Illustrations.

Clara Barton, from a portrait taken about 1875[Frontispiece.]
The International Committee of the Red Cross, Geneva, Switzerland[opp. 16]
Clara Barton, taken about 1885[opp. 17]
The First Red Cross Warehouse, Washington, D.C.[21]
National Red Cross Headquarters in Washington, from 1892 to 1897[22]
Some of the First Members of the American National Red Cross[43]
A Group of American National Red Cross Members[44]
A Group of American National Red Cross Members[55]
Suburban Headquarters, American National Red Cross[56]
Some Red Cross Decorations Presented to Clara Barton[83]
Chronological Historic Tree[84]
Clara Barton, taken about 1884[113]
“Josh V. Throop”[114]
Camp Perry[143]
Red Cross Headquarters[144]
Johnstown, Pa., before the Flood of 1889[155]
Red Cross Hotel, Locust Street, Johnstown, Pa.[156]
Red Cross Furniture Room, Johnstown, Pa.[163]
Typical Scene after the Flood at Johnstown, Pa., May 30, 1889[164]
In Memoriam[174]
Typhus Fever Patients in the Russian Famine, 1891–92[181]
Count Lyoff Tolstoi[182]
Women Cutting Potatoes for Planting—Sea Island Relief, S.C., February, 1894[199]
A Windfall for St. Helena[200]
Testimonial from Russian Workmen for American Help and Sympathy in the Famine of 1892[217]
A Russian Peasant Village[218]
Receiving Room for Clothing, S.C. Island Relief, 1893–94[235]
South Carolina Sea Island Relief[236]
The Island District from Savannah to Beaufort[251]
Sick with the Famine Fever[253]
Hunger-Stricken[254]
Miss Barton’s Room[271]
In the Old Schloss of Baden[272]
Red Cross Headquarters, Constantinople[281]
View from Red Cross Headquarters, Constantinople[282]
Turkish Cemetery[282]
Chief of the Dersin Kourds and His Three Sub-Chiefs[291]
Chief of the Dersin Kourds[292]
Decoration of the Royal Order of Melusine[300]
Tower of Christ, Constantinople[301]
W.W. Peet, Esq.[302]
Rev. Henry O. Dwight, D.D.[302]
Rev. Joseph K. Greene, D.D.[302]
Rev. George Washburn, D.D.[302]
Signature of the Sultan[303]
Turkish Dispatches[306], [307]
Map of the Country traversed by the Red Cross Expeditions carrying American Relief to the Victims of the Armenian Massacres in 1896[309]
Interior of Gregorian Church at Oorfa[308]
American College Buildings, Aintab[311]
American and Armenian Quarters, Harpoot[311]
Marash[312]
Red Cross Caravan[312]
A Bit of Palou[318]
Rev. C.F. Gates, D.D., Harpoot[321]
Miss Caroline E. Bush, Harpoot[321]
First Expedition Embarking on Ferryboat, Euphrates River[321]
A Turkish Teskere or Passport[322]
Diarbeker, Vilayet of Diarbeker[331]
Ruins of an Old Gateway at Farkin[332]
Some Methods of Work[340]
Salemlik[341]
Pera Bridge, Constantinople[341]
Turkish Coffee House[342]
Hamalls—Showing Manner of Carrying Heavy Burdens[342]
Red Cross Expeditions Passing through the Valley of Catch Beard[348]
A Turkish Procession in Arabkir[349]
Judge Alexander W. Terrell, United States Minister to Constantinople during the Armenian Troubles[351]
Armenian and Turkish Decorations[352]
Group of Armenian Teachers and Pupils, Harpoot American Missionary College[357]
Clara Barton, taken in 1897[358]
A Part of the American National Red Cross Fleet in the Spanish-American War of 1898[371]
Officers of the Executive Committee American National Red Cross[372]
Admiral William T. Sampson[381]
Governor-General’s Palace, Havana[382]
Entrance to Harbor of Havana—Punta Park[391]
John D. Long, Secretary of Navy[392]
On San Juan Hill, Santiago[407]
Spanish Guerillas[409]
A Mounted Advance, Reconnoitring[410]
United States Steamship “Oregon”[413]
“Almirante Oquendo,” after the Engagement[419]
United States Warships before the Entrance to Santiago Harbor[421]
“Marie Teresa” after the Engagement[424]
Chickamauga Camp[427]
Camp Thomas, Headquarters American National Red Cross[428]
Fortifications of Manila[440]
Red Cross Dining Room for Convalescents, Fort McPherson, Ga.[445]
Dining Tent Attached to Red Cross Kitchen, at Camp Hobson, Ga.[446]
Panorama of Manila[451]
In the Trenches before Santiago[453]
A Soldier Funeral[463]
McCalla Camp—Early Morning Attack[454]
A Typical Cuban Camp[464]
A Cuban “Block House,” Garrisoned[481]
A View of Eastern Cuba[482]
A Part of the Red Cross Corps[499]
“I Am with the Wounded.”—Clara Barton’s Cable Message from Havana[500]
Wreck of the Battleship “Maine,” Havana Harbor[517]
The Prado—Principal Street in Havana[518]
Havana Harbor[535]
Captain C.D. Sigsbee[536]
Street in Cavite[539]
Citizens of Jaruco Presenting a Memorial for the Victims of the “Maine”[553]
Little Convalescents in Hospital[554]
Location of Shore Batteries, Santiago[556]
July Fifth in Rifle Pits[558]
Scenes on the “State of Texas” and in Siboney[570]
The Physicians and Nurses of the Orphanage and Clinic in Havana[571]
A Cuban Thatch Hut[581]
A Battery of Cuban Artillery[582]
A Group of Red Cross Sisters[591]
Diploma of Gratitude for Miss Clara Barton from the Red Cross of Spain[592]
View of Santiago de Cuba from the Harbor[675]
View of Morro Castle, Santiago de Cuba[676]
The Burning of Siboney[597]
Annie E. Wheeler[609]
The Youngest Red Cross Nurse[610]
Scenes in Siboney[627]
Scenes in Santiago[628]
Refugees from Santiago[636]
Santiago Refugees at El Caney[639]
Establishing Headquarters Ashore[640]
Starving in the Plaza[647]
Los Fosos[648]
Bringing in the Wounded[657]
Clearing for a Cross Road[658]

Contents.

PAGE
To the People[13]
Introduction[17]
The Red Cross. General History[23]
Organization and Methods of Work[27]
Occupation in Times of Peace[29]
Services in Time of War[30]
Neutral Countries in Time of Peace[34]
International Correspondence. M. Moynier’s First Letter[36]
American Association of the Red Cross. Constitution and Original Incorporation[46–47]
First International Conference[48]
The Treaty of the Red Cross[57]
Governments Adopting the Treaty[58]
Address by Clara Barton[60]
Action of the United States Government[72]
The “Additional Articles” Concerning the Navy[74]
International Bulletin, Extract from[77]
Accession of the United States to the Treaty and “Additional Articles”[80]
Proclamation of President Arthur[85]
International Bulletin. Concerning Adhesion of the United States[87]
International Committee. Letter Acknowledging Notice of Adhesion by United States[90]
International Committee. Fiftieth Circular Announcing Adoption of Treaty by United States[91]
The Reincorporation of the American National Red Cross[94]
Significance of “Red Cross” in its Relation to Philanthropy. Address by Clara Barton[97]
Michigan Forest Fires[107]
Mississippi and Ohio River Floods[111]
Mississippi and Louisiana Cyclone[112]
Ohio River Flood[115]
Down the Mississippi[121]
“The Little Six”[130]
Texas Famine[136]
The Mount Vernon Cyclone[145]
Yellow Fever Epidemic in Florida[147]
The MacClenny Nurses[150]
The Johnstown Flood[157]
Arrival at Johnstown[158]
Appointment of Committees[160]
The Work of Relief[161]
Farewell to Miss Barton[169]
“The Dread Conemaugh”[170]
In Memoriam[174]
The Russian Famine[175]
Count Tolstoi on the Character of the Peasants[176]
Beginning of American Relief[177]
Appreciation of American Sympathy[180]
Dr. Hubbell’s Report[184]
Sea Islands Hurricane[197]
Coast of South Carolina[197]
Admiral Beardslee’s Description of the Hurricane[203]
Relief Work South of Broad River[211]
Report by John McDonald[211]
Hiltonhead District Clothing Department. Report by Mrs. MacDonald[220]
Medical Department. Report by Dr. E.W. Egan[222-228]
Relief Methods in Field. Dr. Hubbell’s Report[232]
On the Charleston Group. Report by H.L. Bailey[244]
The Clothing Department. Mrs. Gardner’s Report[252]
The Sewing Circles[257]
A Christmas Carol[261]
Mrs. Reed’s Report[263]
Leaving the Field[268]
Letter to Charleston News and Courier[268]
Circular to Clergymen and Committees[273]
Armenia[275]
Distance and Difficulties of Travel and Transportation[305]
Funds[307]
Committees[310]
To the Press of the United States[313]
To Contributors[313]
To the Government at Washington[314]
To Our Legation in Constantinople[314]
To the Ambassadors of other Nations[315]
Commendatory[315]
“Marmora.” Poem by Clara Barton[319]
Report of Financial Secretary[324]
General Field Agent’s Report[334]
Medical Report[350]
The Spanish-American War[360]
Home Camps and American Waters[361]
The Central Cuban Relief Committee, Appointment of[362]
The Red Cross Requested to Administer Relief in Cuba[365]
Taking Command of the “State of Texas”[368]
Relief Work at Tampa and Key West[368]
Feeding Spanish Prisoners of War[369]
Correspondence with Admiral Sampson[370]
Appointment of the Executive Committee of the Red Cross and the Relief Committee of New York[375]
Communication from Secretary of State Acknowledging Official Status of the American National Red Cross[377]
The Modus Vivendi with Spain[384-394]
Services of the Red Cross accepted by the Government[395]
Appointment of Red Cross Field Agents for the Camps[395]
Camp Alger, Washington, D.C.[397]
Camp Thomas, Chickamauga Park[408]
Jacksonville and Miami, Florida[414]
Fort McPherson, Atlanta, Ga.[420]
Camp Hobson, Lithia, Ga.[422]
St. Paul Red Cross[425]
Montauk Point, Long Island[426]
Pacific Coast[431]
The Red Cross of California[433]
The Red Cross of Oregon[441]
The Red Cross, Seattle, Wash.[452]
Porto Rico[460]
Report of Horace F. Barnes[460]
Shipments by United States Transports[470]
Relief Committee of New York, Report by[473]
Women’s Auxiliaries of the Red Cross[491]
“Women who went to the Field.” Poem by Clara Barton[509]
Cuba and the Cuban Campaign[514]
Havana[520]
Los Fosos[521]
The Orphanage[522]
Destruction of the “Maine”[524]
Jaruco[527]
Matanzas[531]
Senator Redfield Proctor’s Speech in United States Senate[534]
Artemisa[540]
Sagua La Grande[542]
Cienfuegos[544]
Back to Havana[545]
Leaving Havana[549]
On Board the “State of Texas”[550]
Tampa[552]
Arrival at Santiago[555]
Siboney[557]
Hospital Work at Siboney[560]
Relief Work at the Front[566]
Entering the Harbor of Santiago[576]
Unloading the “State of Texas”[577]
Feeding the Refugees[577]
Relief Work in Santiago[578]
Departure of the “State of Texas”[580]
The Transport “Clinton” at the Disposition of the Red Cross[583]
Leaving Santiago for Havana[584]
Departure from Havana[585]
Reports.
Report of Dr. A. Monae Lesser[587]
Report of Financial Secretary, Mr. C.H.H. Cottrell[600]
The Schooner “Mary E. Morse.” Distribution of Ice[624]
Letter of Santiago Committee[637]
Medical Report by E.W. Egan, M.D.[642]
Clothing Department. Report by Miss Annie M. Fowler[656]
The Red Cross of Other Nations[662]
To the Congress of the United States. Address by Clara Barton[666]
To the Committees on The Red Cross[674]
To the Auxiliaries of the Red Cross and the Nurses Who Went to the War[677]
Unwritten Thanks[680]
A Word of Explanation[680]
Conclusion[681]
Notes[682]

TO THE PEOPLE.

In recounting the experience of the Red Cross in the Cuban campaign, I have endeavored to tell the story of the events as they succeeded each other, recording simply the facts connected with the work of the War Relief, and refraining from criticism of men and methods. There were unpleasant incidents to relate, and unfortunate conditions to describe, but I have neither said nor written that any particular person, or persons, were to blame. It is not my duty, nor is it within my power, to analyze and criticise all the intricate workings of a government and its armies in the field.

The conditions that existed during the campaign and the suffering that had to be endured, were by no means peculiar to the Spanish-American War. Suffering, sickness, confusion, and death—these are inseparable from every armed conflict. They have always existed under such circumstances; they are a part of war itself, against which no human foresight can wholly provide.

Every civilized government is financially able to provide for its armies, but the great and seemingly insuperable difficulty is, to always have what is wanted at the place where it is most needed. It is a part of the strategy of war, that an enemy seeks battle at a time and place when his opponent is least prepared for it. Occasionally, too, an attacking commander is deceived. Where he expects only slight resistance, he encounters an overwhelming force and a battle of unforeseen proportions, with unexpected casualties, occurs. This is the universal testimony of nations. If it were not so, all needs could be provided for and every move planned at the outset.

It was for these reasons that a body of gentlemen, now known as the International Committee of Geneva, aided by National Associations in each country, planned, urged and finally succeeded in securing the adoption of the Treaty of the Red Cross. For these reasons the Treaty of Geneva and the National Committees of the Red Cross exist to-day. It is through the National Committees of the Red Cross in each treaty nation, that the people seek to assist the government in times of great emergency, in war or other calamity. It is only by favoring the organization of this Auxiliary Relief in times of peace, encouraging its development to the highest state of efficiency, preparing to utilize not only all the ordinary resources, but also the generous support of the people, through the Red Cross, that a government may hope to avoid much of the needless suffering, sickness and death in war.

In carrying out its mission, to assist in the prevention and relief of suffering, the Red Cross has neither the desire nor the intention to be censorious, and is actuated neither by political opinion nor motives of interference. It is but the outward and practical expression of that universal sympathy that goes out from the millions of homes and firesides, from the great heart of the nation, to humanity in distress, to the soldier on the march, in the bivouac and on the field of battle.

Through all the past years, during which the Red Cross has sought recognition, protection and co-operation, it was but for one purpose—to be ready. Our only regret is that, during the late war, we were not able to render greater service. Even the little that was accomplished, could not have been done without the ever ready assistance of the President and the Secretary of War.

Before us now lie the problems of the future, and the question is: How shall we meet them? As friends of humanity, while there is still a possibility of war or calamity, it behooves us to prepare. In America perhaps, we are apt to undervalue careful preparation and depend too much upon our impulses. Certainly in no other country have the people so often risen from a state of unreadiness and accomplished such wonderful results—at such a great sacrifice. The first American war since the adoption of the Treaty of Geneva, has brought the Red Cross home to the people; they have come to understand its meaning and desire to become a permanent part of it. Now that the appropriate time has come, it is the purpose of the Red Cross, relying upon the active sympathy of the government and the generous support of the people, to continue its work of preparation, until in its councils and in its ranks the whole country shall be represented, standing together, ready for any great emergency, inspired by the love of humanity and the world-wide motto of the Red Cross:

“In time of peace and prosperity, prepare for war and calamity.”

THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS, GENEVA, SWITZERLAND.

Dr. Appia died, succeeded by M.E. Jouard Neville. Recent additions to the Committee are, N. Adolphe Moynier and M. Paul des Goulles, Secretary to the President.

CLARA BARTON.

Taken about 1885.

INTRODUCTION.

To be called to tell in a few brief weeks the whole story of the Red Cross from its origin to the present time seems a labor scarcely less than to have lived it. It is a task that, however unworthily it may now be performed, is, in itself, not unworthy the genius of George Eliot or Macaulay. It is a story illustrating the rapid rise of the humane sentiment in the latter half of the nineteenth century. On its European side, it tells of the first timid and cautious putting forth of the sentiment of humanity in war, amid the rattling swords and guns of Solferino, its deaths and wounds and its subsequent awful silence.

It tells of its later fertilization on the red fields of Gravelotte and Sedan beneath my own personal observation.

It was from such surroundings as these that the Red Cross has become the means by which philanthropy has been grafted onto the wild and savage stem of war.

From the first filaments spun in the heart of a solitary traveler have been drawn onward stronger and larger strands, until now more than forty of the principal nations of the earth are bound together by bonds of the highest international law, that must make war in the future less barbarous than it has been in the past.

It gives hope that “the very torrent, tempest and whirlwind” of war itself may some day at last, far off, perhaps, give way to the sunny and pleasant days of perpetual and universal peace. When a proposition for an absolute and common disarmament of nations, made by the strongest of the rulers of Europe, will not be met by cynical sneers and suggestions of Machiavelian craft.

On its American side it is a story of such immense success on the part of the American National Red Cross in some of its greatest and most difficult fields of labor, that no financial report of them has ever been made, because the story would have been altogether incredible. The universal opinion of ordinary business people would have been that these results could not have been obtained on the means stated, and therefore something must be wrong or hidden, and to save ourselves from painful suspicion, it was decided, rightly or wrongly, that the story must remain substantially untold till its work in other fields had prepared the public mind to accept the literal truth.

But the time has come at last when the facts may properly be set forth without fear that they will be discredited or undervalued.

It will relate some of the experiences, the labors, the successes and triumphs of the American National Red Cross in times of peace, by which it had prepared itself to enter upon the Cuban contest as its first independent work in time of war.

The Red Cross has done its part in that contest in the same spirit in which it has heretofore done all the work which has been committed to its care. It has done it unobtrusively, faithfully and successfully.

It may not altogether have escaped censure in the rather wild cyclone of criticism that has swept over the country, but we remember not so much the faultfinding that may have occasionally been poured out upon the Red Cross, as the blessings and benedictions from all sides for work well and nobly done that have fallen even upon its humblest ministers and assistants.

It has been truthfully said that “so great has been the pressure to share the difficulties and dangers of this service with only transportation and subsistence for pay, that the Red Cross could on these terms have had as many volunteers as there were enlisted men, if their services could have been utilized and made important.”

Indeed, it seems to have become the milder romance of war, and is gradually winning its way into the very heart of the pomp and circumstance of “glorious” war itself.

The Red Cross has therefore come to be so loved and trusted, its principles and insignia have been so deeply set into the substance of international law and the life of many great nations, that people everywhere are beginning to ask with enthusiasm about its origin and history; about the principles on which it acts. They ask for some statement of its experiences, its hardships and its perils, and for some account of those who have been most prominent in its operations.

It is partially to answer these and many similar inquiries that this book has been prepared. It is in part a compilation and revision of various statements necessarily incomplete and unsatisfactory, made from time to time to meet emergencies. In part it has been wholly rewritten.

A great portion of the story of the Red Cross has been told in other languages than English, because it was of work done by other than English people. Much of this literature has never been translated or placed within the reach of the English-speaking public.

Although the gradual growth of the idea of something like humanity in war, stimulated by the ignorant and insane horrors of India and the Crimea, and soothed and instructed by the sensible and practical work of Florence Nightingale, had slowly but surely led up to the conditions which made such a movement possible, it was not until the remarkable campaign of Napoleon III. in Northern Italy again woke the slumbering sympathies of the world that any definite steps revealed themselves.

In compiling this book I have been compelled to make use of much of the material contained in a previous history written by myself in 1883, which in turn was based upon the records and the literature of the International Committee, and the official correspondence connected with the treaty.

Copyright, 1893, by Clara Barton.

THE FIRST RED CROSS WAREHOUSE, WASHINGTON, D.C.

NATIONAL RED CROSS HEADQUARTERS IN WASHINGTON,
From 1892 to 1897.

Formerly headquarters of General Grant from which he entered the White House as President.

The Red Cross.