CLARA BARTON - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 04/08/1910 - HFSID 175782

CLARA BARTON
Clara Barton sends a typed letter sending her check for $75.00.
Typed Letter signed: "Clara Barton", 1p, 8x10. Glen Echo (Maryland), 1910 April 8. To General Roscoe G. Wells, Boston, Massachusetts. In full: "Enclosed please find my check on Brown Bros., for $75.00, [not present] as arranged. I regret the few days delay, which I found necessary. I have not time now to write as I wish, but will send the check directly on. I hope your journey was safe and I know it was pleasant to get home. All are well here and I often wish that Mary could be here to see how the spring is coming, but it comes so fast that it rushes us, even the trees are beginning to wave their green. Kindly let me know on which debts this check is applied in order that I may be able to make my little record complete, and send for the next installment when you think it is proper. With best wishes to all, Most cordially yours." 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 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. Pencil note (unknown hand) at upper left. Two nicks on upper right edge. Vertical fold crosses "la" in signature. Otherwise, fine condition.