LXXXVII
Andersonville[9]was not the gateway of hell; it was hell itself.
Clara Barton.
Clara Barton.
Clara Barton.
Clara Barton.
9. Without honoring the request of the Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton, to take an expedition to Andersonville to mark the graves of the missing soldiers, there could have been no cemetery at Andersonville. The cemetery which the Government now so worthily owns is a gift from our active corps of women.—Clara Barton.
9. Without honoring the request of the Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton, to take an expedition to Andersonville to mark the graves of the missing soldiers, there could have been no cemetery at Andersonville. The cemetery which the Government now so worthily owns is a gift from our active corps of women.—Clara Barton.
He (President Lincoln) said, “I will help you.” He smoothed the way and made it possible, assisting me until the work was done.
Clara Barton.
Clara Barton.
Clara Barton.
Clara Barton.
Only in the Great Book of Life is it written what Clara Barton did for the homes of this land, after the Civil War was over.
Sarah A. Spencer.
Sarah A. Spencer.
Sarah A. Spencer.
Sarah A. Spencer.
In a Memorial to U. S. Congress, Clara Barton said that in doing this work referred to, as per itemized bill, she reported that she had expended from her private funds as a contribution to the cause $1,759.33, and further said: “My own time and services have been cheerfully given.”The Author.
I remembered our prisons crowded with starving men whom all the powers and pities of the world could not reach with a bit of bread. I thought of the widows’ weeds still fresh and dark through all the land, north and south, from the pine to the palm, the shadows on the hearths and hearts over all my country—sore, broken hearts; ruined, desolate homes.Clara Barton.
DORENCE ATWATERFor the record of your dead you are indebted to the forethought, courage and perseverance of Dorence Atwater, a young man not twenty-one years of age.—(Signed)Clara Barton, in an official report to the people of the United States of America, in 1865.
DORENCE ATWATERFor the record of your dead you are indebted to the forethought, courage and perseverance of Dorence Atwater, a young man not twenty-one years of age.—(Signed)Clara Barton, in an official report to the people of the United States of America, in 1865.
DORENCE ATWATERFor the record of your dead you are indebted to the forethought, courage and perseverance of Dorence Atwater, a young man not twenty-one years of age.—(Signed)Clara Barton, in an official report to the people of the United States of America, in 1865.
This memorial will stand as a silent reminder of the untiring and loyal devotion of one whose memory will live while time endures.—Ida S. McBride, Chairman Memorial Committee.DEDICATION OF MEMORIAL TO CLARA BARTON AT ANDERSONVILLE, GEORGIA, MAY 31, 1915Erected by the Woman’s Relief Corps Auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic.Left to right: Mrs. Emma E. Grinnell, P. Dept., Pres. Wisc. W. R. C.; William Grinnell, P. Dept., Com. G. A. R., Wisc; Mrs. Ida S. McBride, P. Natl. Pres. W. R. C.; Miss Agnes Hitt, P. Natl. Pres., W. R. C.; Hon. Washington Gardner, P. Com.-in-Chief, G. A. R.; Mrs. Mary A. North, P. Natl. Jun. Vice-Pres., W. R. C.
This memorial will stand as a silent reminder of the untiring and loyal devotion of one whose memory will live while time endures.—Ida S. McBride, Chairman Memorial Committee.DEDICATION OF MEMORIAL TO CLARA BARTON AT ANDERSONVILLE, GEORGIA, MAY 31, 1915Erected by the Woman’s Relief Corps Auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic.Left to right: Mrs. Emma E. Grinnell, P. Dept., Pres. Wisc. W. R. C.; William Grinnell, P. Dept., Com. G. A. R., Wisc; Mrs. Ida S. McBride, P. Natl. Pres. W. R. C.; Miss Agnes Hitt, P. Natl. Pres., W. R. C.; Hon. Washington Gardner, P. Com.-in-Chief, G. A. R.; Mrs. Mary A. North, P. Natl. Jun. Vice-Pres., W. R. C.
This memorial will stand as a silent reminder of the untiring and loyal devotion of one whose memory will live while time endures.—Ida S. McBride, Chairman Memorial Committee.DEDICATION OF MEMORIAL TO CLARA BARTON AT ANDERSONVILLE, GEORGIA, MAY 31, 1915Erected by the Woman’s Relief Corps Auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic.Left to right: Mrs. Emma E. Grinnell, P. Dept., Pres. Wisc. W. R. C.; William Grinnell, P. Dept., Com. G. A. R., Wisc; Mrs. Ida S. McBride, P. Natl. Pres. W. R. C.; Miss Agnes Hitt, P. Natl. Pres., W. R. C.; Hon. Washington Gardner, P. Com.-in-Chief, G. A. R.; Mrs. Mary A. North, P. Natl. Jun. Vice-Pres., W. R. C.
The path of this work was opened for her through records kept by Dorence Atwater, a Connecticut boy-prisoner at Andersonville, who had been detailed to keep a record for the prison officials of the dead, and their burial. He kept a secret duplicate record, with location of graves. He saw a notice asking for information signed “Clara Barton,” when he at once wrote to her. Together they went to Andersonville and with his aid she succeeded with the identification of 19,920 graves and placing headstones above them, while 400 of these were marked “unknown.”
Manchester (N. H.)Mirror.
Manchester (N. H.)Mirror.
Manchester (N. H.)Mirror.
Manchester (N. H.)Mirror.
Yes, give me the land with a grave in each spot,And the names in the graves that shall not be forgot;Yes, give me the land of the wreck and the tomb—There’s grandeur in graves, there’s glory in gloom;For out of the gloom future brightness is born,And after the night looms the sunrise of morn;And the graves of the dead, with the grass overgrown,May yet form the footstool of liberty’s throne;And earth’s single wreck in the war path of nightShall yet be a rock in the temple of right.Father Ryan.
Yes, give me the land with a grave in each spot,And the names in the graves that shall not be forgot;Yes, give me the land of the wreck and the tomb—There’s grandeur in graves, there’s glory in gloom;For out of the gloom future brightness is born,And after the night looms the sunrise of morn;And the graves of the dead, with the grass overgrown,May yet form the footstool of liberty’s throne;And earth’s single wreck in the war path of nightShall yet be a rock in the temple of right.Father Ryan.
Yes, give me the land with a grave in each spot,And the names in the graves that shall not be forgot;Yes, give me the land of the wreck and the tomb—There’s grandeur in graves, there’s glory in gloom;For out of the gloom future brightness is born,And after the night looms the sunrise of morn;And the graves of the dead, with the grass overgrown,May yet form the footstool of liberty’s throne;And earth’s single wreck in the war path of nightShall yet be a rock in the temple of right.Father Ryan.
Yes, give me the land with a grave in each spot,
And the names in the graves that shall not be forgot;
Yes, give me the land of the wreck and the tomb—
There’s grandeur in graves, there’s glory in gloom;
For out of the gloom future brightness is born,
And after the night looms the sunrise of morn;
And the graves of the dead, with the grass overgrown,
May yet form the footstool of liberty’s throne;
And earth’s single wreck in the war path of night
Shall yet be a rock in the temple of right.
Father Ryan.
After the Civil War Clara Barton engaged in a sad mission. Of the Federal soldiers, there were 80,000 missing. Letters from the sorrowing were coming to the President and the Secretary of War, for information. To obtain the names of the missing, how died, where buried, and other information about loved ones, was a tremendous undertaking,—it was Clara Barton’s mission. Many of her personal friends said it was impossible, but President Lincoln gave her encouragement. She also received her Commission from the President, who had published the following:
TO THE FRIENDS OF THE MISSING PRISONERS:
TO THE FRIENDS OF THE MISSING PRISONERS:
TO THE FRIENDS OF THE MISSING PRISONERS:
TO THE FRIENDS OF THE MISSING PRISONERS:
Miss Clara Barton has kindly offered to search for the missing prisoners of war. Please address her at Annapolis, Maryland, giving the name, regiment, and company, of any missing prisoner.
A. Lincoln.
A. Lincoln.
A. Lincoln.
A. Lincoln.
For four long years she carried in her heart the sorrows of scores of thousands, in unhappy homes. She took the lecture platform and, in public halls, churches and school-houses, she said to the people “let’s talk of graves and worms and epitaphs.”
She had known Sorrow,—he had walked with her,Oft supped, and broke the bitter ashen crust;And in the dead leaves still she heard the stirOf his black mantle trailing in the dust.
She had known Sorrow,—he had walked with her,Oft supped, and broke the bitter ashen crust;And in the dead leaves still she heard the stirOf his black mantle trailing in the dust.
She had known Sorrow,—he had walked with her,Oft supped, and broke the bitter ashen crust;And in the dead leaves still she heard the stirOf his black mantle trailing in the dust.
She had known Sorrow,—he had walked with her,
Oft supped, and broke the bitter ashen crust;
And in the dead leaves still she heard the stir
Of his black mantle trailing in the dust.
Few of the obscure dead had even head-boards at their graves. In the absence of head-boards, the information was obtained through an ex-federal prisoner, who had kept the necessary data. Tens of thousands of letters were exchanged. Through correspondence, private information, personal contact with friends of the missing, and an inspection in the cemetery, the remains of 19,920 of the missing were found, the remains sent home, or the grave marked. The whole expense of this work was about $17,000, the amount advanced by Miss Barton. Later, the Government reimbursed her to the extent of $15,000. So stupendous, so philanthropic, and so successful, was this work that this one mission of love, of itself, would have given Clara Barton eternal fame.
Sad wistful eyes and broken hearts that beatFor the loved sound of unreturning feet
Sad wistful eyes and broken hearts that beatFor the loved sound of unreturning feet
Sad wistful eyes and broken hearts that beatFor the loved sound of unreturning feet
Sad wistful eyes and broken hearts that beat
For the loved sound of unreturning feet
And when the oaks their banners wave,Dream of the battle and an unmarked grave!Frank L. Stanton.
And when the oaks their banners wave,Dream of the battle and an unmarked grave!Frank L. Stanton.
And when the oaks their banners wave,Dream of the battle and an unmarked grave!Frank L. Stanton.
And when the oaks their banners wave,
Dream of the battle and an unmarked grave!
Frank L. Stanton.
If all that has been said by orators and poets since the creation of the world in praise of women were applied to the women of America, it would not do them justice, for their conduct during the war. God bless the women of America.A. Lincoln.
I feel how weak and fruitless would be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming; but I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.
A. Lincoln(in his letter to Mrs. Bixby).
A. Lincoln(in his letter to Mrs. Bixby).
A. Lincoln(in his letter to Mrs. Bixby).
A. Lincoln(in his letter to Mrs. Bixby).
Mothers—wives—and maidens, would there were some testimonials grand enough for you—some tablet that could show to the world the sacrifice of American womanhood and American motherhood in the Civil War! Sacrifices so nobly and so firmly—but so gently and so beautifully,—made.Clara Barton.
In the crowded yards of every prison ground, in the dark ravines of the tangled forests, in the miry, poison swamps, where the slimy serpent crawls by day and the will-o’-the-wisp dances vigil at night, in the beds of the mighty rivers, under the waves of the salt sea, in the drifting sands of the desert islands, on the lonely picket line, and by the roadside, where the weary soldier laid down with his knapsack and his gun, and his march of life was ended; there in their strange beds they sleep till the morning of the great reveille.
Clara Barton.
Clara Barton.
Clara Barton.
Clara Barton.
To show the sentiment then existing among the people, and the appreciation of the services rendered,—of the thousands of letters received by Miss Barton are appended the following:
GRATITUDE OF A BROKEN-HEARTED MOTHER
“Paw Paw, Van Buren Co., Michigan,July the 5th, 1865.
“Paw Paw, Van Buren Co., Michigan,July the 5th, 1865.
“Paw Paw, Van Buren Co., Michigan,July the 5th, 1865.
“Paw Paw, Van Buren Co., Michigan,
July the 5th, 1865.
“Miss Clara Barton,
“Miss Clara Barton,
“Miss Clara Barton,
“Miss Clara Barton,
“Dear Madam:—Seeing a notice in the paper of the effort you are making to ascertain the fate of missing soldiers from Michigan, I hasten to address you in regard to my son. His name is Eugene P. Osborne. He was a private in the 13th Michigan Regiment, Co. H Infantry; was in Sherman’s Army; left Atlanta last November with the Regiment, became lame soon after leaving there, and fell out the first day of December, near Louisville, Georgia. Since that time we have never been able to learn anything of him, or what has become of him. Those that went with him from this place, and were in the Company with him, have returned, but they know not what has become of him, or what his fate may be. We have endeavored to learn something of him by writing to various persons and places, but as yet we have heard nothing reliable.
“Will you, Oh! will you, aid me in the search for my loved but unfortunate son; if so, the prayers and gratitude of a heartbroken Mother shall be yours. Please answer without delay and tell me if you know aught concerning him, for this cruel suspense is dreadful.
“Respectfully yours,
“Respectfully yours,
“Respectfully yours,
“Address“Mrs.C. A. Osborne,“Paw Paw, Van Buren Co., Michigan.”
“Address“Mrs.C. A. Osborne,“Paw Paw, Van Buren Co., Michigan.”
“Address“Mrs.C. A. Osborne,“Paw Paw, Van Buren Co., Michigan.”
“Address
“Mrs.C. A. Osborne,
“Paw Paw, Van Buren Co., Michigan.”
I never for a moment lose sight of the mothers and sisters and white-haired fathers, and children moving quietly about, and dropping the unseen, silent tear in those far-away saddened homes.
Clara Barton.
Clara Barton.
Clara Barton.
Clara Barton.
“Miss Barton:
“Miss Barton:
“Miss Barton:
“Miss Barton:
“Dear Angel of Love and Mercy:—I address these few lines to you hoping to get some information in regard to my son’s remains. He died in August in the dreadful prison pen at Andersonville. I think it was about the ninth day of the month. Did you find when you were there on the list the name of Edward H. Walton, Co. H, 57th Regt. Massachusetts Volunteers? If so, you will confer a great kindness on me, his poor heartbroken Mother, by giving me what information you can. He went from Worcester, Mass.
“Please let me know if you think I could obtain his remains if I should send for them, as I am very anxious to get them. I shall ever remember your great kindness and labor in thus giving me the comfort that you have seen the remains of the poor murdered ones decently buried. I thank you from my very heart and may heaven bless you while you live and when you have done on earth may the richest of heaven’s blessings be yours through that never ending eternity for which thousands of mothers will pray.
“Very respectfully,“Your humble servant,(Signed) “Mrs. Dolly Walton,“Worcester, Mass.
“Very respectfully,“Your humble servant,(Signed) “Mrs. Dolly Walton,“Worcester, Mass.
“Very respectfully,“Your humble servant,(Signed) “Mrs. Dolly Walton,“Worcester, Mass.
“Very respectfully,
“Your humble servant,
(Signed) “Mrs. Dolly Walton,
“Worcester, Mass.
“Mother of Edward H. Walton, Co. H, Fifty-seventh Regt. Mass. Vol., died at Andersonville Prison in August, ’64.”
Nor has morbid sympathy been all; out amid the smoke and fire of our guns, with only the murky canopy above and the bloody ground beneath, I have not lost sight of those saddened homes.
Clara Barton.
Clara Barton.
Clara Barton.
Clara Barton.
“LaFayette, Ind., March 30, 1866.
“LaFayette, Ind., March 30, 1866.
“LaFayette, Ind., March 30, 1866.
“LaFayette, Ind., March 30, 1866.
“Dear Miss Barton:—
“Dear Miss Barton:—
“Dear Miss Barton:—
“Dear Miss Barton:—
“Will you please excuse a bereaved Mother again addressing you. I have seen by the papers that you have visited Andersonville. Can you give me any information respecting my dear lost son, my poor boy, as you have visited the graves of the precious dead; did you find the name of John Newton Strain? Oh! it would be a satisfaction, although a melancholy one, to know where his dear remains rest and oh! if I could only have them brought home, my noble boy, no better son a Mother ever had. If he had died on the field of battle it would not have been so hard. He belonged to the New York 2nd Cavalry Co. I. Dear Miss, if you can give me any information it will be most thankfully received and the best I can say is, may God bless you and be your great reward.
“From your afflicted friend,(Signed) “Eliza Foresman.“Lafayette, Ind.”
“From your afflicted friend,(Signed) “Eliza Foresman.“Lafayette, Ind.”
“From your afflicted friend,(Signed) “Eliza Foresman.“Lafayette, Ind.”
“From your afflicted friend,
(Signed) “Eliza Foresman.
“Lafayette, Ind.”
“Please answer.”
I have too often wiped the gathering damp from pale anxious brows and caught from a shy quivering lip the last faint whispers of home, not to realize the terrible cost of these separations.
Clara Barton.
Clara Barton.
Clara Barton.
Clara Barton.
The history of Andersonville is the most sad, and at the same time the most discouraging to our confidence in man’s inhumanity to man, of all the episodes of the Civil War.—Harper’s Weekly, Oct. 7, 1865.
The name of Clara Barton will be held in grateful remembrance whenever and wherever human needs are weighed in the scales of human want.—Washington Gardner.
By permission of “Harper’s Weekly.”CEMETERY AT ANDERSONVILLE, GEORGIAThe Department of Georgia, Grand Army of the Republic, early secured title to the Andersonville stockade, which it later transferred to the National organization, Woman’s Relief Corps, Auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic. This body, after having purchased very considerable additions and improved and beautified the whole through a period of sixteen years, deeded the entire property to the United States Government which, together with the cemetery, will be held in trust perpetually as the most tragic and hallowed plot of ground under the flag.Washington Gardner, Post Commander-in-Chief, G. A. R., in his memorial address, May 31, 1915.The number of graves marked is 19,920. Scattered among the thickly designated graves stand four hundred tablets, bearing only the number and the touching inscription “Unknown Union Soldiers.”—(Signed)Clara Barton, in an official report to the people of the United States of America, in 1865.
By permission of “Harper’s Weekly.”CEMETERY AT ANDERSONVILLE, GEORGIAThe Department of Georgia, Grand Army of the Republic, early secured title to the Andersonville stockade, which it later transferred to the National organization, Woman’s Relief Corps, Auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic. This body, after having purchased very considerable additions and improved and beautified the whole through a period of sixteen years, deeded the entire property to the United States Government which, together with the cemetery, will be held in trust perpetually as the most tragic and hallowed plot of ground under the flag.Washington Gardner, Post Commander-in-Chief, G. A. R., in his memorial address, May 31, 1915.The number of graves marked is 19,920. Scattered among the thickly designated graves stand four hundred tablets, bearing only the number and the touching inscription “Unknown Union Soldiers.”—(Signed)Clara Barton, in an official report to the people of the United States of America, in 1865.
By permission of “Harper’s Weekly.”CEMETERY AT ANDERSONVILLE, GEORGIAThe Department of Georgia, Grand Army of the Republic, early secured title to the Andersonville stockade, which it later transferred to the National organization, Woman’s Relief Corps, Auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic. This body, after having purchased very considerable additions and improved and beautified the whole through a period of sixteen years, deeded the entire property to the United States Government which, together with the cemetery, will be held in trust perpetually as the most tragic and hallowed plot of ground under the flag.Washington Gardner, Post Commander-in-Chief, G. A. R., in his memorial address, May 31, 1915.The number of graves marked is 19,920. Scattered among the thickly designated graves stand four hundred tablets, bearing only the number and the touching inscription “Unknown Union Soldiers.”—(Signed)Clara Barton, in an official report to the people of the United States of America, in 1865.
The winds will blow, the skies will weep,Where fair Columbia’s heroes sleep,And Clara Barton’s name is knownWhere waves our flag or stands a throne;The work she did fills every heartWherein affection hath a part;A woman to her country true,She marked the graves where sleep the Blue.—From the dedicatory poemClara Barton, by T. C. Harbaugh.
The winds will blow, the skies will weep,Where fair Columbia’s heroes sleep,And Clara Barton’s name is knownWhere waves our flag or stands a throne;The work she did fills every heartWherein affection hath a part;A woman to her country true,She marked the graves where sleep the Blue.—From the dedicatory poemClara Barton, by T. C. Harbaugh.
The winds will blow, the skies will weep,Where fair Columbia’s heroes sleep,And Clara Barton’s name is knownWhere waves our flag or stands a throne;The work she did fills every heartWherein affection hath a part;A woman to her country true,She marked the graves where sleep the Blue.—From the dedicatory poemClara Barton, by T. C. Harbaugh.
The winds will blow, the skies will weep,
Where fair Columbia’s heroes sleep,
And Clara Barton’s name is known
Where waves our flag or stands a throne;
The work she did fills every heart
Wherein affection hath a part;
A woman to her country true,
She marked the graves where sleep the Blue.
—From the dedicatory poemClara Barton, by T. C. Harbaugh.
MY PRAYERS FOR YOU
“Miss Clara Barton:
“Miss Clara Barton:
“Miss Clara Barton:
“Miss Clara Barton:
“Please give me some information, if you can, of Frank Pearson of the U. S. Str.Mackinaw, North Atlantic Squadron. He was from New York State. I have not heard from him since the last of March. They were then on the Appomattox River and I suppose he fell when Petersburg was captured. I wrote to him the first of April, and not getting any word from him I wrote to his Captain but never heard from him. I had given up all hopes of ever hearing what has happened mybest friend. When I saw your name, that you were trying to find our lost friends, I took courage, but whether I will have any better luck to hear just a word aboutPoor Frank. Three years and a half on theBlockade. Oh! how fast the time was passing; only six months from April until he would have been once more free. I would have willingly died for him, but God has ordered it otherwise and I am not the only one that is mourning for aDear Friend.
“If you can find anything about him please let me know as soon as you can conveniently. My prayers for you. Oh! how lonely! how sad I feel all alone in this cold world. ‘Would that I were resting too!’
“Pardon me and excuse the writing. My eyes are dim. Please answer soon. I am
“Your friend,(Signed) “Mattie C. Beatty,“Coal Bluff, Washington County, Penna.”
“Your friend,(Signed) “Mattie C. Beatty,“Coal Bluff, Washington County, Penna.”
“Your friend,(Signed) “Mattie C. Beatty,“Coal Bluff, Washington County, Penna.”
“Your friend,
(Signed) “Mattie C. Beatty,
“Coal Bluff, Washington County, Penna.”