CLARA BARTON SPEECHES & WRITINGS FILE Speeches & lectures Franco-Prussian War lecture 1870's1 For the last three days we have had only news of Battles lost by the French - The Prince Royal of Prussia has won a battle at Wissenburg and Sarrebruck, and followed the flying French Troops up the Rhine. - Yesterday came the news that the Prussians would cross the river. Basle is frightened and sinks powder under her bridge, the old bridge of half stone and half wood, once graced by the clock which ran out an ugly red tongue at Germany with every stroke of its pendulum. The Prussians have destroyed their R.R. between Basle and Carlesrhue, thus closing all public conveyance on the German side. At this moment comes a dispatch from the International Committee of the Red Cross at Mulhouse, France, inviting me. - Dr Appia, and his noble band of pioneers had 2 had evidently passed there. This would be in the direct line to Strasbourg, and the field of Wissenbourg, and I decide to leave by the earliest train next morning. As good fortune would have it, there comes to me at this moment, a kind featured gentle-toned intelligent Swiss girl, who had left the "Canton de Vaud" to go alone to care for the wounded. The society Introduce her to me. Perhaps it would be well to anticipate so far as to speak of this young lady more fully, for all through you will know her as my "faithful Antoinette" - Antoinette Margot, of wealthy Swiss parentage, raised in the city of Lyons, France, an only daughter, and at that early age an artist of note. Even in the schools of artisticSwiss by birth - French by cultivation education and habit~, the two national characteristics met and joined hands in her. The enthusiasm of the one, the fidelity of the other were so perfectly blended and balanced in her, that one could never determine which prevailed - No matter, as both were unquenchible and unconquerable 3 France, - fair haired - playful, bright - and confiding- she spoke English as learned from books, and [chose] selected her forms of expression by inference. One day she made the remark that something was "un-pretty" observing a smile on my face, she asked if that were not correct? I replied that "we did not say "unpretty" in English." "No? But you say unwise unselfish, unkind, and ungrateful, - why not unpretty? I do not know" I did'nt either,- There was something in that face to be drawn "at sight," and to her astonishment and joy I told her she might accompany me. Scarce was this arrangement completed when breathless messengers rushed to tell us that the French still fled before the troops of the Prince Royal, that the Prussians are marching direct4 Upon the Rhine, if not already crossed, and that the French have destroyed their R R to Strasburg that all the rolling-stock of the road had been run off to save it, and even the station was closed. This was after dark--the news not [*by hain*] of a nature to favor delay--instead of 5 O'clock next morning: I would start at day break by private carriage. As would be expected from the inhabitants of a city hiding gold and sinking powder-boxes. Their representations of their journey were not favorable to weak nerves,-- still to one [who] having a good stock of similar memories to fall back upon. They were not too terrifying, and the order for a coach remained in force. At length a cocher was found who would undertake the task of driving to Mulhouse for a consideration 5 which, under the circumstances it was quite possible for him to obtain. At the appointed hour with some small satchels, the requisite supply of shawls and waterproofs, with my quiet sensible young companion, I set off once more.- shall I say it? --For "The Front"--that expression was very strange after a lapse of 5 years, and I had thought never to hear it again in connection with myself.-- A mile from Basle we met the pickets; but passed without serious interruption, for the first 6 miles,-- when the detentions became longer, and the road lined with fugitives fleeing to Switzerland.- Entire families, carrying such articles as were possible. The better classes in family, and public carriages, the next in farmer and peasant wagons, drawn by6 horses, oxen, cows,--and often the animals of the family accompanying the wagon which contained the most useful articles for an emergency, --Kettles, beds, and clothing. Those who could not afford this style of removal, were wearily, but hastily trudging along on foot, carrying in their arms. such as their strength would allow, and the tired little children plodding on behind, or drawn in little carts, with bundles of clothing, and bits of bread. Sometimes a family was so fortunate as to have a cow or goat with them, when they had no wagon. Sometimes after the Bernese custom, a large dog drew the wagon of luggage,--but in some manner all were making on, often in tears, and always with Terror depicted on their faces.- In all 7 day, we saw but two carriages going in our direction. But all whom we met, looked at us in astonishment, and continually called out-- Oh: don't go in that direction, "The Prussians 'are coming: or There had been a Terrible Battle "and Everybody is being Killed.--Turn back--Turn back.' Sometimes one would be so earnest as to come to the heads of our horses, To urge us to return, and it was not always easy to keep our driver in heart. At Sierentz we were met and stopped by a large body of people, with the Mayor at their head, and our destination required and at the same time informed that it was exceedingly hazzardous to proceed, as great battles were going on at a short distance from Mulhouse, and that the Prussians were crossing8 the Rhine in great force. But when to all this we replied that we were aware of the state of things, and that, that was the reason for our going, that we went to care for the wounded, of the battles, they all cried with one voice Mon Dieu. God Bless you. and the old white haired mayor led the way to the side of our carriage, to take our hands, exclaiming "God preserve. "and be with you my children, and He is with "you, or you would not be here on this mission," and the crowd that jostled in the street, one after another, followed his example, with the tears falling over their faces. Even to the little children to whom we reached down our hands meet theirs, or to touch them as they were held up to us. No wonder they wept, their fathers, sons, and brothers would be in the 9 Bloody carnage so soon to follow. already they had bade, to God only knew how many the last farewell. At length, they let go our bridles and we passed on. And with such scenes every moment in some form, occurring, we performed the remainder of our journey to Mulhouse... We made our way directly to the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross of Mulhouse Monsieur. August Dolfus. Here we learned that Mulhouse had not been the theater of war. That it had not even a wounded soldier, and as it had no defenses, and intended to make none, it did not look for destruction. But Strasbourg with her walls. and garrison had not this comfortable assurance. But now the way to Strasbourg was no more often than10 To Basle., and it was questionable if any conveyance could be found. In company with our lovely hostess Madame Dolfus. We went in search of a carriage but met only the same response. "There is not a carriage to be had in all Mulhouse "Every thing had gone to Basle with the fugitives" at length a man appeared who said he could call a carriage from the country. and start with us at three oclock next morning. He at first stated his terms by the day. which seemed proper enough, but when the time required to perform the journey was asked he named some 4 or 5 days. And when asked his price for the journey direct: and care for himself and horses. it was something Tremendous- with the evident intention of 11 compelling us back to his proposition by the day and once having us in his power, detain us on the road at pleasure. In every line of his face was written villainy. That low flat broad head projecting chin, greasy, chocolate colored face, and snaky eye. boded no good, and great as my anxiety was, to proceed, and impossible as it seemed, under the circumstances in a cold drizzling rain, to find another opportunity, this was not to be accepted, and instinctively putting my hand to my throat as in the presence of a murderer. I informed our proposed coachman that I did not desire his services,- at first, he seemed astonished, next, angry- but seeing that neither produced the desired result, he lowered his terms.12 But getting no response. he fell again. and when I informed him that I did not wish his services at any price he left. went outside and waited, certain, I should repent and send for him. He reckoned without his host. I may have been mistaken, but I have never been able to rid myself of the conviction that it would have proved our last journey if that escort had been accepted- he knew we could not be without money, and in all the panic then reigning, there would be none to question. He need not even wait to conceal his victims,- when discovered, it would only add one more to the tales of murder by the Prussian Troops, and probably just as true as the others. We waited till 4 and a well-known gentlemen of the city came to say that he must 13 attempt at whatever risk, to take a lady friend to Strasburg, next day where her family of little children needed her, she had been caught during a temporary absence, by the war, would like our company. Love is braver than war, truer than steel, stronger than fear, danger or death, and while others fled in thousands, this woman turned to face them all in a walled and fortified city, certain of siege. This proposition was welcome, and at 5 oclock next morning we drove out of Mulhouse, with cards and letters to all the world, but nothing sealed. Our journey this day was a repition of the day previous, only less pleasant. The rain sell fitfully all day, - the sky was leaden, and the fugitives looked14 darker and more distressed than ever. not a man at work in his fields, all was consternation and terror. The most terrifying reports were continually poured into our ears. We were told that the Prussian Troops had cut of the hands of a French Veavendere who was captured carrying water to the soldiers,--that they had cut the throats of peasants, as they passed; and that they slew all the wounded prisoners-- that they set fire to the houses, and shot and bayoneted the inhabitants as they rushed out, and scores of other things equally preposterous. While it is all the time to be borne in mind, that with the exception of a few scouts, and here and there a mounted guard, there were yet no Prussians 15 on the French side of the Rhine, all this past talk of the army having crossed over was purely imaginary. Existing only in their excited terrors- but it was useless to expostulate, in their fright and ignorance they neither could nor would be convinced, and on they rushed. To the Enthusiastic Frenchman, France is the world, and to the illiterate peasantry, all places outside of France must be very near it. They are a home staying, as well as home loving people,- not travellers, and have probably the most limited geographical knowledge of any so learned people on the earth, When the French armies formed at Paris. The great body of the Troops thought to be at [the] Berlin by the second or third day at farthest, conquer Germany, put its armies to flight18 its people to the sword if found resistant, (and with their fierce uncivilized Jureu's Arabs and Algerines they would have done it) garison it's towns, and march home triumphantly in three weeks, pass review on the Camp de Mars, and receive their decorations under the victorious Eagles of France. Hence, when they found themselves unexpectedly repulsed on the [Badish] den line, they judged, in their consternation, that the German Armies of King William amassing at Berlin had only to step over the Rhine and be among them in a day. But to return. After frequent detentions as on the day previous, we reached [*this is the birthplace and vendu of Bartholde*] Colmar, but our carriage and coachman could go no further, and hastily selling us 17 out, glad to be rid of us, he turned his frightened gaze toward Milhouse, and drove for his life, leaving us to find another conveyance, which was not an Easy Task, no one would risk a carriage farther than the station nearest him, believing the Prussians so close, as to capture it, if it went beyond. During our hour of detention, my fair haired Antoinette and myself went in search of some necessary articles and entered a small store, where was a man.- his wife, and aged mother. We were at once recognized as strangers by the man and woman at the counter, and by some remark they learned that we were on our way to the field to meet the wounded,18 While listening to their expressions of surprise, I heard stifled sobs behind me, and turning beheld this poor old woman in her chair - her face buried in her hands, sobbing like a little child, her chest heaving at every sigh as if the breath had gone out never to return. I We approached and spoke to her & she attempted to reply, but it seemed some minutes before she succeeded in saying - "It is gratitude, my children, only gratitude" "God go with you." - We did our best to pacify her: by hoping there would be little need of us.- but we could not comfort or quiet her, and as the door closed on the broken sobs of this poor old French woman, literally stepping down into her grave, my heart 19 ground out bitterly--'Ah Napoleon, is it thus, you protect the happiness of your people.' We hastened to our rendevous, and found a carriage had really been obtained for the next station of importance, Schlettstadt a distance of some 20 miles. This journey, like the other was performed in the rain, and without the appearance of an enemy, but at each place we found it difficult to convince the inhabitants that every other town was not in a great state of defence, and determined to resist the Prussians at all hazzards. Each believing itself to be the only unquardered, unarmed and unresistant city in all the land - all confident of the entire success of France, that she could not be overcome. and that any reversesshe had met were simply unintentional - places not worth retaining - but that some where the armies of France were, or would be in a day or two, astonishing the world with their marvelous victories - and yet, such particular village, or city, thought it should perhaps, be just as well off belonging to the german states, us to France. it was a study of a people never to be forgotten. and never to be as well learned, perhaps in any other way, or under any other circumstances. - this slow travel - making ones way through the country at a time like this ----- the peasants stopped us to speak on the way and each spoke from his heart - the ideas associated with war in the minds of these people is something beyond description. at 3 1/2 we found ourselves driven into the village of Sehelesttadt [?] and alighted at the door of an inn Oh! what a Babel was that entrance room. about 20 men of the village sat around their Beer Tables, and discussed the situation. I Fried in my confused mind, to estimate how much more talking 20 women would have done. it was impossible to distinguish our own voices. we did not try. but simply waited. at length the landlord appeared and hastily withdrew us to another portion of the house. and here again we waited, and asked the probability of the passage of any train of ears, as we knew this vill- -age lay on the Paris & Shastbourge R. R. "Oh! no! that was not possible, - the22 Prussian army lay between there and Strasbourg. It would be quite impossible for us to reach there by any conveyance. We could go only about 20 miles farther, when we should be stopped. -But having heard this every 20 miles all the way from Basle, it was growing an old story, to which we paid little heed, and stepping out into the street to look about us, we heard a familiar whistle in the distance, holding our breaths. it repeated itself, nearer and nearer, 'till we could not be mistaken,- it was a train for Strasbourg. We rushed to the station, and saw it come in,-- sure enough we were not mistaken, --here was a long train coming up from the central portion of France, and bound to Strasbourg - not a regular, but a wild train -- none had preceeded and none was to follow it -- it would unlade and 23 and return directly. It had most probably supplies for the garrison, but no one asked any questions, excepting if we could go on it? A hasty "oui. oui." and in two minutes our satchels, and selves were transferred from our noisy inn, to a seat in a rough train, which moved on as if it had no time to lose. - Every one may know how it seems to be overtaken by a train, very fortunately, but this seemed like being overtaken by a Rail Road. / Two hours of this speed accomplished as much for us. as all the day before it, - and at six [oclock] o'clock we drew cautiously up before the torn up track, and closed gates of the citidel of Strasburg. still drizzling rain, -- mud half over shoes, and a crowd of people, carriages,24 carts. milk women by the hundred, loads of wood, peasant wagons piled with vegetables and fruit for the supplying of a city of 80,000, -- all huddled and waiting in a line at least a half mile in length which only foot passengers could pass, wearily wailing in mist and rain, wearily wailing in doubt and pain; Leaving our train with satchels in hand we became "foot passengers." and walked, or rather waded on, to the head of this motley line up to the gates, under the ramparts. beyond which, no one might pass till the order of the commandant of the garrison, that these massive gates turn on their hinges, and here we waited, watching the measured tread of the sentinelle upon the hights above. - where the grim old ramparts bare and brown 25 kept faithful guard over the frightened town. waiting - waiting, till the middle of the second hour. - when there came a rush of horsemen and a clang of steel up to the other side of the gates The ponderous bolts withdrew, and with a heavy creak, they fell back, and the crowded crowd commenced to surge through, - across the most filled to the brim - over the draw Bridge, - through the stone arch way at least 40 rods. winding and dark. - at length out into the day, among soldiers and citizens. foot and horse, vehicles of all kinds. bayonets and bugles, in all the confusion of an armed city awaiting a siege. - It was time for a hotel, supper and sleep. and it was something astonishing, the journey we had performed in that one day under.26 all its difficulties - changing carriages every few miles, - riding against the reports of the enemy all the way, - intercepted at every little village and +road - detained for hours at a time for conveyance - and yet, we had made our way from Mulhouse to Strasbourg, a distance of 72 miles in time for supper. That was one of the days. which will always seem to me like a week, - The night was shorter. This was my first sight at historic old Strasbourg. I sent my card to the American Consulat saying I would call next morning at 12 oclock and you will not think me too derelect on my duty if I linger a little in the call at 12.oclock-) I linger a little in the 27 principle streets for a view of the quaint queer buildings, go some squares out of my way for a glance at the grand old cathedral - monument of 1000 years.- Old when our nation was born - its fine redsand-stone elaborately carved to the very top of its dome 495 feet from the pavement, its famous clock, - its stained glass windows of the middle ages. before the art was lost.- - and, the meditative storks, perched upon the chimneys, with their rude nests built roughly upon the tops, and their young training themselves for their long first journey to Africa for the winter. [I thought them wise. I also would leave Europe in the winter like the storks.]26 all its difficulties - changing carriages every few miles. - riding against the reports of the enemy all the way, - intercepted at every little village and + road detained for hours at a time for conveyance - and yet, we had made our way from Mulhouse to Strasbourg, a distance of 72 miles in time for supper. That was one of the days which will always seem to me like a week. - the night was shorter. this was my first sight at historic old Strasbourg. And you will not think me too derelict in my duty. if on my way to the American Consulate next morning. (where I had previously sent a card saying I would call at 12.oclock-) I linger a little in the28 During all this walk the rain fell continously, often in Torrents. and we stood in long covered arches to escape it. Take cold: did you say?? Oh yes! but those were days when colds "didn't -count." To my surprise I found the consulate profusely decorated with U.S flags, in honor of my visit, and the residences of both the consul, and vice consul the same. An exclamation of surprise drew from them the fact, that both were Soldiers of the Union. although both Germans. - The consul had been a surgeon -the vice consul a chaplain in our war. The latter had dressed himself in his 29 full uniform of army blue which he had made new at the close of the war to take home with him. There was something in all these unexpected surroundings that carried me back to the brave loyal old days, and set me to wondering if I could ever love other days, and honor other wars as I did those? The military situation of the city deserves a passing notice. Three days previous a detachment of Prussian calvary had appeared before the gates, and demanded the surrender of the city, and met the refusal with the assurance that the city would be bombarded in 24 hours. This naturally filled the inhabitants with terror. The attempts of the military to quiet the fears of the people were most30 ludicrus. They placed at all the street corners printed placards to the effect that no one need fear, as the city was strongly defended, and the troops would fight 'till the last loaf was gone, and the last soldier slain. This was the thing most of all to be dreaded by the inhabitants.-- it really mattered little to them, individually, in whose hands they were, so long as they were at peace, and out of danger.-- But it did matter much, if a few thousand troops, well protected by bomb proofs, could close the gates,--retire behind their entrenchments, having permitted the enemy to approach within easy range, and hold the city under bombardment, while its defenceless 31 inhabitants had no where to retire for safety, except, perhaps to their cellars while their houses burned down over their heads, consuming them in the flames, and burying them in the ashes. The tone of these military assurances was not consoling to the people of Strasburg: who went on saying bitterly-- "a fine protection indeed. In times of peace "we were never burdened with less than a garrison "of 40,000 troops, and compelled to suffer all the "annoyance growing out of it. But now, in "war, and active danger, we are left with not "more than 5 to 6 thousand men,-- just enough "to draw the fire of the enemy, and place us "in all the attitude of war and its accompanying "perils with none of its protections."32 The military claimed as many as 11,000 troops within [in] the defences of Strasburg, but the people were confident that the withdrawal of half that number would leave their fortress bare, and guns unmanned, and from the bottom of their honest, and terror-stricken hearts they wished the withdrawal could be effected. 22 Battles and rumors of Battles had filled our ears for the last two weeks.-- But at length comes a report from a source which can be trusted. A messenger from the Red Cross Commitee comes to say that the Germans are over in force, that the troops of Frederick, Prince - Royal of Prussia have met the French at Hagenaw, and they are fighting like demons. The obliging Consul offered himself as an escort, if we could get out of the city, which we decided to attempt at 4 1/2 next morning. This being one of the two times in 24 hours in which the gates were opened. There were great numbers of German Americans in the city. sumer visitors - Travellrs - wild at the thought of being shut up and Bombarded and who besieged the consulate in the name of Americans for help to get out to Germany, and the consul would attempt to take out a large omnibus full to the German lines that morning. We left the consulate in a pouring rain as usual, at 4 o-clock. It was a question if the Prussian lines could be passed, But this proved to be only a secondary question, - for a drive of 5 minutes brot us up to the eternal gates of Strasburg - here were French lines to pass first, and a waiting crowd of persons scarce inferior to that we had seen on the other side at our entrance and our omnibus constantly filling. We waited an hour, 2 hours, - it is 6 o clock. - such crying of children, - such groaning of persons not naturally compressible. - we drive to another gate, - wait another hour, - always in the rain. - Five ladies leave, - we scarcely miss them, almost as dense as before. - we drive back again, and wait another hour, - it is 8 o clock. The consul to make more room, and to be free, had mounted a young, untrained, and allmost untamed horse, + and was prancing about in a kind of anxious disgust. Evidently he not a society animal, manifesting a most marked distrust of men and things.35 we had seen on the other side at our entrance and our omnibus constantly filling. We waited an hour, - 2 hours, - it is 6 oclock. - Such crying of children. - such groaning of persons not naturally compressible. - We drive to another gate. - wait another hour. - always in the rain. - Five ladies leave. - We scarcely miss them, almost as dense as before. - - we drive back again, and wait another hour. - it is 8 oclock. The consul to make more room and to be free, had mounted a young, untrained and allmost untamed horse, & and was prancing about in a kind of anxious disgust and the vice consul, too kindly gallant 36 to leave us, followed us about from gate to gate with bread and coffee. As we suspected, our delay was occasioned by the density of the fog and mist. The military hesitating to unclose the gates, lest the Prussian forces might be massed near, concealed by the fog waiting to rush in. At length the clouds lifted, and partially dispelled. The fears dispelled as well. The crowd commenced, like "poor Joe," to "move on", and we along with it finally out of the confines of Strasbourg and on our way to the lines of the enemy. We had the Unites States Flag at our front, and the first sentry halted us to learn what it was. - when informedhe promptly disputed it. - He had been in Mexico, and Guatamala and Australia and the Sandwich Islands, and it was not the American Flag at all. Reference to a chart of flags convinced him, and we passed. - But this made us aware of a great mistake we had committed. In our hurry of getting off in the rain and darkness of the early morning we had forgotten our International Red Cross Flag and all our insignia. There was no return, as well seek to go back through the gates of death - we must "Trust to Luck." The next sentinel, about a league from Strasbourg, recognized our Flag, - saluted it, and did not ever halt us. A mile farther - more pickets, - a little more detention, but permitted to pass. Evidently they all realized that there was a net beyond, fine enough to catch, and strong enough to hold us. -which we also suspected. 3 miles farther on, we came into it, - a full German camp - Troops without number. - horses and wagons at rest Tents pitched, and the scarlet and gold of Baden floating gracefully on the breeze. These were the forces of the Grand Duke and here, the bayonets were crossed in the center of the road before us. The troops were drilling in a broad field at the right. - And just at this particular juncture the band sounded the Long Roll. - 39 If you could have seen the consul's horse It was more than we could do after the first three seconds. - John Gilpin was not to be spoken of, after that. This stroke of Diplomacy left us quite alone in our dilemma. The numerous occupants of the omnibus talked much German to the sentry to little purpose. - We were ordered back - somebody must do something and I asked for the "colonel commanding" He came. A Princely man, with a fine Saxon face. - advanced, struck an attitude and stood before me in perfect silence. "You speak English I presume colonel"? "A little madame" Evedently, a trifle flattered by the presumption, 40 I then Explained our desires - He replied with dignified courtesey, that he respected my mission, and regarded the wishes of the other persons. - But the orders were most strict - "No person could pass. And repass the lines." - "We are an army entire madame, and proceed to the Bombardment of Strasbourg" - "you are free to return but not to advance" - "Save on one condition " & What may that be colonel? Capture, Madame you can pass our lines, - but you will be prisoners from that moment." Do you mean by this colonel, that we shall be thrown into confinement and held there? - Oh no! Madame41 he answered, returning my incredulous smile - Oh, no! You will be prisoners of war. - free within our lines, but not to pass out of them till the close of the war. "The wounded will be within your lines: "We hope so madame, as we intend to lose no fields. And your lines extend from Belgium to Switzerland Yes - And from Berlin surely to here "Certainly madame" That is space enough for me colonel- Let me in" You accept the conditions then "Fully colonel, and for us all." The Bayonets were withdrawn, our horses moved on. and for the first time in my life I was 42 a prisoner. [*and my Antoinette Linch as she was had gone bodily over to the germs. I had*] Just at this juncture the consul hove in sight with his awkward colt, shying - sideling. - & cross-footing up. -giving the impression of 6 or 7 legs in the place of 4. His official position took him through - the consul I mean, not the colt. - he didn't appear to hold any position. And here, almost in sound of the guns of the Prince Royal at Hagenau The army of the King and Moltkie marching on Metz Napolean bearing on sedan. The Grand Duke of Baden, and the Bombardment ofShasbourg behind me, myself a prisoner of war, and our allies Germany massed to watch the Rhine, I leave you dear friends to the situation, and bid you a grateful Good Night. Gentlemen and Ladies I have been invited by our obliging host, and hostess, to read to them and you some pages from an old time note-book, - and I have selected a portion covering the few months previous, to the outbreak of and leading up to the Franco- German war. - but not at all including that great event. While that might, and naturally would be found. if well presented 11 1/2 a theme of far greater interest than common notes of European travel in time of peace. Still I shall not essay to enlighten you upon the subject of war. Were I to attempt it, I should doubtless, miserably fail, for it has so long been said, as to amount to an adage that - women dont know anything about war. - I wish -[*2] farming [but about war - I fear it is not - much I can tell. for it has long been an adage. "that women don't know anything about war."-] I wish men didn't either. They have always known a great deal too much about it for the good of their kind. They have worshiped at Valkyria's shrine. and followed her siren lead, 'till it has cost a million times more than the whole world is worth today. - poured out the best blood, and crushed the fairest forms, the good God has ever created. General Sherman was right, when, [a few weeks ago,] in addressing an assembly of cadets, [I think,] he told them "war was hell." - Deck it as you will, it is this. [*3] and whoever has looked active war full in the face, has caught some glimpses of regions as infernal, as he may ever fear to find. [Now,] if any listener of mine on this subject. expects. ever to hear me discourse on the war side of it, he had best prepare early for a disappointment, because that was not my side. - The war side of war could never have called me to the field. -Through and through - thought and act. body and soul, I hated it. Only the desire to soften some of its hardships, allay some of its miseries. for those who must go. ever induced me. and I presume all other women who have taken similar steps. to dare its pestilent and unholy breath. If I were to speak of it, it would not be. to show you4 the glories of conquering armies - but the mischief, and misery. they strew in their track, and how, while they march on with tread of iron. and plumes proudly tossing in the breeze. someone must follow closely in their steps, crouched to the earth. - toiling in the rain and darkness. - shelterless like themselves. with no thought of pride or glory. - fame. - praise or reward.- hearts breaking with pity - faces bathed in tears, and hands in blood. This is the side of the picture which history never shows. - The lees in the wine, - The dregs in the cup of military glory. It would be out of such as this that I must sketch the little glimpses I [can] could bring you. were I to attempt it. for there was my lovely place in all the wars I have known 6 of this "cure" had fixed and decided upon a matter, I should consider it final. Albeit, - [your great Head and Benefactor may sometimes tell you, to your faces, that "you are all a pack of lunatics." - still, he will admit there is method in your madness. and He knows he honors you, as he loves you. I have been requested to read some notes on the Franco-Prussian war.] Most of you, I presume, know of me, only as connected with our own war. and probably little of that. and unless I give a world of explanation, it will remain a mystery to you how I ever came [into] near a war in another county - or in military parlance, we must connect the two by a "pontoon7 -Bridge : and get ourselves across on it. Our war closed in the spring of .65- -almost four years longer I worked among the debris. gathering up the wrecks , and sometimes during the lecture-season, telling a few simple war-stories to the people over the country, in there halls, and churches One early winter evening in 68 I stood on the platform of one of the finest new Opera Houses in the East.- filled to repletion, with, it seemed to me, the most charming audience I had ever beheld, - plumed and jeweled ladies, - stalwart youths, reverend white haired men; gradually and to my horror I felt my voice giving out, leaving me; The next moment I opened my mouth but no sound 8 followed;- again. and again and again I attempted it with no result;- it was finished; nervous prostration had declared itself.- I [went] came to my home in [Washington] this city, lay helpless, cold, and sleepless all winter; was finally, by my physicians, ordered to Europe; and in early Sept. 69 was able to go; landed at Liverpool; two weeks in bonny Scotland among its broom and heather, its lakes and mountains, its classic old cities. its towers and its castles,- one night, of thundering over a British Railway as if shot from a cannon and here is London ,- a few days with its miles of gray granite walls, its atmosphere of smoke9 its beautiful parks, its matchless thoroughfares its millions of living, breathing life, its towers, its St. Pauls , its Parliament, its inconceivable charities, its untold wealth, its thieves and its beggars, a dismal night across the channel, and marvelously, you have bade adieu to a possession you have always had; born with you, a friend that has served your every need, and which you never before thought to loose - your mother tongue: Bonjour Madame a votre service. I hope you like it better than I do, a day or two in Imperial Paris with all the splendors of the Empire its legal Empress the pattern of the world, - a happy wife and mother: Oh! today! a few hours with my old time, treasured 10 congressional war friend E.B. Washburn, then our minister to France,, A little talk on the "situation", A few doubts of the plan of reconstruction, and on to the South East through happy France, - Her second crops ripening for the winter, and her vineyards purpling in the sunshine; - On through valleys of thrift and beauty, with now and then a glimpse of Alpine ranges in the dim distance, till once more your lungs expand with the atmosphere of a Republic; for the terminus of this is Switzerland; Cosmopolitan Geneva; - and these friends, tired with our rushing journey, let us rest; for we have "come to stay". - Three years they told11 us at home, when they sent us away" Oh Yes! - Time to admire this lovliest of cities, resting on the bosom of its clear blue lake. To return the salutation of the great hoary headed King, Mont Blank as he nods from his distant throne of perpetual snows. Time to make acquaintance with the old residences and labor places of John Calvin, Voltaire, Rosseau, Neckar, Madam de Steel at lovely Copet.- "The seven pillars of gothic mould In Chillons dungeons deep and old. The seven columns mossy and gray. Dim with a dull imprisoned ray, A sunbeam that hath lost its way:" Time to compare governments and see if a 12 "Republic hemmed in by Monarchies, can be the same thing as a republic surrounded only by the free rolling waves of God's eternal oceans. While we are waiting, anticipating and settling ourselves, there is one day announced a visit from a body of Geneva gentlemen, having some business with me, - they say, - and most respectfully requesting an interview. [With your kind permission I will learn the purpose of their visit and relate it to you. - Shall I do so?- Thanks, - most liberal if I may; - for this will be the subject I wish to present for your judment.] These men fully sustained the claim to the title of13 gentlemen.- Gentlemen of thought, character, intelligence position and culture. They introduced themselves as the officers of a society known as the International Convention of Geneva,- more familiarly, the Red Cross,- having for its object the amelioration of the sufferings of war, the succour and nursing of the wounded and sick in battle, the relief of prisoners, the guarding against famine and pestilence: and whatever may befall a people, under the scourge of war [be considered a national calamity, and requiring help of a larger and quicker character than is usualy at hand in private communities.] And this, in its international character, extends not alone to its own, but to all nations within 14 the compact. That this society had been formed in 1863, at the instance of Dr. Louis Appia, - there present, - [and] a noted surgeon in the Italian wars of Napoleon III. & who had at that date called a convention composed of delegates from the civilized nations of the whole world, formed their laws for international neutral action in all wars extending to all peoples, - Framed their [compact] Treaty and presented it for signature, through the delegates present, to the nations which they respectively represented.- That in less than two years, this compact had been signed and entered into by 25 distinct Governments comprising all the civilized and some even of the with your kind permission I will depart for a few moments from my narrative and speak of the nature of this international compact which may not be familiar to you14-A This Treaty consisting of 10 articles, and making material changes in the articles of war governing the medical and hospital departments of all armies provided among other things for [the] entire neutrality concerning all hospitals for the care of sick and wounded men, that they should not be subject to capture. That not only the sick and wounded themselves, but the persons in attendance upon them. as surgeons hospital. stewards. and nurses should be held neutral, and free from capture. That surgeons, chaplains and nurses in attendance [upon] upon the wounded of a battle field at the time of its surrender should be regarded as non-combattants, not subject to capture, and left unmolested to care for the wounded so long as any remained upon the field - and when no longer needed for this, be safely escorted to their own lines, and given up. That soldiers too badly 14-18 badly wounded to be capable of again bearing arms should not be carried away as prisoners, but often to their own army if in retreat it could take them. if it could not accept them, they must be placed in hospital and cared for. side by side with the wounded of the enemy. That all convoys of wounded or evacuations of posts shall be protected by absolute neutrality. - That all supplies designed for the use of the sick or wounded [of either army] should be held neutral and entirely exempt from capture by either belligerant army. That it should be the duty of both Generals in command to apprise the inhabitants in the vicinity of a battle about to take place. of the fact. that any house which should take in and entertain the wounded of either side would be placed under military protection, and remain so as long as any wounded remain14-C therein. and that they would be also exempt from the quartering of troops and ordinary contributions of war - thus literally converting every house in the vicinity of a battle into a furnished hospital & making nurses of its inmates - In order to carry into effect these great changes, it would be needful to have some one distinctive sign, a badge by which all these neutral peoples and stores could be designated. There must be one hospital flag among all nations. within the Treaty - and this same sign must make all persons and things belonging to it. The convention studied diligently for this sign - at lenght it got so far as to decide that a cross would be acceptable to nearly all peoples -- They next - said - we represent here the great war making monarchs of the world - This little Republic of 14-D- Switzerland- so small that one of us could crush her between our thumb & finger has had the courage to invite us here to consider our cruelties and call upon us for some better system of kindness and humanity than we have heretofore practiced. for this brave lesson she deserves something of us - we cannot take her flag- she has fought a thousand years for that - and will not give it up - but if she permits we will revere its colors - a white cross upon a red ground - and make a red cross on a white round the one distinctive sign of humanity in war the world over ~ The consent was given and this committee of Gentlemen who had called the convention with Monsieur Gustave Moynier as its President was selected by all the nations as the International medium an head of war relief throughout the civilized world14-E To anticipat a little I would say here that our adhesion to this treaty in 1882 has changed our articles of war: our military hospitals Flag - we have no longer the old faded yellow flag - but a bright red cross at every military post - and the same sign to be worn by all military surgeons or attendants if the orders of the War Dept have yet reached them - , for we are today, you will be glad to know, - not only in full accord with this International Treaty of Geneva but are considered one of the strongest pledged nations within it. But to return to my narative There were at this time 31 nations in this great compact, comprising all the civilized, and some even of the semi civilized nations of the globe [semi civilized nations of the globe.] All, with one great and incomprehensible exception: - the United States of America. It had been three times presented to our Government; once at its formation during our war and twice since without success, and without any reason which to the members of the convention seemed sufficient, or intelligent. even And it was to ask of me the real nature of the grounds of this declination, that the interview had been sought. - If there were something objectional in thier articles they might be modified to meet our laws, or even our prejudices - that some clue might be gained, which they could understand. They had thought of every thing.- If it had originated in a monarchical government, they could see some justifiable caution, - but a sister Republic older than our own - and yet all monarchies had signed it. - In their perplexity they had come to me for a solution of the problem. What could I say;- What could each, or any of you have said if confronted with this question? Simply that you did not know any thing about it, and you were sure the American people did not know any thing about. or ever heard of it.- That the government, or rather some office of the government, to whom the matter had been assigned, had decided upon, and declined it individualy, and it had never been 17 considered in the National councils [of all], nor in any way made known to the people I knew it must be so. - That it had simply gone by default with no real objection - never examined sufficiently to have an objection,- that our government was too rushing to attend to details outside of political influence or bearing, I ought to say patronage that school- boy like it had carelessly stumbled over this jewel, and trodden it under feet to the astonishment of all the world, and in its young America confidence never dreamed that it had been doing any thing to be remarked. or, in fact. that the American Eagle, the Stars and Stripes, ne plus ultra! and E pluribus unum! were not sufficient explanation18 to any body, for any thing, it ever might or might not do. I could not say all this to these staid and well taught gentlemen. But what I did say was that I feared it was not sufficiently understood being in a foreign language, and I hoped it could be better presented at some future time. I need not say that this committee of seven members, and myself became friends. I read thier Articles of Convention, thier published bulletins and all reports, and as we progress we shall see, if, in the dark days that followed, I found reason to respect the cause and appreciate the work of the Geneva Convention. 19 [This is the subject I desire to present for your judgment. We will leave it here, and some time later, perhaps, when you have thought of it, you can give me [your opinion].] We can now pursue our wanderings. The winter came,-'69 and '70,-bitter cold. The north winds from the mountain snows, blew me to the Medeteranean and floated me about among its islands. My physicians had forbidden Italy, for its malaria. [I had enough at home and need not go abroad for that, they said.] With the spring I returned to Switzerland and placed myself at some20 Turkish both at Berne. On the 15th of [August] July, the arrival of the mails shocked us by tidings of a declaration of war by Napoleon against King Williams of Germany. I remember that was read notes, and here is the first a letter home that appears on my pages after that declaration. With your permission I will read that letter it least some may have forgotten the exact origin of that war. [or] or as little Peterkin asked of Blenheim, "what it was all about?" 21 Ed Grand Army Gerenal Berne Switzerland July 21-1870. It is scarcely possible to conceive of anything more precipitous than the business of the little week of time, which has thrown two great nations into the attitude of war and put to the test of decision the courts or people. of every country in Europe. A week ago she thought herself at peace. True, she had heard a day or two before of a few hasty words between France and Prussia, but no one deemed it to mean more than words until the wires of the 15th, flashed Napoleon's declaration of war. - All Europe stood against. - What did it mean?22 What was it all about? No one could believe it meant war in reality, and the nations held their breath. Even the Prussian press said it "could not be" it was "zu dumm!".-- But the reader of history has not yet to learn that nothing can be "too foolish," and no pretext too slight, where personal interest, royal dignity, ambition, or pride are injured or threatened. But in which of all these, in the present instance, lies the tenderest nerve. it is difficult, at this early moment of confusion and consternation to decide. Spain, which appears to have anxious to preserve the national Balance of power. and fearing to see her rival. and old enemy Germany ruling on two sides. holding the keys to both the Baltic and Medeteranian, objected.23 given, most innocently, the first provocation, holds no place in the quarrel, and has less to say and do about it than anyone else. Her crime consists in that her poor crown goes a-begging, and she offered it to one, and another, until at length the young German prime Leopold, of Hohenzollern, having within a crown nor the prosper of one, accepted it. - [national] But when France he declined it. - But when, for still, further security, France insisted when demanding of the King of Prussia, that in case of a retender, neither the Prince of Hohenzollern 24 nor any other subjects of his, should ever accept it, the KIng refused to confer with the messenger. - This insults the dignity of France, and she replies in one word - war, and her populace, wild with enthusiasm, shouts Vive la guerre. The decision passes over to Prussia. - The old King listens in profound silence while Bismarck reads to him the declaration, but starts with visible astonishment at the passage in M. Olliver's statement, in which he says that France "accepts the war" and "throws upon Prussia the responsibility". When all is finished, he turns to his son, The Prince Royal embraces him tenderly, steps a little to one side, and after a25 moment's hesitation, replies for Prussia in scarce more words than Napoleon has for France - "War! Prepare for war!" and thus it is commenced. It were long to tell, and will be the work of later days to gather up and report the various opinions and actions of the surrounding nations of Europe. Today it is enough to know that all France and Prussia with both Northern and Southern Germany, are armed and marching to the Rhine; that at any moment we may hear that her blue waters are purpled with the flowing tide of human life; that the flying wheels of the artillery are plowing her golden fields, already bending low for the harvest, and the 26 crushing hoof of the cavalry trampling out her unripened vintage. It may, however be interesting, or at least amusing, some time after this, if the war continue, when the nations shall have settled themselves and taken position, to refer to these first impressions and decisions, before policy, strategy, or power have wholy entered into the warp and woof of what may yet become a vast political web, enveloping the entire continent of Europe, *And with this view I gather a few of the most important. We are assured that nothing could exceed the outburst of patriotic enthusiasm manifested by the French people at the moment of the declaration, and the troops 27 were with difficulty restrained. "To the Rhine!" "To the Rhine!" rang out on every side. This is ballanced by an enthusiasm equaly strong, perhaps a trifle more calm, on the part of the Prussians, the business men of Dresden immediately offering a prize to him who should capture the first French cannon. Baden, Wurtemberg, and Bavaria at once proffer money and troops - Hanover was a little slow to come in at first, and partly turned to France; but over powered by the stream of public opinion, she wheels into line - Netherlands takes a decided stand, and maintains an armed 28 neutrality under the Prince of Orange. Italy attempted some demonstrations in favor of Prussia and against Rome, but this was immediately put down, and the people gave their verdict as follows: "We shall neither French nor Prussians be, but Italians!" Poor Italy has nothing to spare for her neighbors quarrels; she will need all her military power for the arrest of her own revolutionary element. Austria at once announced her neutrality, and the Emperor so wrote Napoleon with his own hand. Denmark, like Netherlands, hesitated. She remembered bitterly the loss of Sehleswig- Holstein by Prussian aggression, and naturaly turns away. There is exultation 29 in the thought of a blockade of the Baltic at such a moment for Prussia. Revenge is sweet; but this endangers amicable relations with England, Russia, and North America, and perhaps she cannot afford to indulge her resentments however gratifying it might be. So, via Hamburg, at last comes a rumor of her declaration of neutrality. The intelligence from Russia is vague and uncertain, England attempted to act the mediator but failed, and announces a "strict neutrality" although she had previously declared her sympathies to be with Prussia. If one be not mistaken, Napoleon will need patience, 30 faith, and a good appetite to relish the neutral dish England will serve up for him under these conditions. Her style of neutrality is something wonderful. Its acts, Lo! are they not written in the book of the heart of every soldier who fought in the armies of Abraham? And last comes little Switzerland bright as a diamond in her rough mountain setting, proclaiming a neutrality which she means; with no policy but truth, no strategy but honesty, no diplomatism in this matter, but to preserve inviolate, and at all hazzards, her own national independence and God-given liberty. - Her's is an armed neutrality in which one has faith. - Down all her mountain sides, and through all her 31 valleys, and over her fields, come by one, and two, and three her sturdy browncheeked mountain farmers, in their neat uniforms of blue, with knapsack, haversack, and cartridge-box, grasping the ready musket with hands long calloused by the plow, the sickle, and the scythe. Since twenty-four hours from the declaration of war, has been pouring across her green, peaceful bosom this strange, steady stream of soldier-life, till one fancies the fiery torch of "Duncraggan" must have been sped over her hills. Forty thousand troops to-day line her borders; the entire length of her frontiers from Basle to Lake Leman and the Boden Sea glisten with bayonets and darken with men. Switzerland means nothing but honest neutrality and the preservation of her liberties 32 at any cost, and when she tells you that she needs help, you may believe it and know that she deserves it. The declaration, remember, was on the 15th; - On the 19th a second delegation of the Red Cross of Geneva presented itself at my villa in Berne; Dr. Appia in person, with his trained corps of assistants, fine, sturdy nen, on thier way to the front, (wherever that might be), to organise thier work of relief, -- Not a rejiment of troops started sooner than they; not a drop of blood could flow before thy would be there to staunch it; -- not a soldier could fall before practiced and well provided hands would be there to gather him up. France, Germany and Switzerland were all in33 the international compact for years past, - all organized; - Every town and city had its Red Cross Relief Committiee: - its well filled workrooms like our relief societies in our war, but all prepared in time of peace and plenty, awaiting the emergency. -- The Swiss headquarters were at Basle, bordering on both France and Germany: and there all supplies were to be sent. and held on call from the hundreds of workers at the fields, for the use of the sick and wounded of either side indiscriminately; wherever the need was greatest. And their thoroughly authenticated passports and the never-failing badge, carried them unmolested through all lines, on to any field, however held, and allowed them to work unmolested, and 34 uncaptured so long as a man needed their care. How this thing came over me, as that committee stood at my door. I remembered the beginning of our war, its first battles, -- a year, - before even we had a sanitary commision in name, more than another, before it developed into actual life, or [even] reached a field: -- and how, to the last, it worked in jealous opposition to the military powers, Because not connected with them. and never passed a battle line; - had no neutral power. -- I rememberd our fields held by the enemy, and theirs by us, till the wounded perished, and the dead rotted, before any human aid could reach; -- I remembered the mine in front of Petersburgh, where from its edge, I saw the wounded and35 dying blistering in the summer sun thre days after the battle;- and Burnsides Fredricksburg where they were brought to me frozen stiff, four days after: - I remembered Andersonville with its Thirty Thousand starving men whom no mortal power could reach, even with a bit of bread. -- and with this contrast before me, if I then & there. consecrated the best strength and work of my remaining life, to the introduction and establishment of this system in my own country you will not wonder. [(Will you, Dr. Jackson? I refer to you sir, because you, more than any other person, have helped me to the strength, even to tell it here _] This delegation had come to invite me to join 36 and go with it directly to the front and work with them as I had worked at home. Do you think the knowledge of my exausted powers of endurance, of the weakness that would not let me dare, and compelled me to decline, lay heavy on my soul? Do you think I bore a cross that day? If you do not, you indeed know me little. But the courtesy, the honor, were all the same. I accepted these, and promised to follow by myself and do what I could, and if I broke down alone I should be no hindrance to other workers: and the same week I followed them to Basle. I have said that Basle was the great headquarters of the International committee of Geneva. The beligerant nations had eachThis wise provision both marked and sustained their neutrality37 its own head quarters ; that of Germany at Berlin, with the Empress Augusta at its head; that of France, at Paris under the auspices of its lovely Empress. But you will understand that the International feature of this requires that all contributions from other nations be sent through the International head quarters; hence, no people within the compact, except the beligerants, could send direct to either France or Germany, but must correspond with the Great central committee at Geneva, and learn from it the place of greatest need, and the proper agents on the spot to whom the consignment should be made. This wise provision both marked and sustained their neutrality - Up to this moment, no point beyond Basle had been reached. This was, then, the great central depot of the International; and it 38 was worth something to have seen it in less than two weeks after the sudden declaration, a declaration as unexpected, as if some nation should declare against us tomorrow. My first steps were to their store houses, and to my amazement, I found there a larger supply than I had ever seen at any one time, in readiness for the field at our own Sanitary Commission rooms in Washington, even in the fourth year of the war; and the trains were loaded with boxes and barrels pouring in from every city, town and hamlet in Switzerland ; even from Austria and Northern Italy : and the trained, authorized, educated nurses, stood awaiting their appointment, each with this badge upon the arm or breast, and every box, barrel or package with 39 a broad, bright, scarlet cross which rendered it as sacred and safe from molestation , (one might almost say,) as the bread and wine before the altar. -- I beg pardon if any shall feel a shade of sacrilege in my comparison: - I did not intend it. - "In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me." -- I never in my life preformed a days work at the field that was not grounded on that one little sentence, and that it did not come to me hour after hour till kindly sleep -- brought relief to both body and brain. You will conclude that quiet, old historic Basle was, by this time, a busy city. -- It was frightened out 40 of its senses. Bordering on both France and Germany, it lay directly on the [possible] possible march of either army on its way to the other; and the moment she shall allow this crossing her neutrality will be declared broken, and not only Basle but all Switzerland will be held in a state of actual war and become a common battle ground for both. ----------...---------- [I find the following passage in a letter of the same date]. -- * * * * * ----------..---------- I passed a week in that city among this work, to learn it more thoroughly, to be able to judge it in its practical bearings, its merits and demerits, so far as I could, before giving it my unqualified endorsement.41 you will not wonder that Basle felt her responsibility, and trembled for both her own and the safety of the state. Some notes from my diary, of that date will serve to show the condition of not only Basle. but the Entire portion of country forming the Valley of the Rhine. War in Europe has been a scourge so terrible. its traditions so full of horror, that to the helpless peasantry. not only war, but the very rumor of war, is "Hell." They at once lose all power of reason, and flee before its approach. as from a flaming building. T The terrors of these poor ignorant populations, tell a frightful tale of lawlessness reckless brutality, rapine and pillage through 42 all the wars, of all the ages. To me, it was a study worth a journey to Europe to have made. It was history, more impressive and more rapidly learned than from books. -- These poor terror stricken fleeing peoples. My stay in Basle brings the time to the first week in August, and Battles become imminent My Diary Says,1. [*Franco-Prussian*] [*W.E.B*] Gentlemen and Ladies I have been invited by our obliging host, and hostess to read to them and to you some pages from an old time notebook, -and I have selected a portion covering the few months previous to the outbreak of, and leading up to the Franco-German war,-but not at all including that great event. While that might, and naturally would be found, if well presented a theme of far greater interest than common notes of European travel in time of peace, still I shall not essay to enlighten you upon the subject of war. Were I to attempt it,-I should doubtless miserably fail, for it has so long been said, as to amount to an adage that-women don't know anything about war. I wish men didn't either.-They have always known a great deal too much about it for the good of their kind. They have worshiped at valkyria's shrine, and followed her siren lead, till it has cost a million times more than the whole world is worth today. Poured out the best blood, and crushed the fairest forms the good God has ever created. General Sherman was right, when, in addressing an assembly of cadets, he told them "War was hell." Deck it as you will, it is this, and whoever has looked active war full in the face, has cought some glimpses of regions as infernal, as he may ever fear to find. If any listener of mine on this subject expects ever to hear me discourse of the war side of it, he had best prepare early for a disappointment, because that was not my side. The war side of war could never have called me to the field-through and through- thought and act, body and soul, I hated it. Only the desire to soften some of its hardships, allay some of its miseries, for those who must go, ever induced me, and I presume all other women who have taken similar steps, to dare its pestilent and unholy breath. If I were to speak of it, it would not be to show you the glories of conquering armies-but the mischief, 2. and misery they strew in their track, and how, while they march on with tread of iron, and plumes proudly tossing in the breeze, some one must follow closely in their steps, crouched to the earth,- toiling in the rain and darkness,-shelterless like themselves, with no thought of pride or glory, fame, praise, or reward,-hearts breaking with pity-faces bathed in tears, and hands in blood. This is the side of the picture which history never shows, The lees in the wine, the dregs in the cups of military glory. It would be out of such as this that I must sketch the little glimpses I could bring you, were I to attempt it, for there was my lowly place in all wars I have known [*Page Missing*] of this"cure" had fixed and decided upon a matter, I should consider it final, albeit,- your great head and benefactor may sometimes tell you to your faces that "you are all a pack of lunatics", still he will admit there is method in your madness, and he knows he honors you, as he loves you. I have been requested to read some notes of the Franco- Prussian war.3. Most of you, I presume, know of me, only as connected with our own war, and probably little of that, and unless I give a word of explanation, it will remain a mystery to you how I ever came near a war in another country-or in military parlance, we must connect the two by a "pontoon bridge", and get ourselves across on it. Our war closed in the spring of'65, almost four years longer I worked among the debris, gathering up the wrecks, and sometimes during the lecture-season, telling a few simple war- stories to the people over the country, in their halls and churches. One early winter evening in '68 I stood on the platform of one of the finest new opera houses in the east,-filled to repletion, with, it seemed to me, the most charming audience I had ever beheld, plumed and jeweled ladies,-stalwart youths,-reverend white haired men, and gradually and to my horror I felt my voice giving out, leaving me; the next moment I opened my mouth but no sound followed;-again, and again, and again I attempted it, with no result; it was finished! nervous prostration had declared itself.--I went to my home in Washington, lay helpless all winter; was finally, by my physicians, ordered to Europe; and in early September '69 was able to go; landed at Liverpool; two weeks in bonny Scotland, among its broom and heather, its lakes and mountains, its classic old cities, its towers and its castles,-one night, of thundering over a British railway as if shot from a cannon and here is London,-a few days with its miles of gray granite walls, its atmosphere of smoke, its beautiful parks, its matchless thoroughfares, its millions of living, breathing life, its towers, its St. Oauls, its Parliament, its inconceivable charities, its untold wealth, its theives and its beggars, a dismal night across the channel, and marvelously, you have bade adieu to a possession you have always had, born with you, a friend that has served your every need, and which you never before thought to loose,--your mother tongue! Bon jour Madame a votre service. (I hope you like it better than I do,) a day or two in Imperial Paris with all the splendor of the 4. Empire; its regal Empress the pattern of the world,-a happy wife and mother:-Oh! today! a few hours with my old time, treasured congressional war friend E. B. Washburn, then our minister to France. A little talk on the "situation", a few doubts of the plan of reconstruction, and on the South East through happy France,--her second crops ripening for the winter, and her vineyards purpling in the sunshine;-on through valleys of thrift and beauty, with now and then a glimpse of Alpine ranges in the dim distance, till once more your lungs expand with the atmosphere of a Republic; for the terminus of this is Switzerland; Cosmopolitan Geneva; and here friends tired with our rushing journey, let us rest; for we have "come to stay".--"three years they told us at home, when they sent us away" Oh! Yes!-Time to admire this lovliest of cities, resting on the bosom of its clear blue lake. To return the salutation of the great hoary headed king, Mont Blank as he nods from his distant throne of perpetual snows. Time to make acquaintance with the old residences, and labor places of John Calvin, Voltaire, Rosseau, Neckar, Madam deSteel at lovely Copet,-- "The seven pillars of gothic mould In Chillons dungeons deep and old, The seven columns massy and gray, Dim with a dull imprisoned ray, A sunbeam that hath lost its way:" Time to compare governments and see if aRepublic hemmed in by Monarchies, can be the same thing as a republic surrounded only by free rolling waves of God's eternal oceans. While we are waiting, anticipating and settling ourselves, there is one day announced a visit from a body of Geneva gentlemen, having some business with me,-they say,-and most respectfully requesting an interview. With your kind permission I will learn the purport of their visit and relate it to you. Shall I do so?-- Thanks,-most liberal if I may:-for this will be the subject I wish to present for your judgment.5. These men fully sustained the claim to the title of gentlemen,- gentlemen of thought, character, intelligence, position and culture. They introduced themselves as the officers of a society known as the International Convention of Geneva,-more familiarly, the Red Cross,- having for its object the amelioration of the sufferings of war, the succour and nursing of the wounded and sick in battle, the relief of prisoners, the guarding against famine and pestilence; and whatever may befall a people, under the scourge of war. And this, in its international character, extends not alone to its own, but to all nations within the compact. That this society had been formed in 1863, at the instance of Dr. Louis Appia,-there present,-a noted surgeon in the Italian wars of Napolean III and who had at that date called a convention composed of delegates from the civilized nations of the whole world, formed their laws for international neutral action in all wars extending to all peoples,- Framed their treaty and presented it for signature, through the delegates present, to the nations which they respectively represented. That in less than two years, this compact had been signed and entered into by 25, distinct governments comprised all the civilized and some semi-civilized nations of the globe. With your kind permission, I will depart for a few moments from my narrative and speak of the nature of the international compact which may not be familiar to you. This treaty consisting of ten articles, and making material changes in the articles of war governing the medical and hospital departments of all armies provided among other things for entire neutrality concerning all hospitals for the care of sick and wounded men, that they should not be subject to capture. That not only the sick and wounded themselves, but the person in attendance upon them, as surgeons, hospital- 6. stewards, and nurses should be held neutral, and free from capture. That surgeons, chaplains and nurses in attendance upon the wounded of a battle field at the time of its surrender should be regarded as non-combatants, not subject to capture, and left unmolested to care for the wounded so long as any remained upon the field-and when no longer needed for this, be safely escorted to their own lines, and given up. That soldiers too badly wounded to be capable of again bearing arms should not be carried away as prisoners, but offered to their own army if in retreat it could take them. They must be placed in hospital and cared for, side by side with the wounded of the enemy. That all convoys of wounded or evacuations of posts shall be protected by absolute neutrality. That all supplies designed for the use of the sick or wounded should be held neutral and entirely exempt from capture by either belligerant army. That it should be the duty of both generals in command to apprise the inhabitants in the vicinity of a battle about to take place of the fact, that any house which should take in and entertain the wounded of either side would be placed under military protection, and remain so as long as any wounded remained therein, and that they would be also exempt from the quartering of troops and ordinary contributions of war-thus literally converting every house in the vicinity of a battle into a furnished hospital and making nurses of its inmates. In order to carry into effect these great changes, it would be needful to have some one distinctive sign, a badge by which all these neutral peoples and stores could be designated. There must be but one hospital flag among all nations within the treaty-and this same sign must mark all persons and things belonging to it. The convention studied diligently for this sign-at length it got so far as to decide that a cross would be acceptable to nearly all peoples--They next said-we represent here the great war making monarchy of the world.7. This little Republic of Switzerland-so small one of us could crush her between our thumb and finger has had the courage to unite us here to consider our cruelties and call upon us for some better system of kindness and humanity than we have heretofore practised- for this brave lesson she deserves something of us-we cannot take her flag-she has fought a thousand years for that, and will not five it up-but if she permits, we will reverse its colors-a white cross upon a red ground-and make a red cross on a white ground the one distinctive sign of humanity in war-the world over-The consent was given and this committee of gentlemen who had called the convention with Monsieu Gustave Moynier as its president, was reelectedby all the nations as the International medium and head of war relief throughout the civilized world. To anticipate a little I would say here that our adhesion to this treaty in 1882 has changed our articles of war; our military hospital flag-we have no longer the old faded yellow flag-but a bright red cross at every post- and the same sign to be worn by all military surgeons and attendants if the orders of the war department have yet reached them- for we are today-you will be glad to know- not only in full accord with this International Treaty of Geneva but are considered one of the strongest pledged nations within it. But to return to my narrative-there were at this time thirty-one nations in this great compact, comprising all the civilized and even some of the semi-civilized nations of the globe. All with one great and incomprehensible exception:- The United States of America. It had been three times presented to our government; once at its formation during our war and twice since without success, and without any reason which to the members of the convention seemed sufficient, or intelligent. And it was to ask of me the real nature of the grounds of this declination, that the interview had been sought.- If there were something objectional in their articles they might be modified to meet our laws, or even our prejudices- that some clue might be gained, which they could understand-They had thought of everything. If it had originated in a monarchial 8. government, they could see some justifiable caution-but a sister Republic older than our own-and yet all monarchies had signed it. In their perplexity they had come to me for a solution of the problem. What could I say;--What could each or any of you have said, if confronted with this question? Simply that you did not know anything about it, and you were sure the American people did not know anything about, or ever heard of it.- That the government, or rather some officer of the government, to whom the matter had been assigned, had decided upon, and declined it individually, and it had never been considered in the the national councils, nor in any way made known to the people. I knew it must be so.- That it had simply gone by default with no real objection,- that our government was too rushing to attend to details outside of political influence, I ought to say patronage or bearing, that school-boy like it had carelessly stumbled over this jewel, and trodden it under feet to the astonishment of all the world, and in its young America confidence never dreamed that it had been doing anything to be remarked; or, in fact, that the American Eagle, the Stars and Stripes, ne plus ultra! and Epluribus unum! were not sufficient explanation to any body, for anything it ever might or might not do. I could not say all this to these staid and well taught gentlemen. But what I did say was that I feared it was not sufficiently understood, being in a foreign language, and I hoped it could be better presented at some future time. I need not say that this committee of seven members, and myself became friends. I read their Articles of Convention, their published bulletins and all reports, and as we progress, we shall see if in the dark days that followed, I found reason to respect the cause and appreciate the work of the Geneva Convention. Turkish baths at Berne. On the 15th of July the arrival of the mails shocked us by tidings of a declaration of war by Napolean against King William of Germany.9. I remember that was to read notes, and here is the first a letter home that appears on my pages after that declaration. With your permission I will read that letter lest some may have forgotten the exact origin of that war, or as little Peterkin asked Blenheim, "what it was all about?" Berne, Switzerland, July 21, 1870 It is scarcely possible to conceive of anything more precipitous than the business of this little week of time, which has thrown two great nations into the attitude of war, and put to the test of decision the courts or people of every country in Europe. A week ago she thought herself at peace. True, she had heard a day or two before of a few hasty words between France and Prussia, but no one deemed it to mean more than words until the wires of the 15th, flashed Napolean's declaration of war.--All Europe stood aghast.-What did it mean? What was it all about? No one could believe it meant war in reality, and the nations held their breath. Even the Prussian press said it "could not be" it was "zu dumm!"[.]--But the reader of history has not yet to learn that nothing can be"too foolish," and no pretext too slight, where personal interest, royal dignity, ambition, or pride are injured or threatened. But in which of these, in the present instance, lies the tenderest nerve, it is difficult, at this early moment of confusion and consternation to decide. Spain, which appears to have given, most innocently, the first provocation, holds no place in the quarrel, and has less to say and do about it than any one else. Her crime consists in that her poor crown goes a-begging, and she offered it to one, and another, until at length the young German prince Leopold, of Hohenzollern, having neither a crown nor the prospect of one, accepted it.--But when France, anxious to preserve the national balance of power, and fearing to see her rival, and old enemy-Germany ruling on two sides, holding the keys to both the Baltic and Mediterranean, objected, 10. he declined it.--But when for still further security, France insisted upon demanding of the King of Prussia, that in case of a retender, neither the Prince of Hohenzollern nor any other subject of his, should ever accept it, the King refused to confer with the messenger.---- This insults the dignity of France,and she replies in one word-war, and her populace, wild with enthusiasm, shouts Vive la guerre. The decision passes over to Prussia.--The old king listens in profound silence while Bismarck reads to him the declaration, but starts with visible astonishment at the passage in M. Olliver's stalement, in which he says that France "accepts the war" and "throws upon Prussia the responsibility." When all is finished, he turns to his son, the Prince Royal, embraces him tenderly, steps a little to one side, and after a moment's hesitation, replies for Prussia in scarce more words Napoleon has for France--"War! Prepare for war!" and thus it is commenced. It were long to tell, and will be the work of later days to gather up and report the various opinions and actions of the surrounding nations of Europe. Today it is enough to know that all France and Prussia with both Northern and Southern Germany, are armed and marching to the Rhine; that at any moment we may hear that her blue waters are purpled with the flowing tide of human life; that-the flying wheels of the artillery are plowing her golden fields, already bending low for the harvest, and the crushing hoof of the cavalry trampling out her unripened vintage. It may, however, be interesting, or at least amusing, some time after this, if the war continue, when the nations shall have settled themselves and taken position, to refer to these first impressions and decisions, before policy, strategy, or power have wholly entered into the warp and woof of what may yet become a vast political web, enveloping the entire continent of Europe, and with this view I gather a few of the most important. We are assured that nothing could exceed the outburst of patriotic enthusiasm manifested by the French people at the11. moment of the declaration, and the troops were with difficulty restrained. "To the Rhine!" "To the Rhine!", rang out on every side. This is balanced by an enthusiasm equally strong, perhaps a trifle more calm, on the part of the Prussians, the business men of Dresden immediately offering a prize to him who should capture the first French cannon. Badgen, Wurtenberg, and Bavaria at once proffer money and troops. Hanover was a little slow to come in at first, and partly turned to France; but over powered by the stream of public opinion, she wheels into line. Netherlands takes a decided stand, and maintains an armed neutrality under the Prince of Orange. Italy attempted some demonstrations in favor of Prussia and against Rome, but this was immediately put down, and the people gave their verdict as follows: "We shall neither French nor Prussians be, but Italians!" Poor Italy has nothing to spare for her neighbors quarrels; she will need all her military power for the arrest of her own revolutionary element. Austria at once announced her neutrality, and the Emperor so wrote Napolean with his own hand. Denmark, like Netherlands, hesitated. She remembered bitterly the loss of Sehleswig-Holstein by Prussian aggression, and naturally turns away. There is exultation in the thought of a blockade of the Baltic at such a moment for Prussia. Revenge is sweet; but this endangers amicable relations with England, Russia, and North America, and perhaps she cannot afford to indulge her resentments, however gratifying it might be. So, via Hamburg, at last comes c rumor of her declaration of neutrality. The intelligence from Russia is vague and uncertain. England attempted to act the mediator, but failed, and announces a "strict neutrality" although she had previously declared her sympathies to be with Prussia. If one be not mistaken,-Napolean will need patience, faith, and a good appetite to relish the neutral dish England will serve up for him under these conditions. Her style of neutrality is something wonderful. 12. Its acts, Lo! are they not written in the book of the heart of every soldier who fought in the armies of Abraham? And last comes little Switzerland bright as a diamond in her rough mountain setting, proclaiming a neutrality which she means; with no policy but truth, no strategy but honesty, no diplomatism in this matter, but to preserve inviolate, and at all hazzards, her own national independence and God-given liberty.---Her's is an armed neutrality in which one has faith.--Down all her mountain sides, and through all her valleys, and over her fields, come by one, and two, and three her sturdy browncheeked mountain farmers, in their neat uniforms of blue, with knapsack, and cartridge-box, grasping the ready musket with hands long calloused by the plow, the sickle, and the scythe. Since twenty-four hours from the declaration of war, has been pouring across her green, peaceful bosom this strange, steady stream of soldier-life, till one fancies the fiery torch of "Duncraggan" must have been sped over her hills. Forty thousand troops to-day line her borders; the entire length of her frontiers from Basle to Lake Leman and the Boden Sea glisten with bayonets and darken with man. Switzerland means nothing but honest neutrality and the preservation of her liberties at any cost, and when she tell you that she needs help, you may believe it and know that she deserves it. The declaration, remember, was on the 15th-On the 19th a second delegation of the Red Cross of Geneva presented itself at my villa in Berne; Dr. Appia in person, with his trained corps of assistants, fine, sturdy men, on their way to the front, (whereever that might be), to organise their work of relief,--Not a rejiment of troops started sooner than they; not a drop of blood could flow before they would be there to staunch it;--not a soldier could fall before practiced and well provided hands would be there to gather him up. France, Germany and Switzerland were all in the international compact for years past,-all organized;-every town and city had 13. its Red Cross Relief committee:-its well filled work-rooms like our relief societies in our war, but all prepared in time of peace and plenty, awaiting the emergency.-- The Swiss head-quarters were at Basle, bordering on both France and Germany; and there all supplies were to be sent, and held on call from the hundreds of workers at the fields, for the use of the sick and wounded of either side indiscriminately; wherever the need was greatest. And their thoroughly authenticated passports and the neverfailing badge, carried them unmolested through all lines, on to any field, however held, and allowed them towork unmolested, and uncaptured so long as a man needed their care. How this thing came over me, as that committee stood at my door-I remembered the beginning of our war, its first battles,- a year,-before even we had a sanitary commission in name, more than another, before it developed into actual life, or even reached a field:---and how, to the last, it worked in jealous opposition to the military powers, and because not connected with them, and never passed a battle line;--had no neutral power.---I remembered our fields held by the enemy, and theirs by us, till the wounded perished, and the dead rotted, before any human aid could reach;-- I remembered the mine in front of Petersburgh, where from its edge, I saw the wounded and dying blistering in the summer sun three days after the battle;--and Burnsides Fredicksburg where they were brought to me frozen stiff, four days after;-- I remembered Andersonville with its thirty thousand starving men whom no mortal power could reach, even with a bit of bread,---and with this contrast before me, if then and there I consecrated the best strength and work of my remaining life, to the introduction and establishment of this system in my own country you will not wonder- This delegation had come to invite me to join and go with it directly to the front and work with them as I had worked at home. Do you think the knowledge of my exhausted powers of endurance, of the weakness that would not let me dare, and compelled me to decline, lay heavy on my soul? Do you think I bore a cross that day? If you do not, you indeed know me little. 14. But the courtesy, the honor were all the same. I accepted these, and promised to follow, by myself and do what I could, and if I broke down alone I should be no hindrance to other workers; and the same week I followed them to Basle. I have said that Basle was the great headquarters of the International committee of Geneva.-The beligerant nations had each its own headquarters; that of Germany at Berlin, with the Empress Augusta at its head; that of France, at Paris under the auspices of its lovely Empress. But you will understand that the International feature of this requires that all contributions from other nations be sent through the International headquarters; hence, no people within the compact, except the beligerants, could send direct to either France or Germany, but must correspond with the Great Central Committee at Geneva, and learn from it the place of greatest need and the proper agents on the spot to whom the consignment should be made. This wise provision both marked and sustained their neutrality. Up to this moment, no point beyond Basle had been reached. This was, then, the great central depot of the International: and it was worth something to have seen it in less than two weeks after the sudden declaration, a declaration as unexpected, as if some nation should declare against us tomorrow. My first steps were to their store houses, and to my amazement, I found there a larger supply than I had ever seen at any one time, in readiness for the field at our own sanitary commission rooms in Washington, even in the fourth year of the war: and the trains were loaded with boxes and barrels pouring in from every city, town and hamlet in Switzerland; even from Austria and Northern Italy; and the trained, authorized, educated nurses, stood awaiting their appointment, each with this badge upon the arm or breast, and every box, barrel or package with a broad, bright, scarlet cross which rendered it as sacred and safe from molestation, (one might almost say), as the bread and wine before the altar.-- I beg pardon if any shall feel a shade of scarilege in my comparison:--I did not intend it.--"In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these,15. my brethren, ye have done it unto me.'--I never in my life performed a day's work at the field that was not grounded on that one little sentence, and that it did not come to me hour after hour till kindly sleep brought relief to both body and brain. You will conclude that quiet, old historic Basle was, by this time, a busy city.--It was frightened out of its senses. Bordering on both France and Germany, it lay directly on the possible march of either army on its way to the other; and the moment she shall allow this crossing, her neutrality will be declared broken, and not only Basle but all Switzerland will be held in a state of actual war and become a common battle ground for both. I passed a week in that city among this work, to learn it more thoroughly to be able to judge it in its practical bearings, its merits and demerits, so far as I could, before giving it my unqualified endorsement. You will not wonder that Basle felt her responsibility, and trembled for both her own and the safety of the state. Some notes from my diary of that date will serve to show the condition of not only Basle, but the entire portion of country forming the valley of the Rhine. War in Europe has been a scourge so terrible, its traditions so full of horror, that to the helpless peasantry, not only war, but the very rumor of war, is Hell. They at once lose all power of reason, and flee before its approach, as from a flaming building. The terrors of these poor ignorant populations, tell a frightful tale of lawlessness, reckless brutality, rapine and pillage through all the wars of all the ages. To me, it was a study worth a journey to Europe to have made. It was history, more impressive and more rapidly learned than from books.--These poor terror stricken fleeing peoples. My stay in Basle brings the time to the first week in August, and the battles became imminent. My diary says: Swiss by birth-French by cultivation, education and habit, the two national characteristics met and joined hands in her. The enthusiasm of the one, the fidelity of the other were so perfectly blended and balanced in her, that one could never determine which prevailed.--No matter, as both were unquenchible and unconquerable.16. For the last three days we have had only news of battles lost by the French-The Prince Royal of Prussia has won a battle at Wissenberg and Sarrebruck, and followed the flying French troops up the Rhine,--yesterday came the news that the Prussians would cross the river. Basle is frightened and sinks powder under her bridge, the old bridge of half stone and half wood, once graced by the clock which ran out an ugly red tongue at Germany with every stroke of its pendulum. The Prussians have destroyed their railroad between Basle and Carlesrhue, thus closing all public conveyance on the German side. At this moment comes a dispatch from the International Committee of the Red Cross at Mulhouse, France, inviting me.-Dr. Appia, and his noble band of pioneers had evidently passed there,-This would be in direct line to Strasbourg, and the field of Wissenburg, and I decide to leave by the earliest train next morning. As good fortune would have it, there comes to me at this moment, a kind featured gentle-toned, intelligent Swiss girl, who had left the "canter de vaud" to do alone to care for the wounded. The society introduced her to me. Perhaps it would be well to anticipate so far as to speak of this young lady more fully, for all through you will know her as my"faithful Antoinette"--Antoinette Margot,-of wealthy Swiss parentage, raised in the city of Lyons, France, an only daughter, and at that early age an artist of great note, even in the schools of artistic France.--Fair haired-playful, bright and confiding-she spoke English, as learned from books, and selected her forms of expression by inference. One day she made the remark that something was "unpretty" observing a smile on my face, she asked if that were not correct? I replied that we did not say "unpretty" in English. "No? but you say unwise,unselfish,unkind and ungrateful,-who not unpretty? I do not know."--I didn't either.- There was something in that face to be drawn "at sight",- and to her astonishment-and joy I told her she might accompany me. Scarce was this arrangement completed when breathless messengers rushed to tell us that the French still fled before the troops of the Prince Royal, that the Prussians are marching direct 17. upon the Rhine, if not already crossed, and that the French have destroyed their railroad to Strasburg that all the rolling-stock of the road had been run off the save it, and that even the station was closed. This was after dark-the news was not of a nature to favor delay,--instead of 5 o'clock by train next morning, I would start at day break by private carriage. As would be expected from the inhabitants of a city hiding gold and sinking powder-boxes, their representations of the journey were not favorable to weak nerves,-still, to one having a good stock of similar memories to fall back upon, they were not too terrifying, and the order for a check remained in force.-- At length a cocher was found who would undertake the task of driving to Mulhouse for a consideration which, under the circumstances it was quite possible for him to obtain. At the appointed hour with some small satchels, the requisite supply of shawls and waterproofs, with my quiet, sensible young companion, I set off once more-shall I say it?--For"the front"--That expression was very strange after a lapse of five years, and I had thought never to hear it again in connection with myself. A mile from Basle we met the pickets; but passed without serious interruption for the first six miles,-when the detentions became longer, and the road lined with fugitives fleeing to Switzerland,- entire families, carrying such articles as were possible. The better classes in family, and public carriages, the next in farmer and peasant wagons, drawn by horses, oxen, cows,- and often the animals of the family accompanying the wagon which contained the most useful articles for an emergency,-kettles, beds, and clothing. Those who could not afford this style of removal, were wearily but hastily trudging along on foot, carrying in their arms, such as their strength would allow, and-the tired little children plodding on behind, or drawn in little carts, with bundles of clothing, and bits of bread. Sometimes a family was fortunate enough to have a cow or goat with them, when they had no wagon.-sometimes after the18. Bernese custom a large dog drew the wagon of luggage,-but in some manner all were making on, often in tears, and always with terror decipted on their faces,-In allday, we saw but two carriages going in our direction,-But all whom we met looked at us in astonishment,- and continually called out--Oh! don't go in that direction-- "The Prussians are coming; or, there has been a terrible battle and everybody is being killed.--turn back-turn back." Sometimes one would be so earnest as to come to the heads of our horses, to urge us to return and it was not always easy to keep our driver in heart. At Sierentz we were met and stopped by a large body of people, with the Mayor at their head, and our destination required: and at the same time informed that it was exceedingly hazzardous to proceed, as great battles were going on at a short distance from Mulhouse, and that the Prussians were crossing the Rhine in great force, but when to all this we replied that we were aware of the state of things, and that, that was the reason for our going, that we went to care for the wounded of the battles, they all cried with one voice "Mon Dieu"-God bless you, and the old white haired mayor led the way to the side of our carriage, to take our hands, exclaiming, "God preserve, and be with you my children, and He is with you, or you would not be here on this mission," and the crowd that jostled in the street one after another, followed his example with the tears falling over their faces, even to the little children to whom we reached down our hands to meet theirs, or to touch them as they were held up to us, no wonder they wept, their fathers, sons, and brothers would be in the bloody carnage so soon to follow, already they had bade, to God only knows how many the last farewell. At length they let go our bridles and we passed on,- and with such scenes every moment in some form, occurring, we performed the remainder of our journey to Mulhouse. We madeour way directly to the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross of Mulhouse, Monsieur August Dolfus. 19. Here we learned that Mulhouse had not been the theater of war, that it had not even a wounded soldier, and as it had no defenses, and intended to make none, it did not look for destruction. But Strasbourg with her walls and garrison had not this comfortable assurance.--But now the way to Strasbourg was no more open than to Basle., and it was questionable if any conveyance could be found. In company with our lovely hostess Madame Dolfus, we went in search of a carriage, but met only the same response. "There is not a carriage to be had in all Mulhouse. Everything has gone to Basle with the fugitives." At length a man appeared who said he could call a carriage from the country, and start with us at three o'clock next morning. He at first stated his terms by the day, which seemed proper enough, but when the time required to perform the journey was asked he named some four or five days, and when asked his price for the journey direct, and care for himself and horses, it was something tremendous. With the evident intention of compelling us back to his proposition by the day and once having us in his power, detain us on the road at pleasure. In every line of his face was written villainy. That low, flat broad head, projecting chin, greasy, chocolate colored face, and snaky eye, boded no good, and great as my anxiety was to proceed, and impossible as it seemed, under the circumstances, in a cold drizzling rain, to find another opportunity, this was not to be accepted, and instinctively putting my hand to my throat as in the presence of a murderer, I informed our proposed coachman that I did not desire his services,-at first, he seemed astonished,-next angry,- but seeing that neither produced the desired result, he lowered his terms, but getting no response, he fell again, and when I informed him that I did not wish his services at any price he left, went outside and waited, certain I should repent and send for him. He reckoned without his host.-I may have been mistaken, but I have never been able to rid myself of the conviction that it would have proved our last journey, if that escort had been accepted-he knew we could not be without money, and in all the panic then reigning there would be none to question. He20. need not even wait to conceal his victims,-when discovered, it wouldonly add one more to the tales of murder by the Prussian troops, and probably just as true as the others. We waited until four and a well known gentlemen of the city came to say that he must attempt at whatever risk, to take a lady friend to Strasburg next day-where her family of little children needed her, she had been caught during a temporary absence, by the war- would like our company. Love is braver than war, truer than steel, stronger than fear, danger or death, and white others fled in thousands, this woman turned to face them all in a walled and fortified city, certain of seige. This proposition was welcome, and at five o'clock next morning we drove out of Mulhouse with cards and letters to all the world, but nothing sealed. Our journey this day was a repition of the day previous, only less pleasant. The rain fell fitfully all day,--the sky was leaden, and the fugitives looked darker and more distressed than ever,-not a man at work in his fields, all was consternation and terror. The most terrifying reports were continually poured into our ears, we were told that the Prussianstroops had cut off the hands of a French vea vendere, who was captured carrying water to the soldiers,-that they had cut the throats of peasants as they passed, and that they slew all the wounded prisoners-that they set fire to the houses, and shot and bayoneted the inhabitants as they rushed out, and scores of other things equally preposterous. While it is all the time to be borne in mind, that with the exception of a few scouts, and here and there a mounted guard, there were yet no Prussians on the French side of the Rhine--all this past talk of the army having crossed over was purely imaginary, existing only in their excited terrors-but it was useless to expostulate, in their fright and ignorance they neither could nor would be convinced, and on they rushed. To the enthusiastic Frenchman, France is the world, and to the illiterate peasantry, all places outside of France must be very near it. They are a home staying as well as a home loving 21. people,-not travellers, and have probably the most limited geographical knowledge of any so learned people on the earth, when the French armies formed at Paris, the great body of the troops thought to be at Berlin by the second or third day at farthest, conquer Germany,- put its armies to flight,-its people to the sword, if found resistant (and while with their fierce uncivilized Tureo's Arabs and Algerines they would have done it)-garrison its towns, and march home triumphantly in three weeks, pass review on the Camp de Mars, and receive their decorations under the victorious Eagles of France. Hence, when they found themselves, unexpectedly repulsed on the Baden line, they judged, in their consternation, that the German Armies of King William massing at Berlin had only to step over the Rhine and be among them in a day. But to return, after frequent detentions as on the day previous, we reached Colmar,-but our carriage and coachman could go no farther, and hastily setting us out, glad to be rid of us, he turned his frightened gaze toward Milhouse, and drove for his life, leaving us to find another conveyance, which was not an easy task, no one would risk a carriage farther than the station nearest him, believing the Prussians so close, as to capture it, if it went beyond. During our hour of detention, my fair haired Antoinette and myself went in search of some necessary articles and entered a small store, where was a man, his wife, and aged mother, we were at once recognized as strangers, by the man and woman at the counter, and by some remark they learned that we were on our way to the field to meet the wounded, while listening to their expressions of surprise, I heard stifled sobs behind me, and turning beheld this poor old woman in her chair-her face buried in her hands, sobbing like a little child, her chest heaving at every sigh as if the breath had gone out, never to return. I approached and spoke to her, she attempted to reply, but it seemed some minutes before she succeeded in saying- "It is gratitude, my children, only gratitude, God go with you."- we did our best to pacify her by hoping there would be little need of us,-but we could not comfort or quiet her, and as the door closed on the broken sobs of this poor woman, literally stepping down into her grave, my heart ground out bitterly--"Ah Napoleon,-it it thus, you protect the happiness of your people?22. We hastened to our rendevous, and found a carriage had really been obtained for the next station of importance, Schlettstadt, a distance of some twenty miles. This journey, like the other was performed in the rain, and without the appearance of an enemy, but at each place we found it difficult to convince the inhabitants that every other town was not in a great state of defence, and determined to resist the Prussians at all hazzards, each believing itself to be the only unguarded, unarmed and unresistant city in all the land-all confident of the entire success of France, that she could not be overcome, and that any reverses she had met were simply intentional:--places not worth retaining--but that some where the armies of France were, or would be, in a day or two, astonishing the world with their marvelous victories-and yet, each particular village, or city,thought it should perhaps be just as well off belonging to the German states, as to France. It was a study of a people never to be forgotten, and never to be as well learned, perhaps, in any other way, or under any other circumstances,-This slow travel,-making ones way through the country at a time like this.--The peasants stopped us to speak, on the way, and each spoke from his heart--The ideas associated with war in the minds of these people is something beyond description. At 3 1/2 we found ourselves driven into the village of Schelestadt alighted at the door of an inn. Oh! what a Babel was that entrance room, about twenty men of the village sat around their beer tables, and discussed the situation. I tried in my confused mind to estimate how much more talking twenty women would have done. It was impossible to distinguish our own voices, we did not try, but simply waited- at length the landlord appeared and hastily withdrew us to anotherportion of the house, and here again we waited, and asked the probability of the passage of any train of cars, as we knew this village lay on the Paris & Strasbourg R. R. "Oh! No! that was not possible,--the Prussian army lay between there and Strasbourg. It would be quite impossible for us to reach there by any conveyance,-we could go only about twenty miles 23. farther, when we should be stopped,-but having heard this every twenty miles all the way from Basle, it was growing an old story, to which we paid little heed, and stepping out into the street to look about us, we heard a familiar whistle in the distance, holding our breaths, it repeated itself, nearer and nearer, 'till we could not be mistaken,--it was a train for Strasbourg-we rushed to the station, and saw it come in,-sure enough we were not mistaken, here was a long train coming up from the central portion of France, and bound to Strasbourg-not a regular,-but a wild train--none had preceeded and none was to follow it--It would unlade and return directly. It had most probably supplies for the garrison, but no one asked amy questions, excepting if we could go on it?-a hasty "oui, oui,", and in two minutes our satchels and selves were transferred from our noisy inn, to a seat in a rough train, which moved on as if it had no time to lose. Every one may know how it seems to be overtaken by a train, very fortunately, but this seemed like overtaken by a railroad. Two hours of this speed accomplished as much for us, as all the day before it, and at six o'clock we drew cautiously up before the torn up track, and closed gates of the citadel of Strasbourg. Still drizzling rain,--mud half over shoes, and a crowd of people, carriages, carts, milk women by the hundred, loads of wood, peasant wagons piled with vegetables and fruit for the supplying of a city of 80,000-all huddled and waiting in a line, at least a half mile in length which only foot passengers could pass. Wearily waiting in mist and rain; wearily watching in doubt and pain;--leaving our train with satchels in hand we became "foot passengers" and walked, or rather waded on to the head of this motley line, up to the gates, under the ramparts, beyond which, no one might pass till the orders of the commandant of the garrison, that these massive gates turn on their hinges, and here we waited, watching the measured tread of the sentinelle upon the hights above-- where the grim old ramparts bare and brown, kept faithful guard over the frightened town.--Waiting-waiting, till the middle of the second hour,-when there came a rush of horsemen, and a clang of steel up to the other side of the gates. I sent my card to the American consulat saying I would call next morning at 12 o'clock and you will not think me too derelect in my duty if I linger a little in the24. The ponderous bolts withdrew, and with a heavy creak, they fell back, and the crowded crowd commenced to surge through,-across the moat filled to the brim, over the draw bridge ,--through the stone archway at least 40 rods, winding and dark,-at length out into the day, among soldiers and citizens, foot and horse, vehicles of all kinds, bayonets and bugles, in all the confusion of an armed city awaiting a siege. It was time for a hotel, supper and sleep, and it was something astonishing, the journey we had performed in that one day-under all its difficulties-changing carriages every few miles,- riding against the reports of the enemy all the way,-intercepted at every little village and cross road-detained for hours at a time for conveyance, and yet, we had made our way from Mulhouse to Strasbourg, a distance of 72 miles in time for supper. That was one of the days which will always seem to me like a week.--The night was shorter. This was my first sight at historic old Strasbourg, and you will not think me too derelict in my duty, if on my way to the American consulate next morning, (where I had previously sent a card, saying I would call at 12 o'clock) I linger a little in the principle streets for a view of the quaint, queer buildings, go some squares out of my way for a glance at the grand old cathedral monument of 1000 years.-Old when our nation was born-its fine redsand-stone elaborately carved to the very top of its dome 495 feet from the pavement, its famous clock,-its stained glass windows of the middle ages, before the art was lost,-and, the meditative storks, perched upon the chimneys, with their rude nests built roughly upon the tops, and their young training themselves for their long first journey to Africa for the winter. During all this walk the rain fell continuously, often in torrents, and we stood in long covered arches to escape it. Take cold? did you say??--Oh yes!, but those were days when colds "didn't count." To my surprise I found the consulate profusely decorated with U. S. flags, in honor of my visit, and the residences of both the consul, and vice consul the same. An exclamation of surprise drew from them the fact, that both were soldiers of the Union, although both Germans,--the consul 25. The consul had been a surgeon-the vice consul a chaplain in our war. The latter had dressed himself inhis full uniform of army blue which he had made new at the close of the war to take home with him. There was something in all these unexpected surroundings that carried me back to the brave loyal old days, and set me to wondering if I could ever love other days, and honor other wars as I did those? The military situation of the city desrves a passing notice three days previous a detachment of Prussian Cavalry had appeared before the gates, and demanded the surrender of the city, and had met the refusal with the assurance that the city would be in twenty-four hours, this naturally filled the inhabitants with terror. The attempts of the military to quiet the fears of the people were most ludricous. They placed at all the street corners printed placards to the effect that no one need fear as the city was strongly defended, and the troops would fight till the last loaf was gone, and the last soldier slain. This was the thing most of all to be dreaded by the inhabitants .- It really mattered little to them, individually in whose hands they were, so long as they were at peace and out of danger,- but it did matter much, if a few thousand troops, well protected by bomb proofs could close the gates ,- retire behind their entrenchments, having permitted the enemy to approach within easy range, and hold the city under bombardment while its defenseless inhabitants had no where to retire for safety, except, perhaps to their cellars while their houses burned down over their heads, consuming them in the flame and burying them in the ashes. The tone of these military assurances was not consoling to the people of Strasburg, who went on saying bitterly--"a fine protection indeed. In times of peace we were never burdened with less than a garrison of 40,000 troops, and compelled to suffer all the annoyance growing out of it,-but now, in war, and active danger, we are left with not more than five to six thousand men,-just enough to draw the fire of the enemy, and place us in all the attitude of war and its accompanying perils, with none of its protections." The military claimed as many as 11,000 troops within the defenses of26. Strasburg, but the people were confident that the withdrawal of half that number would leave their fortress bare and guns unmanned, and from the bottom of their honest, and terror-stricken hearts they wished the withdrawal could be effected. Battles and rumors of battles had filled our ears for the last two weeks,-but at length comes a report from a source which can be trusted. A messanger from the Red Cross Committee comes to say that the Germans are over in force, that the troops of Frederick, Prince Royal of Prussia have met the French at Hagenaw, and they are fighting like demons. The obliging consul offered himself as an escort if we could get out of the city, which we decided to attempt at 4½ next morning. This being one of the two times in 24 hours in which the gates were opened. There were great numbers of German Americans in the city, summer visitors,-travellers-wild at the thought of being shut up and bombarded and who besieged the consulate in the name of Americans for help to get out to Germany, and the consul would attempt to take out a large omnibus full to the German lines that morning. We left the consulate in a pouring rain as usual at 4 o'clock. It was a question if the Prussian lines could be passed, but this proved to be only a secondary question,-for a drive of five minutes brought us up to the eternal gates of Strasburg-here were French lines to pass first, and a waiting crowd of persons scarce inferior to that we had seen on the other side at our entrance, and our omnibus constantly filling. We waiting an hour-two hours-it is six 0'clock,--such crying of children,-such groaning of persons not naturally compressible,- we drive to another gate,-wait another hour, always in the rain,- five ladies leave,-we scarcely miss them, almost as dense as before- we drive back again, and wait another hour,-it is 8 o'clock. The consul to make more room, and to be free, had mounted a young, untrained, and almost untrained horse. evidently not a society animal, manifesting a most marked distrust of men and things- and was prancing about in a kind of anxious disgust, and the vice-consul, too kindly gallant to leave us, followed us about from gate to gate- with bread and coffee. 27. As we suspe cted, our delay was occasioned by the density of the fog and mist. The military hesitating to unclose the gates, lest the Prussian force might be massed near, concealed by the fog, waiting to rush in. At length the clouds lifted, and partially dispelled, the fears dispelled as well. The crowd commenced, like "poor Joe" to "move on", and we along with it, finally out of the confines of Strasbourg and on our way to the lines of the enemy. We had the United States Flag at our front, and the first sentry halted us to learn what it was,-when informed, he promptly disputed it.--He had been in Mexico, and Gautamala and Australia and the Sandwich Islands, and it was not the American flag at all, Reference to a chart of flags convinced him, and we passed.-But this made us aware of a great mistake we had committed. In our hurry of getting off in the rain and darkness of the early morning we had forgotten our International Red Cross Flag, and all our insignia. There was no return, as well seek to go back through the gates of death-we must trust to Luck. The next sentinel, about a league from Strasbourg, recognized our flag, saluted it, and did not even halt us, a mile farther- more pickets,-a little more detentionm but permitted to pass, evidently they all realized that there was a net beyond, fine enough to catch, and strong enough to hold us,-which we also suspected. Three miles farther on, we came into it--a full German camp- troops without number,-horses and wagons at rest, tents pitched, and the scarlet and gold of Badenfloating gracefully on the breeze. These were the forces of the Grand Duke and herem the bayonets were crossed in the centre of the road before us. The troops were drilling in a broad field at the right, and just at this particular juncture the band sounded the Long Roll. If you could have seen the consul's horse. It was more than we could do after the first three seconds.-John Gilpin was not to be spoken of,-after that. This stroke of diplomacy left us quite alone in our dilemma.28. The numerous occupants of the omnibus talked much German to the sentry to little purpose,-we were ordered back-somebody must do something and I asked for the "colonel commanding". He came, a princely man with a fine Saxon face,-advanced, struck an attitude and stood before me in perfect silence. "You speak English I presume Colonel?" "A little madame", evidently a trifle flattered by the presumption, I explained our desires-He replied with dignified courtesy that he respected my mission, and regarded the wishes of the other person,-but the orders were most strict--"no person could pass, and repass the lines." "We are an army entire madame, and proceed to the bombardment of Strasbourg-you are free to return but not to advance." Save on one condition-what may that be colonel? Capture,madam, you can pass our lines,-but you will be prisoner from that moment." Do you mean by this colonel that we shall be thrown into confinement and held there? Oh! no! madame, he answered, returning my incredulous smile-Oh! No! you will be prisoners of war--free within our lines, but not to pass out of them till the close of the war. "The wounded will be within your lines!-We hope so madame, as we intend to lose no fields.-And your lines extend from Belgium to Switzerland.-Yes.-And from Berlin surely to here. Certainly.- That is space enough for me colonel-Let me in.-You accept the conditions then?-Fully colonel, and for us all." The bayonets were withdrawn, our horses moved on, and for the first time in my life I was a prisoner. Just at this juncture the consul hove in sight with his awkward colt, shying-sideling-crossfooting up-giving the impression of six or seven legs in the place of four. His official position took him through-the consul I mean, not the colt.--He didn't appear to hold any position. And here, almost in sound of the guns of the Prince Royal at Hagenau. The army of the king and Moltkie marching on Metz. Napolean bearing on Sedan. 29. The Grand Duke of Baden, and the bombardment of Strasbourg behind me. Myself a prisoner of war-and all Germany massed to watch the Rhine. I leave you dear friends to the situation, and bid you a grateful Good Night.