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Auction: 317 - The Collector's Series
Lot: 1065

Post-Civil War. Barton, Clarissa Harlow - "Clara". Pioneer American teacher, patent clerk (becoming first woman to hold substantial clerkship in the federal government), nurse 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; founder of the American Red Cross. Autograph Letter Signed "Clara". Three and one quarter pages on single, folded sheet of stationery, Washington, D.C., Sept. 12, 1865. Good content. Addressing her missive to "My dear Sam" whose letter of the 10th she has "in hand", Barton writes: "I don't know what counsel you had best employ. You are mistaken in supposing that I have any means of knowing how Genl Butler is to be employed. I could not devise it any more than I could the business of the man in the moon, and if there is any one here who knows they would not inform me. He may be going upon the Jeff Davis trial, but I cannot believe it yet. In my opinion that would present an opportunity to distinguish himself which would scarce be allowed him, - don't you think so?
I know he is retained in the service against his own urgent request for a discharge, and I heard it sugested [sic] in New York the other day that this was only preparatory for an investigation and Court Martial for himself for embezzlement. I did not believe this either, but I did believe that none of them knew anything about it. I dont [sic] know of a person in the world who could tell us if he would be the proper man or not but I do know that I have on hand some testimony that would will be valuable when the time comes, and it will serve to show you the style of statements you will need from Mr. Redick [.] I suppose if the truth could be known that I have made greater proficiency with my part of the case than you have with yours already, and have done four hours work to get your one upon it since we last compared notes - so, dont [sic] get discouraged boy…." In ending, Barton asks about her sister Betsy and sends her love to her. As a postscript, she adds "I have written hurriedly as Mag Genl Wilson has passed most of the evening here, and I could not get time to write -" Thin tear on edge of fold-line and a few trivial stains, Good Fine.

Sold for
$450