American Red Cross Society,
Washington, D. C.
My Dear General:
After a careful perusal of the enclosure on the subject of a tablet for Miss Clara Barton, I find it my duty to say to you that I am profoundly astonished that an officer of your rank would lend himself to the publication of such an unseemly screed against one who is esteemed the greatest of American women.
As one who served as a soldier in the least of capacities, I am astonished that a distinguished soldier should have a shame in belittling and accusing the dead—not simply the ordinary and common dead, but a glorious woman who has departed.
To my mind, Miss Clara Barton gave expression to the sympathy and tenderness of all the hearts of all the women in the world. If she was overwrought, and did more than she might have done, who will say that it was a fault? The whole world knew and loved her; and I daresay that her own dear land, that she served with such unremitting devotion as an angel of mercy, is the only place under all the stars where harsh words were ever written or said about her.
General, I know you are not responsible for the inscrutable jealousy that gnaws at the hearts of women. You did not write the article. I have no commission to defend Miss Barton, except what I trust is the best impulse of an American citizen. Her name should not perish and no one should listen with patience to an attack upon her record, much less her character.
Yours truly,
(Signed) Joseph Taggart, M.C. 2nd Kansas District.