It would be very desirable that the projected asseveration should be under your distinguished patronage, and we hope that you will not refuse us this favor.
Receive, Mr. President, the assurance of our highest consideration.
For the International Committee:
G. Moynier, President
President Garfield heard her story with genuine cordiality. He knew her and the work she had done both in this country and abroad. He assured her of his warm personal interest and referred her to the Secretary of State for a further discussion of the matter. His note was brief and to the point:
Executive Mansion, Washington
Will the Sec’y of State please hear Miss Barton on the subject herein referred to?
J. A. Garfield
March 30, 1881
It was several days before Clara Barton succeeded in securing an appointment with Secretary Blaine; she did not want merely to present the President’s note, but to have time to tell the story of the Red Cross. Mr. Blaine agreed to see her on Monday, April 11, 1881. Her nephew, Stephen, who had come to Washington for a few days, accompanied her on this visit; and it is fully recorded in his diary. The beginning of the interview was not encouraging; for Mr. Blaine, after appointing the time, apparently forgot about it, and was occupied when they called.