In 1872, at the time of the Reign of Terror there, Clara Barton walked into the city of Paris. When the people saw her entering the stricken city on her errand of mercy, they cried out: “God, it is an angel!” Percy H. Epler, Author.
As Clara Barton and her faithful attendant, Antoinette Margot, a fair haired Swiss maiden, were on their way in Europe to the front they heard “Turn back, turn back; turn back; the Prussians are coming.” “Yes,” said Miss Barton, “that is why we are going, we are on our way to care for the wounded of the battle.” And the people cried out: “Dieu vous benisse!” Percy H. Epler.
For services among the Armenians, Turks and Kurds, Sultan Abdul-Hamid of Turkey decorated Clara Barton with the order of Shefacat and diploma for charity, and referred to her as “A Missionary of Humanity.” W. H. Sears.
Miss Barton was President of the Red Cross at the time of the Russian famine. The total contribution from America was estimated at $800,000.
In 1902 Clara Barton, and party, was invited to Moscow, Russia, where she had a royal reception lasting three days.
Referring to her relief work in Russia, to Clara Barton the mayor of St. Petersburg said: “The Russian people know how to be appreciative.” The Author.
The Czar of Russia personally decorated me (1902) with the highest honor conferred on anyone not of royal blood. I was entertained in the royal palaces and the imperial railway trains were placed at my disposal. Clara Barton.
In 1902 the delegates were received by the Czar, and as such they passed in review. Everyone bent over and kissed his hand. When it was Miss Barton’s turn, she attempted to bend over to kiss his hand, but he pulled his hand away and said: “Oh! no, Miss Barton, not you,” and shook her hand, instead. B. F. Tillinghast, Delegate to Quinquennial Conference of the International Red Cross Society, in 1902.
To honor me, the likes o’ me, not so! Poor little me who has not seen the present ruler (1909) of her own country.
Clara Barton.