[Rarebooks] FS: Another Superb 4-page Letter by Clara Barton on the Red Cross and dissension

[Charles Agvent]

Here is another fantastic Clara Barton letter, similar to the one we 
posted last week, though that one was entirely in Barton's hand.  It is 
one of 45 interesting items from our recently posted catalog, WOMEN AND 
THEIR QUEST FOR EQUAL RIGHTS, recently posted on our website: 
http://www.charlesagvent.com//



BARTON, Clara. TYPED LETTER SIGNED (TLS) on the Red Cross and 
dissension. New York, 4 May 1903. A four-page TYPED LETTER SIGNED on 
both sides of one sheet of paper (10-1/2" x 8") dated 4 May 1903 from 
the founder of the American Red Cross and SIGNED "Clara Barton" to "My 
beloved sister Harriette" [L. Reed]. In part: "Yes, you are right, all 
within the family circle and my good and true committees is 'harmomy 
(sic) and unity supreme'. There is not a dissenting voice; it is just as 
it used to be in the days of the old Red Cross, when each knew what the 
other wanted, and found their greatest pleasure in conforming to the 
wish. For me, I have come not to regard the ill that is spoken any more 
- it is to me, as my mind pictures it, like a viper, against which I am 
determined to hold an impenetrable screen. I take care that it shall not 
poison me, while I must remain near it, to perform the task I must. That 
ended, it will be my privilege to withdraw, and find the peace I never 
can here again. The task I have, I shall be able to produce in a week or 
two. I shall present to the people of the United States an opportunity 
to engage a work for their own benefit: Human, intelligent, organized 
work, which will be far better for them than suspicions, forming 
judgements they know nothing of, coarse wit, and smart sayings." 
Throughout her life, Barton thrived on a "hands-on" approach to matters, 
often managing Red Cross chapters from in the field. As the organization 
became more established, new board members opposed this style with some 
participants looking to remove her from power. Following a multi-year 
power struggle, Barton's supporters elected her president "for life" in 
1902, but the damage was done and the organization fractured. In 1904, 
at the age of 82, she resigned her post. Faint crease from folding. Fine 
with excellent content.

In addition to founding the Red Cross, Barton established in 1905 the 
National First Aid Association of America to promote first aid training. 
Harriette L. Reed, Barton's closest friend whom she often called 
"sister," became president of the association following Barton's death. 
Barton was also an ardent suffrage supporter. She was a friend of Susan 
B. Anthony and spoke at many suffrage conventions, including the first 
national women's suffrage convention held in Washington, D.C. (1869) and 
National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) Conventions of 
1893, 1902, 1904, and 1906. (#016110)        $1,200.00

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