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Auction: 317 - The Collector's Series
Lot: 1030

Barton, Clarissa Harlow - "Clara" (1821-1912). Founder, in 1881, of the American Red Cross (she was introduced to the International Red Cross in 1869 during a trip to Geneva, and went on to work with the organization and the Grand Duchess of Baden during the Franco-Prussian War); pioneer American teacher, patent clerk (becoming first woman to hold substantial clerkship in the federal government), nurse , civil rights activist and humanitarian; worked on the front line distributing aid during the Civil War, served as "Lady in Charge" of the hospitals at the front of the Army of the James. Autograph Letter Signed "Clara Barton". One page on American Association of the Red Cross letterhead, with full masthead below Red Cross cap, 8 ¼ x 10 ½", Hotel de la Poste, Geneva Sept. 23, 1884. Writing to Mr. Bergman, Barton says she hopes to visit him at his summer retreat and regrets his illness. She notes that she is about to close up work in Geneva and will be off to visit Strasbourg (where she superintended the supplying of work to the poor after the Siege of Paris in 1871) with stops at friends along the way, then on to Karlsruhe and Baden to visit the Grand Duchess. Writing shows through from the other side which appears to be in Barton's hand (so there may be an additional page to this letter). Some minor paper nicks on edges, Fine. Attractively matted and framed with a large B&W depiction of Barton.

Sold for
$400