CLARA BARTON - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 12/23/1906 - HFSID 251446

CLARA BARTON
Clara Barton sends an autograph letter of thanks for the help.
Autograph Letter Signed: "Clara Barton", 2p, 5x6½, separate sheets. Glen Echo, 1906 December 23. To "My dear children". In full: "How shall I say thanks enough for all your thoughtfulness? And get poorly as it is I must say what I can. They are such beautiful representations of real life - I am in haste to see them in pretty frames & looking at me. I think I might catch a little of their spirit of perseverance, industry and fortitude. The package of Diplomas is also here, and a part, at least will soon be on the way back to you - I ought to have kept one for a sample. I fear I did not. But will do my best from memory. I have not found the inspiration to do any special ChristX [Christmas] thing. And have not even provided myself with even cards. But you will smile when I tell you that I am using the remainder of my 'Suggestions' to carry a ChristX greeting, and think it fine. - We are getting a touch of winter but no snow - cold and windy tonight and the clock strikes 12 - Good night, dear children and friends. And the best Christmas of your lives". Clara Barton (1821-1912), who had served on the battlefields of the Civil War, became acquainted with the International Red Cross of Geneva while working abroad during the Franco-Prussian conflict and established the American Red Cross in 1882. She served as the organization's President until June 16, 1904, when she resigned from her "lifelong presidency". In April 1905, the year before this document was signed, Barton, who had originally planned to organized a Red Cross in Mexico, founded the National First Aid Association of America, which taught first aid classes (likely the reason for the Diplomas mentioned in this letter), developed the original first aid kits and helped to organize community ambulance brigades. She would serve as the organization's honorary President for five years. In 1907, the year after Barton wrote this letter, The Story of My Childhood, the first and only volume of her planned multi-volume autobiography, was published. In 1891, Edward and Edwin Baltzley had built a three-story, 30-room home in Glen Echo, Maryland for Barton. Remodeled in 1897 as the headquarters of the American Red Cross, the home temporarily served as a warehouse and was crammed with thousands of items to assist victims of wars and natural disasters. Barton would live in the home until her death. Ink smudged at some words (all legible). Pencil marks and erasures at upper right margin of first page and next to some words of writing, including signature. Fine condition.