Abigail Elizabeth Reynolds, War Correspondent, New York World
July 9, 1863
WASHINGTON CITY.
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting one of the heroines of the present conflict while present in this government city. Her name is Miss Clara Barton and she is a true angel of mercy upon the field of valor. I wish to share with you some of my impressions of Miss Barton and the work she is doing. Perhaps in doing so, her story will inspire other women of the Union to avail themselves of similar, sacrificial offering, for the eventual settlement of the present hostilities that are gripping this nation.
Miss Barton is extremely reticence to tell her story and much of what I have learned and gathered has come from sources that know Miss Barton and have the utmost respect for her work.
Miss Barton is a quiet woman with a great deal of personal strength, courage and determination. She attributes her educational achievements to her family. The youngest of five siblings, she was taught much from her older sisters and brothers. Her family, strong abolitionists encouraged her in every endeavor. Her interest in caring for the injured, sick, and less fortunate has been instilled in her from her early childhood by the reports of her great-aunt, Martha Ballard, an exceptional midwife Miss Ballard reportedly served in Hallowell, Maine and delivered over one thousand infants.
Miss Barton states that her father taught her: "As a patriot, serve your country with all you have, even with your life if need be; as the daughter of an accepted Mason, seek and comfort the afflicted everywhere; and as a Christian honor God and love mankind."
Today, Miss Barton is continuing to care for our wounded soldiers and meeting their needs on the field of battle. She readily collects and supplies the much needed materials to care for the wounds and illnesses that are befalling our fighting men. She carries her materials and wares directly to the front, where they are most urgently needed, often getting through when and where the Army cannot.
Miss Barton has established an agency to obtain and distribute supplies to wounded soldiers and has received a pass from Army Headquarters to ride in army ambulances to provide comfort to the soldiers and nurse them back to health. She has obtained permission to travel behind the lines, reaching some of the grimmest battlefields of the war.
During the Battle of Antietam Creek in September, 1862, Miss Barton was nearly killed when a bullet passed through the sleeve of her dress, killing the wounded man she was attending. Although lacking medical training, at the insistence of a wounded soldier, she extracted a bullet from his cheek, using only her pocket knife.
In April of this year, Miss Barton traveled to Hilton Head, South Carolina, in preparation for the anticipated bombardment of Charleston. While there she was able to join her brother, Captain David Barton, an Army Quartermaster and fifteen year old nephew, Steven E. Barton, serving in the military telegraph office.
In May she met Mister Frances D. Gage and has assisted him in the care and education of former slaves and freedmen. At this present time, Miss Barton has begun to develop an interest in the growing cause for equal rights among women and the Negro.
At the time of our meeting, Miss Barton has been in Washington City attempting to procure more supplies for the Army in South Carolina as well as materials to be used in the education and care of the newly freed Negros. She states that she shall return to the South within the week, and hopes that many will respond to her request and needs.
Miss Barton is indeed an extraordinary woman who has placed herself in unselfish service to her neighbor and stranger alike. The men on the battle field find great comfort when they look up and see her approaching in her Navy blue dress, bonnet, and bright red bow.
You may contact Miss Barton through regular Army channels by addressing correspondence to her at “Miss Clara Barton, War Department, Washington City.” Donations of cloth, medicine, and food may also be sent in care of the Army to Miss Barton.
