Mar 19, 2015 - Sale 2376

Sale 2376 - Lot 34

Price Realized: $ 469
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 500 - $ 750
BARTON, CLARA. Autograph Letter Signed, to Emily Fairbanks Talbot ('Mrs. Talbot'), explaining why she had declined a position offered by an unnamed [Democratic] governor, expressing surprise that people from other states are encouraging her to accept, and encouraging her to befriend the unnamed governor. 8 pages, 8vo, written on three folded sheets, 'American Association of the Red Cross' stationery; few scattered short closed separations at folds. Washington, 10 February 1883
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'. . . I replied to Gen'l Butler a few days ago, seeing that he had commenced his appointments in that very Institution, and fearing that my delay might embarrass him, I sent my letter to him under cover to Mr. Stocken, as he had been my Mentor . . . .
'I declined the proffered honor of the Governor, which I really held as such, on the . . . ground that I felt that I could not do the fullest justice to the office with all the previous engagements . . . I had in hand. . . .
'. . . I disoblige the General who never disobliged me, even in the smallest regard, but protected me with the care of a father or brother under dangers & trials which few women ever meet . . . .
'The good people of other states are writing me to accept. I cannot in the least comprehend this general interest, nor the importance which apparently attaches itself to it. Staunch old Republican Governor Jewell sought me personally to labor with me in that behalf and so I declined two Governors instead of one—and of opposite political faith. . . .'