THE ENEMY, STARVING—TACT—THE WHITE OX
To know is power, but the power may be latent. Tact is skill, ever alert. Tact knows what to do, when and how to do it. Queen Elizabeth had tact, unerring. Her long reign was a series of tactful events. Tact was the basis of the supremacy of the Elizabethan Age.
Clara Barton had tact, unerring. Tact gave her position among rulers of nations, and likewise won for her the esteem of the lowly. Tact attracted to her unpaid Red Cross assistants, who cheerfully shared her privations. Through tact she retained her friends, made new friends, and to an extent unprecedented.
Clara Barton was with the Army of the Blue, but nearby was a hospital in which were the wounded Gray, starving. The surgeons from within were begging for food. The Federal Quartermaster had refused supplies, giving as a valid excuse that he was a bonded officer and responsible for the property under his charge.
A “bunch” of cattle were seen passing. Clara Barton said to the officer: “I know you are bonded, but I am neither bonded nor responsible.” The officer taking the “cue” was soon out of sight. Clara Barton then gave orders to her men, at the same time pointing to the large unsuspecting white ox that had strayed from the “bunch.” The men appreciated the delicate situation; the ox somehow strayed over to the enemy, and later received a hearty reception among the starving wounded inside the hospital.
MATHEW C. BUTLER
My dear Miss Barton:—
I do not see how those poor people in South Carolina will ever be able to thank you enough for your noble work of relief. Certainly you have been to them a “ministering angel.” I shall never cease to be grateful for your self-sacrificing, heroic work.—Mathew C. Butler, of South Carolina, Major-General Civil War, Major-General Spanish-American War, U. S. Senator 1877–1895.
General Butler, that busy, hard-worked Senator, prompt and kind. Clara Barton.
REPRESENTATIVE OF TWO WARS
JOSEPH WHEELER
I think it due Miss Barton that the government should give to her the highest possible recognition, and thanks.—Joseph Wheeler, of Alabama, Major-General Civil War; Major-General Spanish-American War; U. S. Congress, 1881, 1882; 1885–1893; 1895–1900.
HARRISON GRAY OTIS
Clara Barton is one of the blessed ones of the earth, and her name will remain green in the heart of America.—Harrison Gray Otis, of California; Brigadier-General, Civil War; Major-General (Brevet), Spanish-American War; America’s Great Journalist.