As good fortune would have it, rains commenced, the wheat was apparently saved, and hope revived. There was still need for staple grains at once to plant and sow the fields. These must come from the people within the State, as they had closed all avenues from without, and it was proper they should furnish them. But it could only be accomplished by the aid of the press, which was still pointing its horns at John Brown, who persisted in declaring that “a million of dollars must come from Congress or the people of the North.” There was no way but to reach the press, and turn its powers in the true direction.
The arrangement was not difficult for us to make. The columns of both the Dallas and Galveston News are open for a “Seed Fund” from the State, pledged to close them only when the need is met. I left that night, feeling that the skein was unraveled, and our part of the work done.
I thank you with all my heart, Mr. President, for the encouragement given me at the commencement, and the privilege of writing you. I have done this little bit of work faithfully, and hope it may meet your approval. I am home, with scarcely strength to leave my bed, but I trust we have heard the last of “Texas drouth.”
I have the honor to be,
Most respectfully,
Clara Barton.
Copyright, 1898, by Clara Barton.
CAMP PERRY.
The Northern Florida Yellow Fever Quarantine Station of the U.S. Marine Hospital, during the epidemic of 1888, for refugees coming north.