Lot 1085
Barton, Clara (1821-1912), teacher, nurse, and humanitarian responsible for the organization of the American Branch of the International Red Cross. Autograph Letter Signed, eight pages, 5 x 8, Dansville, New York, August 24, 1881. To S.R. Barton, her brother, Worcester, Mass., on "The Red Cross of the International Convention of Geneva…Office of Clara Barton, American Representative" letterhead, Garfield's assassination set back the ratification of the Geneva treaty for the Red Cross:
"…I went to Washington the last of July, and only left for home the day the President was shot, four months of very hard work, but successful, if it were not for the uncertainty of the changes which I suppose now, must come. The present Administration is fully pledged to my work, but it may require to be done over again, but if so, there is a prospect that it may be done in this state, as N.Y. will no doubt be the cornerstone of the government after the change— a dreadful thing! I could see some purpose in the wounding, but can see none in the death of Mr. Garfield, it is all dark beyond!"
Matching envelope front (small faults), paper mounted (barely encroaching signature) on typed exhibition page (10 x 13¾). Fine.
Estimate 1,500 - 2,000
A fascinating letter concerning the organization of the American Red Cross and controversy and infighting in reference to the ratification of the Treaty of Geneva for the International Red Cross. Since her return to the U.S. from Geneva in 1873, Clara Barton had been trying to get the President to sign it. In 1880, the American Red Cross was incorporated with the international organization, but it was not until 1882 that President Chester Arthur actually signed the treaty.
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| Realized $2,000 |
