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Lot #164
Clara Barton

Barton tries to track down a copy of her book The Red Cross-In Peace and War after learning of a pirated edition

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Description

Barton tries to track down a copy of her book The Red Cross-In Peace and War after learning of a pirated edition

Teacher and humanitarian (1821–1912) best known for organizing the relief organization the American Red Cross. ALS, two faintly-lined pages both sides, 4.5 x 7, February 24, 1909. Barton writes to her secretary. In part: “I have tried all these last days to find where a copy of the Red Cross in Peace & War could be found. Not alone for your friend, but for myself as well, for I have only one, and always in danger of losing that, but I have no idea where, or if, it can be found. The publishing company went to pieces almost directly after the work was out, and I have no knowledge of them…. Mr. Atwater a year or two ago told me of another party who he thought was publishing and selling it surreptitiously and he proposed to look it up….I am glad to be able to tell you that you may remove the greater burden of your fears for me, for although I am not yet up to ‘sixteen hours a day,’ I can meet the ordinary desires of my friends, and beg that you at least not hesitate to write me for what you want to know, or what you would like to say….The Buffalo demonstration was fine. A few exhibitions of that character would be of immense value.” Double matted and framed, so all four pages may be read, to an overall size of 21 x 14. In fine condition.

As an author, Barton wrote the aforementioned The Red Cross-In Peace and War which was produced by the American Historical Press in 1898 but quickly went out-of-print. According to her letter, her lifelong friend Dorence Atwood, a former prisoner of war whom she met at infamous Andersonville, informed her that a pirated edition of her book had surfaced before 1909. While Barton suffered from colds almost every year, they began to take their toll on her in her later retirement years. She also suffered from pain which she described in one of her letters as "neuralgia." In spite of these illnesses, she complained little and attended occasional Buffalo demonstrations. By 1910, Barton’s health declined and she contracted pneumonia from which she never truly recovered. She died on April 12, 1912 at her home in Glen Echo, Maryland at the age of 90 surrounded by her friends and was buried at Oxford, Massachusetts. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

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  • Dates: #381 - Ended January 18, 2012





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