her Administration. The Dr. gave up the Secretaryship. She is too much occupied with other things to continue - Well, Mrs Ropes said she had been thinking about our Annual pow-wow. (I really don't know what to call it for sometimes it is a Reception to somebody. Sometimes a lunch - or a picnic and again a close communion experience meeting.) She has thought it would be very nice to make the Reception to your honored self our affair for this spring and asked what I thought. I had tho't it so it myself but did not feel disposed to propose it - so of course, assented enthusiastically. Mrs. Riley - 2nd Vice. Pt. - spoke of it too, as very desirable, so Mrs. Ropes said she wd postpone action upon the matter of the closing celebration until we could hear from you and asked me to communicate with you upon the matter. I almost dreaded the commission, fearing you might think me importunate, but you see, I did not say a syllable to suggest the idea. The Annual Affair usually comes off early in May, but anytime in the month would do. Where are you going to be on Decoration Day? The "Post" wants to meet you when you come. Would you like to be here or in New York about that time? Decoration Day? Dear Miss Barton, after the uncertainty expressed in your letter to me, is it dreadful to ask you about this time? Dr. Hubbell intimated oncethat, after the adoption of the treaty it would be part of your plan to visit different cities and arouse an interest in the Red Cross and organize working societies. If such should be your plan, I presume it would be quite easy to make Orange one of them. I am very anxious not to be importunate, but I should be so very glad if it suited your convenience to come about the time mentioned Did I tell you I am house-keeper now? When I get something made particularly well, I say, I'll have this when Miss Barton comes. Do you like tomato soup? I've a jolly recipe for that. We can cook oat-meal & graham "pudding" here, too. I am happy to tell you that father is greatly better, almost as well as he has been of late years - only waiting [for] till the sharpness of the March air is gone - to go out again as usual. The rest are in usual health. One day I went to New York and called on our old friend, Mrs. Welles. She asked eagerly about you, and sent affectionate messages expressing her desire to meet you, and to know at what time you would return home. She is at 118 East 45th St. N.Y. She has some thought of making a trip to Dansville this summer, I think. I've a number of housekeeping questions to ask you when you come. One is about that remarkable way of melting butter and packing it away for winter use in cooking. I made a small experiment in that line and the result was very melancholy. I have gotten on pretty well in a general way, I guess - tho' our Nannie is sick every now and again, and not much dependence. But I feel that it is a great gain to be able to do what I have in the way of studio work and all these other things too. I shall be curious to know what you think when you see me, - whether I have grown healthier looking or not. Can you give me an answer to Mrs. Rope's proposition in time for our meeting on Wed - March 29th? By the way, if you want to come earlier, I reckon you could. Hoping to see you soon - in which the family joins - and with best love, I remain - Your sincere friend - S. Louise Phelps.[*Wrote to have her send photos May 25 83*] [*Picture*] US POSTAL CARD NOTHING BUT THE ADDRESS CAN BE PLACED ON THIS SIDE. EAST ORANGE MAY 21 N. J. Miss Clara Barton. South Framingham. Mass. Supt. Woman's Prison. Sherborn. My Dear Miss Barton - I wanted to write you abt my call from Miss Annie Burke but it is five minutes of one, A.M. now so I will only send our dearest love - and best wishes for your [heal] health and happiness the coming year. We keep abt the same. Mother has so often spoken of you lately, but we never get any farther than the name, and do not know the message. With best wishes for yourself and your household I am, as ever Your loving friend - S Louise Phelps [*33*] Dec 24th 1885 355 Main St. E. Orange N. J. [*S. Louise Phelps.*] My Dear Miss Barton: Many and many a time I have wanted to write and thank you for your sweet, loving letter. Not to do so seemed to savor of neglect, but to write would add one more to the long list of letters which you must receive and perhaps a straw to the burden of care which you always carry. But even if I send you a few lines you must not feel obliged to answer them - tho' we always love to hear from you. Will you ever355 Main St. E. Orange May [.......?] Greeting Dear Miss Barton. I rec'd your favor, on Wed. morning. Have waited until I could say I have seen the proof of photo. Dr. helped me carry it down to Newk. & the proof came today. I think it is going to be very good, tho' I do not think that the photos ever do the crayons real justice. If I can judge by the proof, the mouth is better in the crayon than the photo. I have asked that they be hurried along as rapidly as possible. I hope they will please you. Nine will be fr. negative No 1. & 3 fr neg No 2. I will try & mark them, & you can see wh. you rather order fr. in case you want others. I have not very much hopes of the Engraving if they only have photo to work from. If they do my picture credit, I wd. like my name on it (as we often see it) but if they do not, I think I do not care to have it on. Professional vanity you see. Will write more later. All about as usual. Very glad indeed to hear such favorable word fr. yourself. Yours - S. Louise Phelps come this way I wonder? How I should love a talk with you and to tell you of the lovely mountain top where we spent last summer. The beautiful spot of earth which the precious mother enjoyed so much, and which seemed like the gates of Paradise since there she closed her eyes on all her weariness and pain, and her spirit winged its flight to the home of eternal joy in the presence of the Father. She was buried from the church she loved so well - in the family lot at Greenwood - by the side of my dear father - Our comfort is that they are to-gether - and their long suffering ceased. The shock of her sudden departure following the care of her extreme illness was very hard for us both, and my sister succumbed to a second attack of sinovitis which kept her in bed and on crutches until the 1st of January. There was much business to be attended to - which taxed us and was not made any too easy for us. We have been without a servant a good part of the time since we came home - Oct. 10th - & from middle of Feby - have had almost the entire care of our four-year-old nephew - beside the chickens and a horse - relic of last summer, which we are trying hard to sell, tho' we are very sorry to do so - Add to this the KinderGarten, sewing and an attempt at artwork and it has made a busy winter which has left us not over well and rested. Especially asexpenses are so heavy for the income and the sessions of the Com. of Ways and Means are anxious and protracted. The summer is a blank - We feel that we ought to get away but no way has opened as yet. Some thing may turn up [yet] however. If we could decide just what it is best to try to do - it would be something. The leading physician of our group of Granges is Dr. Parson - fifth of the line of that name, I believe - and his wife and daughter, and maiden sisters are very much interested in all kinds of hospital and relief work - Both Mrs. P. & Miss Jane P. have asked me about a box of clothing which they packed and sent to Mt. Vernon, Ind. to you or the Red Cross - and they never knew if it reached there. They sent it by Exp. & gave their address so that if there were any further expense it could be collected of them. They asked me if I could learn anything about it, but unless it is quite in the usual course of business I beg you will take no trouble about it. Miss Margaret - the D's daughter - is at the head of the Training School for Nurses here, and I was told had heard you somewhere and was greatly enthused about introducing the Red Cross work in the Training School. I toldher I would talk Red Cross by the hour if she would come to 397 but she is a very busy person and I suppose it has never come right. She would be a very good person to take hold of it, and Memorial Hosp'l. - the Training School for Nurses and the Orphan's Home are the three favorite charities of the Society ladies of Orange. If you thought it worth while to send her a bundle of Red Cross literature with your autograph on, it might reawaken her interest and lead to some action. Please do not feel asked to do so - unless you think it desirable. Her address would be - Miss Margaret Pierson, Care Dr. Wm Pierson, Orange, N.J. I was quite determined not to trouble you with a long letter but I do want to tell you a little of your charming friend, Miss Anita Burke. She is a very sweet girl, that you know. Her father is very wealthy - they have almost a palace - I shld think - in Llewellyn Park. In Nov. (I think) Miss Burke gave me some tickets to Piano Recitals by Mr. Emmanuel Moor - the gentleman she was to marry she said. He played in New York and here - and just after Christmas - Mr. Burke, Miss Anita & Mr. Moor sailed for Ireland - She was to be married at her Irish home. I suppose Mr. Moor to be a pro-fessional musician. She said they would reside in Europe for some years. How perfectly happy the dear girl looked - May it last her life-time. I hope you long ago recovered entirely from the cold you mentioned when you wrote, and that your health has stood the strain of our constant care and thought for the great work of which you are the head. We love to hear of you and sometimes see in the papers some note about your work. I have not seen Mrs. Manor for a year. Please give her our love if she calls to say goodbye for the summer. Dr. Elsie joins me in love and very best wishes - Please remember us to Dr. Hubbell too. Ever your loving friend - S. Louise Phelps 397 Main St. East Orange, N.J. June 6, 1888. Picture Dear Dr. Hubbell. I do not know whether I ought to write to Miss Barton or to you, but perhaps you are a little more likely to be in the city than she at this time. I have to-day sent to the [Headqua] Office of the Red Cross Assoc'n, Washington, D.C. the crayon portrait I made of Miss Barton in 1883. Now that I consider the matter more intently I don't know why I did not do it before, - only I wrote Miss Barton a good while ago asking if I should send it to her and in the hurry of herbusy life, she somehow missed the question. Then the crayon got packed safely away - and out of sight, and out of mind, you know! Now we are renting part of our home and in the condensing which becomes necessary, the picture comes to the front. "Sent it to Miss Barton, says the Dr. It is hers, she paid for it and I don't see why we have not sent it before." So to-day it was boxed and shipped - per Wells, Fargo Exp - with charges paid. I hope it will go safely - John Möller is thought to be unsurpassed in picture packing - and that it will give Miss Barton and yourself as much pleasure as it has given some of her friends - only please, remember it was made several years ago. In a way, it is hard to realize that I made it so long ago - and in a way, the time seems - ages. Please give our warmest love to Miss Barton - we do not see the papers regularly and it is only now and again that I see a line referring to our honored friend but we hope she is well and blest with the choicest happiness this world can bring. What delight it would give us to see her again! So for ourselves - there islittle to say - The winter after the dear little mother entered into rest, brought Dr. Elsie three months of illness with her lame knee, the next as long a season of Typhoid fever. Last winter, I had the "grippe"and did not get over it until warm weather. So we go but we hope to do better after this. Will you be so good as to receive the crayon and tell Miss Barton all about it, and greatly oblige - with the the best of good wishes for your own health and happiness - Yours Very Truly, S. Louise Phelps 397 Main St. East Orange N. J. Aug 15, 1890. Tues. morng. Dear Miss Barton: I send you by "Dottie Dimple" The Fool's Errand. I am so desirous of hearing your opinion of it, and of talking over some of its historical incidents with you, that I borrowed it of Mr. Drake in order that my sister and you might read it. I have promised Mr. Drake to return it to him after Saty. My "ten days" express Saty evening. You said once that you would get it and read it so I take the liberty of sending it to you. (My sister has finished it.) My sister and I called twice to see you but were not fortunate in finding any one at home. Since Saty I have been 'housed' in my room No 1 Alma, but I'm going out again this afternoon. We will be glad to see you if you ever climb so high. Yours Very Truly - S. Louise Phelps.Town Miss Barton. My Dear Miss Barton, Are you really going to speak from your own balcony this evng instead of from Brightside, as we heard once this morning? And would you mind if some of us ladies who want to hear you so much should come inside your yard? and stand under the protection of your house's shadow? when we see the torches coming? Thank you very muchfor your kind invitation for tomorrow eveng. We will accept with pleasure unless unexpectedly prevented. Now, my dear Miss Barton, how many "hangers- on"shall I bring? You know you are in great demand at the Conc and if left to the importunities? of the populace, I might crowd you! So please give me the number and I will only bring just that many. It is too delightful that you are going to speak a bit tonight. The boys in blue will elect Garfield soon after that. Yours Very Truly - S. L. Phelps. Thurs.