Clara Barton General Correspondence Sears, W.H. Oct. 1900-Jan. 1904[*33 Sears*] [*CB Ans*] My dear Miss Barton: They are putting in the chairs below for the friends, thought it will be two hours before the ceremonies begin. I have just looked at all that remains of my loved father. How drawn & pinched & thin the well known face! I could scarcely recognize him. The Grand Army button and badge, which he always proudly wore was on his breast - and the Odd Fellow's pin also. And such banks of beautiful flowers! How many loved him! And we were all proud of him. We cannot point to one dis-dishonest or dishonorable act in all his life. He had lived a pure life. He was intensely patriotic. He was tender, sympathetic, kindly, a thoroughly good man. And to-day we will lay him in his last resting place. I know it is well that he lived. In his narrow circle all will say that. With love and devotion, W.H. Sears. To Miss Clara Barton, Galveston, Texas. Oct. 24,1900. P.S. I rather expect to return in a few days. I hope transportation may be secured for me from here to Galveston, via Kansas City, Mo. As soon as it can be secured, I hope you will have it sent to me. My wife is here, and if you needed her, could bring her too, if transportation is made to call for two. You would not be disappointed in her. She is of New England stock, and can do anything, from a French translation to making Boston brown bread. Yours "The General."[*Wm H Sears*] [*33 Sears*] My dear Miss Barton: - This is a glorious autumn day, and yesterday was equally as glorious. It seemed a fitting season for father to take his departure. The enclosed maple leaves will give you a hint of my surroundings. As one gazes at the beautifully tinted hills, in the warm autumn sun, one is filled with moods and thoughts unuterable. I enclose you a clipping from the News - Advertiser,which tells you of my father. I wish I could litterally, "drop down to you in a basket." The work there is what I need. I will come, and Alice with me if you desire, as soon as you call for us, & send transportation. Mr. Hawley will gladly aid you. If you should want any matters or things attended to in Washington or at Glen Echo, I would be glad to return to you that way. With earnest hopes that your health may return and with best wishes, I beg to remain, yours devotedly, W.H. Sears. P.S. I hope all mail, including newspapers, will be forwarded to me here. To Miss Clara Barton Prest., The Am. Ntl. Red Cross, Galveston, Texas. Oct. 25, 1900.C. M. SEARS. MEDAL AWARDED PARIS 1889 WE USE WILSON'S U. S. TELEGRAPH CODE. F. M. NICHOLS. L. A. SEARS. Sears & Nichols, PACKERS OF HIGH GRADE FANCY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. "YE OLDEN TIME HOMINY[?]" "SUPERIOR" AND "SUGAR LOAF" CORN, PEAS, PUMPKIN, TOMATOES, SUCCOTASH, LIMA BEANS, WAX BEANS, FRUITS, BAKED BEANS, RED KIDNEY BEANS. Dictated by W. H. Sears, COLUMBUS BANK NOTE CO. COL D Chillicothe, O., Oct. 26th, 1900 My Dear Miss Barton:- I am in receipt of your favor of the 23rd, by this morning's mail. You have, ere this, received my letter written to you while on the train, notifying you that father had passed away; also the short letter I wrote you yesterday, enclosing some flaming Autumn leaves. Remembering the great sorrow that confronts you daily , I cannot burden you with mine. Of course, I know that I have your sympathy, and there is none that I appreciate more. I enclose you herewith the transportation for you and your staff from Huston to New Orleans, from Montgomery to Atlanta and from Atlanta to Washington, D.C. On a memorandum pinned to this transportation which was given to me by Mr. Adamson, was the following:"Adamson will provide for missing links in transportation, and wire us as soon as he secured the same." Adamson told me he would send these missing links of our transportation direct to me, and that I was to turn the whole ever to you. He never sent me the missing links, for the reason, I suppose, that he severed his connections with The World, and accepted the position of Editor in Chief of the Atlanta Journal. I fully intended to hand you the transportation Mr. Adamson left with me before I left Galveston, but I forgot to do so. Mr. Ward has asked me to return this transportation, and as I am writing to you, I thought best to send it direct to you, and, of course, you can so inform Mr. Ward. To-morrow, I will send you a small box by express, and mark it C. M. SEARS. MEDAL AWARDED PARIS 1889 WE USE WILSON'S U. S. TELEGRAPH CODE. F. M. NICHOLS. L. A. SEARS. Sears & Nichols, PACKERS OF HIGH GRADE FANCY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. "YE OLDEN TIME HOMINY[?]" "SUPERIOR" AND "SUGAR LOAF" CORN, PEAS, PUMPKIN, TOMATOES, SUCCOTASH, LIMA BEANS, WAX BEANS, FRUITS, BAKED BEANS, RED KIDNEY BEANS. Dictated by ___ COLUMBUS BANK NOTE CO. COL D Chillicothe, O., "personal". it will contain some very choice canned goods for your own use, as well as some little delicacies that my wife and my mother prepared for you. The rolls of butter are from the "Sears'Dairy", and I think you will appreciate them. The Autumn leaves are a sample of the glories that crown the hills about Chillicothe, to-day. The maple leaves appear to be fairly dripping with blood. I understand there are some important business matters to be settled up here, so it would be impossible for me to leave for several days. So far as I know now, there will be nothing to prevent my coming back to you, and as I have before written you, just as soon as transportation can be secured for me. As I stated in my last letter, I can bring Alice with me, if you think you need her assistance, though it is only a suggestion, and for you to decide. Your idea of sending competent men to visit the lumbermen is a splendid one. If you should want me to take a circle of this kind on my way back to Galveston, I would be very glad to do so. I have had considerable experience as a traveling man in connection with my father's business, and I think I would know just how to approach the lumbermen. Armed with your appeal, and with a detailed letter of instructions, something that would give me some definite facts and figures, I believe I could present the matter to them very effectively.C. M. SEARS. MEDAL AWARDED PARIS 1889 WE USE WILSON'S U. S. TELEGRAPH CODE. F. M. NICHOLS. L. A. SEARS. Sears & Nichols, PACKERS OF HIGH GRADE FANCY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. "YE OLDEN TIME HOMINY[?]" "SUPERIOR" AND "SUGAR LOAF" CORN, PEAS, PUMPKIN, TOMATOES, SUCCOTASH, LIMA BEANS, WAX BEANS, FRUITS, BAKED BEANS, RED KIDNEY BEANS. Dictated by COLUMBUS BANK NOTE CO. COL D Chillicothe, O., I could take a circle through Chicago and then on East, and come back through the South, visiting the principle large cities on my route. This is only a suggestion. you know that I am at your command, and know how to obey orders. Sincerely your friend, [*W. H. Sears,*] Miss Clara Barton, President, American National Red Cross, Galveston, Texas. C. M. SEARS. MEDAL AWARDED PARIS 1889 WE USE WILSON'S U. S. TELEGRAPH CODE. F. M. NICHOLS. L. A. SEARS. Sears & Nichols, PACKERS OF HIGH GRADE FANCY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. "YE OLDEN TIME HOMINY[?]" "SUPERIOR" AND "SUGAR LOAF" CORN, PEAS, PUMPKIN, TOMATOES, SUCCOTASH, LIMA BEANS, WAX BEANS, FRUITS, BAKED BEANS, RED KIDNEY BEANS. Dictated by COLUMBUS BANK NOTE CO. COL D Chillicothe, O., Nov. 13, 1900. My dear Miss Barton:- I received your beautiful letter, and thank you for it. I shall treasure it always, and it shall descend[?] as an heirloom in my family. And how much more I appreciate it when I know with what infinite labor it must have been for you to write it, when you are so tired & worn, and ill, but so driven with a world of work! I sent you about two weeks ago, a box by express, containing a choice selection of our goods, also butter, jelly, plumb pudding, Boston brown bread, etc. I marked it personal, & hope you received it. It went by U.S. & Pacific express. I mailed you a Circleville, O., paperC. M. SEARS. MEDAL AWARDED PARIS 1889 WE USE WILSON'S U. S. TELEGRAPH CODE. F. M. NICHOLS. L. A. SEARS. Sears & Nichols, PACKERS OF HIGH GRADE FANCY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. "YE OLDEN TIME HOMINY" "SUPERIOR" AND "SUGAR LOAF" CORN, PEAS, PUMPKIN, TOMATOES, SUCCOTASH, LIMA BEANS, WAX BEANS, FRUITS, BAKED BEANS, RED KIDNEY BEANS. Dictated by Chillicothe, O., (2.) containing an account of a lecture I gave in that city, on the 8th inst. Now I am invited to address the people of Chillicothe. I read your appeals to the audience, the last one in full, and, as I have been reading the Galveston News every day, I believe my lecture was up to date. Half the audience were in tears when I related some of the very touching and distressing incidents of the storm. I thank you earnestly for all your kindness to me, & for the opportunity you gave me to be associated with you in your noble work. Affectionately and fraternally yours, W.H. Sears. To Miss Clara Barton, Houston, Texas. United States Senate, 215 N. J. Ave., N. W., WASHINGTON, D. C., Dec. 17, 1900. My dear Miss Barton:- I was pleased to receive your beautiful little note, and should have answered it in person; but cannot possibly leave the city until I have finished some legal work which has kept me closely confined to the Senate law library and my room ever since the 11th inst. In a day or two more I shall be at liberty, and shall come out and see you, as I have many things to say to you. I enclose you my sister's letter, also a newspaper clipping in regard to her Chillicothe Watch Meeting. Leave[?] you not write her, in answering this letter, giving her something in regard to these Watch Meetings, that will help her, & that she can give to the local papers for publication? [Chillicothe contributed about $1000 for Galveston.] My sister asked me to secure a few lines from you, and I shall be pleased if you can spare the time for a few words to her. Affectionately yours, W. H. Sears Miss Clara Barton, Glen Echo, Md. [*Ansd - by his coming Dec 30*] FIFTY-SIXTH CONGRESS. W. B. BAKER, Md., Chairman. E. L. Hamilton, Mich. J. K. Stewart, N. Y. Henry C. Smith, Mich. James T. Lloyd, Mo. Stanyarne Wilson, S. C. R. K. Polk, Pa. W. Scott Whiteford, Clerk Committee on Enrolled Bills, House of Representatives U. S., 215 N. J. Ave., N. W. Washington, D. C. December 24, 1900. My dear friend: - I must first wish you a "Merry Christmas" and many more returns. The enclosed clippings from a Chillicothe paper will show you the progress of one of your Watch Meetings. You no doubt wonder why I have not been to see you. Briefly, until I do see you, I am passing through a business crisis, and every moment of my time has been occupied. I hope soon to be a liberty to come to you. With love & best wish, Affectionately yours, W. H. Sears. Miss Clara Barton, Glen Echo, Md. C. M. SEARS. MEDAL AWARDED PARIS 1889 WE USE WILSON'S U. S. TELEGRAPH CODE. F. M. NICHOLS. L. A. SEARS. Sears & Nichols, PACKERS OF HIGH GRADE FANCY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. "YE OLDEN TIME HOMINY" "SUPERIOR" AND "SUGAR LOAF" CORN, PEAS, PUMPKIN, TOMATOES, SUCCOTASH, LIMA BEANS, WAX BEANS, FRUITS, BAKED BEANS, RED KIDNEY BEANS. Dictated by W. H. Sears, COLUMBUS BANK NOTE CO. COL D Chillicothe, O., Jan. 17, 1901. [89] My dear Miss Barton:- I take pleasure in announcing that we have at last settled our business matters, Any organizing a partnership along the lines I proposed in my letters from Washington. From the time I returned to Chillicothe, until the 15th inst., I have been kept busy in bringing our matter to a close. I feel very much relieved, and am now ready to return to Lawrence, Kansas. By the terms of our agreement, I have the right to come here at any time and enter actively into the business on a salary. What was done at the last meeting of the Board of Control? By this mail I send you three newspapers. Two will tell you of the result of our Twentieth Century Watch Meeting. I had the honor of [R] reading your greeting, & of making a ten minutes address. The third newspaper I send you, tells of the sad death of Marian, the wife of my brother Clarence. I have spent much of my time with him & the two little motherless girls, since her death. I left you in bed, but hopeful, self-reliant, self-poised, self-restrained - as you always are, great under difficulties. I shall feel so relieved to learn that you are well again & strong. And remember, I am your friend and ever ready to serve you. Affectionately yours, W. H. Sears. Miss Clara Barton, Glen Echo, Md. [*Ohio, Lima news clipping*] [*[Take?] for this Jan 12 by JBH to take to N.Y.*] [*33 Sears*] [*Sears?*] Glen Echo, Md. Jan. 20, 1901 Dear General: - I have your line telling me of the satisfactory settlement of your business, upon which I congratulate you. Although you may not care for the position with a salary, it is always comfortable to know you have it. Thanks for the newspapers bearing the intelligence both good and bad. My heart went out in pity for you all who have lost a friend and for the brother who lost all. Let us hear from you when you reach home and if there is anything if importance I will write you. Sincerely yours,Just because I wish to be remembered. W. H. Sears Pentwater, Mich. Oct. 25, 1901. [*33*] [*Woman's Congress*] Washington, D. C., February 15, 1902. Gen. Wm. H. Sears, Chillicothe, Ohio. Dear General: I this moment received two papers from you, one from Chillicothe, the other from Topeka, but, as both were dated from Chillicothe, I conclude that you are still there. I am glad to know this, for unless you have really left for Lawrence or your plans are thoroughly made to go, I should like time to write you while you still remain in Chillicothe. I am in the city at the Fairfax Hotel (old Willard's) attending the conventions, which will last until nearly the end of the month. I wish every day that you were here and it does not seem quite right to have you away just now. Please let me know at once whether you remain a little longer in Chillicothe, or whether it is in the books that you are to go West at once. You will naturally conclude that, being connected with all of these conventions and expected to be among them, I have not much time. Thank dear Mrs. Nichold for having passed the paragraph of my letter to the Club, which body of ladies still retain their loving place in my thoughts. Hoping to hear from you, I remain, Affectionately yours, [*Clara Barton*]P. S. Address me at Glen Echo, as usual, Doctor brings in my mail every morning. If, for any cause, you telegraph me, please send i[o]t to Washington, Fairfax Hotel, and not to Glen Echo. [*C. B.*] BAKED BEANS with Tomato Dressing RED KIDNEY BEANS CORN PEAS TOMATOES STRINGLESS BEANS SUCCOTASH HOMINY SQUASH PUMPKIN SEARS & NICHOLS -PACKERS- "CANNED GOOD THINGS" MADE TO NOT MERELY BE EATEN TO SELL CHILLICOTHE, OHIO. Pentwater, Mich. PRESENTED BY . . . [*Ansd = Feb 24 - 1902*] C. M. SEARS. MEDAL AWARDED PARIS 1889 WE USE WILSON'S U. S. TELEGRAPH CODE. F. M. NICHOLS. L. A. SEARS. Sears & Nichols, PACKERS OF HIGH GRADE FANCY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. "YE OLDEN TIME HOMINY" "SUPERIOR" AND "SUGAR LOAF" CORN, PEAS, PUMPKIN, TOMATOES, SUCCOTASH, LIMA BEANS, WAX BEANS, FRUITS, BAKED BEANS, RED KIDNEY BEANS. Dictated by COLUMBUS BANK NOTE CO. COL D Chillicothe, O., 190 Pentwater, Mich. Feb. 20, 1902. My dear Miss Barton:- Your letter of the 15th, and the Doctor's, with enclosures, reached me today, here in Pentwater. I hasten to answer and to inform you that it will be impossible for me to leave here until after the first of March. Very shortly after that date I will know what I can do. If we continue business, I shall be kept here. If we sell, I hope to be at liberty to come to you. As soon as I know my future plans, I will write you. Is the Miss Alice French, mentioned in the enclosed clipping, the Miss French who is a member of the Red Cross? The other clipping is for Dr. H. With sincere regards, and best wishes for you and our bills, I am as ever, Your devoted friend W. H. Sears. Washington, D. C., February 24, 1902. Gen. W. H. Sears, Pentwater, Michigan. Dear General and friend: Yours of the 15th came duly, and I, in some way, felt that you had left Chillicothe, so was not so much surprised or disappointed as I might otherwise have been. I think things are moving on very well here. I have been in the city for the last two or three weeks, attended a great many conferences, talked a little, and seen a great many people. Mrs. Bagley is here and seems to be interested in your bill. The Miss Alice French described in the slip which you send is our Miss French of Davenport, a lady of rare accomplishments and ability. The Prince is here today and the city is all astir. I will let you know from time to time how things are progressing here, if they progress at all, and shall hope to hear from you often, Yours as ever, [*Clara Barton*] [*Sears - Ansd at Detroit*] F. M. NICHOLS. L. A. SEARS. Estate of C. M. SEARS. MEDAL AWARDED PARIS 1889 FACTORIES. CHILLICOTHE. O. & PENTWATER, MICH. Sears & Nichols, PACKERS OF HIGH GRADE AND FANCY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. "SUPERIOR" AND "SUGAR LOAF" BRANDS. CANNED GOODS. CORN, PEAS, PUMPKIN, TOMATOES, SUCCOTASH, LIMA BEANS, WAX BEANS, FRUITS, BAKED BEANS, RED KIDNEY BEANS. WE USE WILSON'S U.S. & ARMSBY'S 1893 CIPHER CODES. WHS COLUMBUS BANK NOTE CO. COL D Pentwater, Mich., Sept. 6, 1902. [*25 Ann[?] at ~*] My dear Miss Barton:- I have written Mr. Atwater, and as you are together you will know what I have said. It is needless for me to say how delighted I was to have a letter from you from Germany, and another one written aboard ship just before you landed. I shared them at once with my sister, Mrs. Nichols, and my mother. They were here for the summer at the time. My mother is still here, but my sister returned to Chillicothe on Monday. I hope Mr. Atwater will call on her on his way through. You know how I feel about the Red Cross. I want to see it back in the hands of its friends before you lay down the reins; and we must have no halting or compromise this time. We must proceed with firmness[and] kin ness, but with the relentlessness of Fate, th the duty that calls us to action. We must have some one like Mr. Ridgely to lead. He must be our "Speaker Reed", and I know of no better leader, for he knows all about it now, and would be able to act intelligently. We should have him even if we must pay his expense to Washington and return. Of course, I am not "up to date" on these matters, and will have to be advised before giving further views. Tell me, would it be possible for you to come up here for a few days from detroit? Mother is here, and so is my wife. We would treat you handsomely, and we could have our conference here. F. M. NICHOLS. L. A. SEARS. Estate of C. M. SEARS. MEDAL AWARDED PARIS 1889 FACTORIES. CHILLICOTHE. O. & PENTWATER, MICH. Sears & Nichols, PACKERS OF HIGH GRADE AND FANCY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. "SUPERIOR" AND "SUGAR LOAF" BRANDS. CANNED GOODS. CORN, PEAS, PUMPKIN, TOMATOES, SUCCOTASH, LIMA BEANS, WAX BEANS, FRUITS, BAKED BEANS, RED KIDNEY BEANS. WE USE WILSON'S U.S. & ARMSBY'S 1893 CIPHER CODES. WHS COLUMBUS BANK NOTE CO. COL D Pentwater, Mich., Sept. 6, 1902. 2 If you are going to Chicago, this place is on your direct rout. You can go across from here by boat, which is a very cheap' a d comfort able way to travel. You will be sure and drop me a line as soon as you receive this and keep me advised of your movements and plans. With love and devotion to you and the Red Cross, I am as ever, Your sincere friend, [*W. H. Sears.*] M[*25 proxies*] Glen Echo, Md., November Irst, 1902. Gen. W. H. Sears, Pentwater Mich. My dear General: I have never heard if you got home or if you were really drowned in the lake but taking it for granted that you are safe I drop you a line. Mr. Atwater is drawing in his last proxies and I want to ask you for yours; fearing that you have lost your blank I inclose you another. I had a line from Mr. Ridgley yesterday who is just starting two-hundred miles West with his cattle and I have no hope of seeing him so far East as this. I have just written Mrs. Mitchell at St. Louis for her proxy and I want to ask of you to see to it that Mrs. Calver sends hers. I dare not ask her for it, knowing that she has be been very closely connected with Mrs. Mussey in the work of the Encampment, and might not prefer giving her proxy to any of us here. As she was your appointment I depend on you to hold her in line. I inclose a blank proxy for you to send to her, asking [....?] fill it out to me or Mr. Atwater. Are we not to see you here this month? There are so many [*25 proxy*] F. M. NICHOLS. L. A. SEARS. Estate of C. M. SEARS. MEDAL AWARDED PARIS 1889 FACTORIES. CHILLICOTHE. O. & PENTWATER, MICH. Sears & Nichols, PACKERS OF HIGH GRADE AND FANCY WE USE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. WILSON'S U.S. "SUPERIOR" & ARMSBY'S 1893 AND "SUGAR LOAF" CIPHER CODES. BRANDS. CANNED GOODS. CORN, PEAS, PUMPKIN, TOMATOES, SUCCOTASH, LIMA BEANS, WAX BEANS, FRUITS, BAKED BEANS, RED KIDNEY BEANS. COLUMBUS BANK NOTE CO. COL D Pentwater, Mich., Nov. 14, 1902. My dear Miss Barton:- Your letter of the 1st came duly to hand. I also received notes from Mr. Atwater enclosing proxies. The two you sent me I disposed of as you requested. I send you a copy of the letter I wrote Mrs. Calver. When I hear from her I shall promptly advise you of what she says. I, too, left Detroit on an earlier train, so did not have time to call again; but I assure you I arrived home in safety. Herewith you will received Bill of Lading and descriptive shipping slip, for one box of canned goods, which I sent to you some days ago. They are Sears & Nichols' best - all Sugar Loaf grade. I hope you will enjoy them, & sometimes think of the humble giver. I am planning, as I did last year, to come to the annual meeting of the American National Red Cross; and-2- arrangements to make and advices needed. Let us hear from you as soon and as hopefully as you can make it. I hope that the business has gone prosperously this year. Come and let us congratulate you. Sincerely yours, [*Clara Barton*] unless the firm objects, I expect to be with you several days before the meeting. When you have perfected a draft of the new by-laws, I wish I might be favored with a copy. On its receipt I will note any changes I might think valuable & return same to you. With love & devotion & loyalty to you always & forever, I am Sincerely & affectionately yours, W. H. Sears.F. M. NICHOLS. L. A. SEARS. Estate of C. M. SEARS. MEDAL AWARDED PARIS 1889 FACTORIES. CHILLICOTHE. O. & PENTWATER, MICH. Sears & Nichols, PACKERS OF HIGH GRADE AND FANCY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. "SUPERIOR" AND "SUGAR LOAF" BRANDS. CANNED GOODS. CORN, PEAS, PUMPKIN, TOMATOES, SUCCOTASH, LIMA BEANS, WAX BEANS, FRUITS, BAKED BEANS, RED KIDNEY BEANS. WE USE WILSON'S U.S. & ARMSBY'S 1893 CIPHER CODES. Copy COLUMBUS BANK NOTE CO. COL D Pentwater, Mich., Nov. 14, 1902. Mrs Lizzie Calver, 207 A. St. S.E. Washington, D.C. My dear friend:- I inclose you a blank proxie which you may desire to execute in the event that you cannot attend the Red Cross meeting on December 9th. I expect to be present, but for fear something may prevent my attendance, I have sent my proxie to Mr. Hranceis[?] Atwater Meridien, Conn. While Miss Clara Barton lives I want to please her in everything. She Knows the Red Cross better than any one, is more devoted more loyal to it than anyone else, in fact, she is the Red Cross! So, while she lives I shall be loyal to her personally; for thus I am sure of being loyal to the Red Cross. I was instrumental in making you a Charter member, and feel [I] interested Glen Echo, Md. Nov. 28th, 1902. My dear General;- It was "aufully" nice of you to write me that kind letter, and also to have written Mrs. Calver who at once sent her proxy. I have had a charming letter from Mrs. Nichols who fea s she cannot come to the meeting, and expresses a doubt of your coming. I cannot for a moment entertain this idea, and look at least for you. A telegram from Mr. Ridgely tells me that he will be here. We are looking for a fuller meeting than last year; we have the entire requisite number of proxies and it remains now to be given the wisdom, human or Divine, to draft such laws as the greatest good demands, and which we can promulgate and put into execution, and carry our meeting wisely and successfully. We do not want to be arbitrary or narrow, but wise, broad and firm. Dr. and Mrs. Gardner propose leaving Bedford on Monday the first day of December, arriving on Tuesday. I greatly wish, as you suggest, that you could be here some days in advance, that we might have the benefit of your advice. There is as yet, no really completed, settled By-laws, none that I should free to send away to any one, but glad to have in having you aid Miss Barton in the coming meeting. I hope you will fill out the enclosed blank form, Appointing Mr. Francis Atwater, Miss Clara Barton, or Dr. Julien B. Hubbell as your attorney, and send it in at once. If you should be present at the meeting, and desire to vote, then your power of attorney would be void; but if you cannot attend your vote would be cast by loyal friends of the organization. I should be pleased to hear from you in answer to this letter. With kinds regards to "the Calver boys," I beg to remain. Sincerely your friend. W. H. Sears -2- any friend come and give us the benefit of his or her good thought Greatly hoping that of you, and that we may have the pleasure of seeing you soon, I remain as always sincerely and gratefully, with love to the friends, P. S. It is not because of its non-importance but because of its certitude that we know the box has come, for the express Office tells us so to-day. Arrangements are made for bringing it to Glen Echo and be assured my dear General, not a can of it will ever be used but you will be remembered and spoken of, and the wish go up from all that you were here to partake of it with us. I send you not only my thanks, but those of all the household who join me in grateful and affectionate regards.CLARA BARTON, PRESIDENT. MRS. JOHN A. LOGAN, VICE-PRESIDENT. EDWARD D. EASTON, TREASURER. SAM'L W. BRIGGS, SECRETARY. THE AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS. FOR THE RELIEF OF SUFFERING BY WAR, PESTILENCE, FAMINE, FLOOD, FIRES, AND OTHER CALAMITIES OF SUFFICIENT MAGNITUDE TO BE DEEMED NATIONAL IN EXTENT. THE ORGANIZATION ACTS UNDER THE GENEVA TREATY, THE PROVISIONS FOR WHICH WERE MADE IN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AT GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, AUGUST 22, 1864, AND SINCE SIGNED BY NEARLY ALL CIVILIZED NATIONS. THE UNITED STATES GAVE ITS ADHESION, MARCH 1, 1882. RATIFIED BY THE CONGRESS OF BERNE, JUNE 9, 1882. PROCLAIMED BY PRESIDENT ARTHUR, JULY 26, 1882. INCORPORATED OCTOBER 1, 1881, APRIL 17, 1893, AND JUNE 6, 1900. OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, 49 EAST 58TH ST., NEW YORK. Glen Echo, Washington, D. C. Nov. 19th 1903. General William H. Sears:- Pentwater, Mich. My dear General:- I am sending you a form of request that we are mailing to all our friends who have not, as yet, responded to the call for proxies. There are good many of your people that have not been heard from - in fact I believe most of them - and it would be very good of you if you were to see that they are again asked to send them in. What is most desired is a strong personal representation - and this matter will be systematically taken up later - but from your state we cannot hope for the attendance of many - though I am bound to say in this connection, that every day and many times, I hear from friends the hope expressed that you and Mr. Ridgely will be present. During the past year such progress has been made in Red Cross work, particularly in the new Department of First Aid, -2- that once the Rubicon of this meeting is succcessfuly passed - upon the lines indicated in the call, which you have of course received, the Red Cross and Miss Barton especially, will have well earned the plaudits[?] - "well done." I will not attempt to send you a list of your own people, for with the list at hand you will know better than I who they are - but do most respectfully but emphatically suggest that you ask them to send their proxy at once, as after the 28th of November we cannot use them. I am glad to be able to tell you that all of your R.C. friends are well, with one exception; Mrs Atwater has been for perhaps six months, suffering from a form of nervous exhaustion, a condition very hard to overcome, though she is pulling out of it Hoping to hear from you very soon, and with the kindest regards from Miss Barton, I am, Very respectfully yours, CLARA BARTON, PRESIDENT. MRS. JOHN A. LOGAN, VICE-PRESIDENT, EDWARD D. EASTON, TREASURER. SAM'L W. BRIGGS, SECRETARY. THE AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS. FOR THE RELIEF OF SUFFERING BY WAR, PESTILENCE, FAMINE, FLOOD, FIRES, AND OTHER CALAMITIES OF SUFFICIENT MAGNITUDE TO BE DEEMED NATIONAL IN EXTENT. THE ORGANIZATION ACTS UNDER THE GENEVA TREATY, THE PROVISIONS FOR WHICH WERE MADE IN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AT GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, AUGUST 22, 1864, AND SINCE SIGNED BY NEARLY ALL CIVILIZED NATIONS. THE UNITED STATES GAVE ITS ADHESION, MARCH 1, 1882. RATIFIED BY THE CONGRESS OF BERNE, JUNE 9, 1882. PROCLAIMED BY PRESIDENT ARTHUR, JULY 26, 1882. INCORPORATED OCTOBER 1, 1881, APRIL 17, 1893, AND JUNE 6, 1900. OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, 49 EAST 58TH ST., NEW YORK. BOARD OF CONSULTATION: PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND MEMBERS OF THE CABINET. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS: CLARA BARTON, president. Gen. JOHN M. WILSON, First Vice-President, Mrs. GEN. JOHN A. LOGAN, Second Vice-President, SAMUEL W. BRIGGS, Secretary Wm. J. FLATHER, Treasurer. Hon. RICHARD OLNEY, Counselor. The American National Red Cross. HEADQUARTERS: WASHINGTON, D. C. For the Relief of Suffering by War, Pestilence, Famine, Flood, Fires, and other Calamities of Sufficient Magnitude to be deemed National in Extent. The Organization acts under the Geneva Treaty, the provisions for which were made in International Convention at Geneva, Switzerland, August 22, 1864, and since signed by nearly all civilized nations. The United States gave its adhesion by Act of Congress, March 1, 1882. Ratified by the Congress of Berne, June 9, 1882. Proclaimed by President Arthur, July 26, 1882. Incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia, Oct. 1, 1881, and April 17, 1893, and by special Act of Congress, June 6, 1900. [*25 proxies*] Glen Echo, Md. November 26th, 1903. My dear General:- If I did write to thank you for your precious letter of the 12th of November, I am glad of it. If I did not, I am sorry; but really I am writing so much in these days, that I cannot always determine whether I have done it all visibly, and mailed it - or whether I have written it in my mind and it went nowhere else. For that matter I have been writing you all Summer, and lately more especially, as I come to feel the more immediate need of you. You must know how anxiously I hope for you to be here, and how your presence might even turn the day. The Red Cross never can again stand in the crisis that is coming to it now, and none of us can judge how sharp that may be. I have done all I could to soften it, and we are all doing what we can for the success of the meeting. We think the proxies will be sufficient in number, but how hardly they may be contested we do not know. For this reason we are trying just as hard to have a majority of persons on the floor. It seems to me I must have written you, or if not it was Mrs. Nichols, my invitation to all members coming to Washington to be my guests, and make Glen EchoThe American National Red Cross. HEADQUARTERS: WASHINGTON, D. C. For the Relief of Suffering by War, Pestilence, Famine, Flood, Fires, and other Calamities of Sufficient Magnitude to be deemed National in Extent. The Organization acts under the Geneva Treaty, the provisions for which were made in International Convention at Geneva, Switzerland, August 22, 1864, and since signed by nearly all civilized nations. The United States gave its adhesion by Act of Congress, March 1, 1882. Ratified by the Congress of Berne, June 9, 1882. Proclaimed by President Arthur, July 26, 1882. Incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia, Oct. 1, 1881, and April 17, 1893, and by special Act of Congress, June 6, 1900. BOARD OF CONSULTATION: PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND MEMBERS OF THE CABINET. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS: CLARA BARTON, President. Gen. JOHN M. WILSON, First Vice-President, Mrs. GEN. JOHN A. LOGAN, Second Vice-Pres. SAMUEL W. BRIGGS, Secretary Wm. J. FLATHER, Treasurer. Hon. RICHARD OLNEY, Counselor. General Sears. -2- their home while they remain. The B. & O. and Pennsylvania roads give half rate tickets from New York to Washington and return, to all members coming to the meeting and Stephen E. Barton has taken up the matter with the same roads from St. Louis, Chicago and Chillicothe. If these rates are obtained he will send personal notices to any Western members - the names and addresses of which he already has. I do not know if he gives your address from Chicago or Chillicothe - but his address is 40 Kilby street, Boston, Mass., where he can be addressed. I have written Mr. Ridgely but cannot expect him to come so far. I am very sorry to have to tell you of the misfortune that has befallen our friend Fred. L. Ward. He is in hospital critically ill of typhoid fever, and his wife died two weeks ago and he was too ill to be told of it. I am sorry for these hard strokes that come upon our members, who, to me are like my own family. I hope this finds you well, and I can only add - come if you can. Sincerely yours, Glen Echo, Md., January 20, 1904. Gen. W. H. Sears, 215 New Jersey Ave., N. W., Washington, D. C. Dear General:- It is not a very gallant thing that a lady has to send for a gentleman, every time she wants to see him - but - Alak-a-day! -everybody can't be young and pretty and interesting, and may yet have just as many necessities; one of mine is, that I want to see you. There are some important thi things I would like to consult you about. I would not have you break an engagement, or discommode yourself, but if you can so arrange as to come out and give me a little time here, it would be comforting and helpful to me, and maybe, not wholly uninteresting to you. This suggestion always pre-supposes that you are not directly engaged in some work or business that cannot be left; if that is the case you will kindly let me know and be excused. You know a visit from you is always so welcome, and just now there are some things you are not thinking of to be looked after. I hope you are well and happy as possible and always the esteemed friend of, Yours Clara Barton