On Board Steamer “Clinton,”En Route Havana to Egmont Key,September 1, 1898.Capt. P.C. Wertsch,Steamer “Clinton:”Dear Sir:—As we draw near the end of our voyage on the steamer “Clinton,” I cannot refrain from giving expression to the feeling of satisfaction and gratitude that all the members of the Red Cross party entertain for you and your crew. If you have any influence with the gods of wind and wave, you must certainly have exerted it, for verily we have been “sailing o’er summer seas” during the past weeks, and a pleasanter time than we have had could not well be imagined. It gives me great pleasure to say to you that the uniform courtesy and consideration that have been shown our people and the general comfort of the “Clinton” are highly appreciated. We congratulate the Morgan Line on having such a ship and such a crew.In saying good-bye, permit me to thank you most heartily for your many kindnesses and your unfailing courtesy, and to wish you and all the members of your crew a long life and the best of everything in it.Sincerely yours,Clara Barton.
On Board Steamer “Clinton,”En Route Havana to Egmont Key,September 1, 1898.
Capt. P.C. Wertsch,Steamer “Clinton:”
Dear Sir:—As we draw near the end of our voyage on the steamer “Clinton,” I cannot refrain from giving expression to the feeling of satisfaction and gratitude that all the members of the Red Cross party entertain for you and your crew. If you have any influence with the gods of wind and wave, you must certainly have exerted it, for verily we have been “sailing o’er summer seas” during the past weeks, and a pleasanter time than we have had could not well be imagined. It gives me great pleasure to say to you that the uniform courtesy and consideration that have been shown our people and the general comfort of the “Clinton” are highly appreciated. We congratulate the Morgan Line on having such a ship and such a crew.
In saying good-bye, permit me to thank you most heartily for your many kindnesses and your unfailing courtesy, and to wish you and all the members of your crew a long life and the best of everything in it.
Sincerely yours,Clara Barton.
Captain Wertsch replied in the happy manner following:
On Board Steamer “Clinton,”September 2, 1898.Miss Clara Barton,President American National Red Cross:Dear Madam:—Your very kind note, in which you commend my ship and crew, is received, and I have to return my most grateful thanks. A commander’s duties not only embrace the safe navigation of his craft, but the comfort and happiness of his passengers and crew, and it is a great pleasure to know that my efforts in that direction, combined with the propitious conditions of the elements, have met with your approval, and I shall always treasure your approbation as one of the bright spots in my rather monotonous calling. I esteem it one of the greatest honors to have as passenger and friend one who has so distinguished and endeared herself to all the civilized world by her many years of faithful and never-ceasing devotion to suffering humanity, and it is my sincere hope that God may grant you many years more in which to continue your work of love, and that every success may crown your efforts. I have the honor to subscribe myself,Your devoted friend,P.C. Wertsch,Captain.
On Board Steamer “Clinton,”September 2, 1898.
Miss Clara Barton,President American National Red Cross:
Dear Madam:—Your very kind note, in which you commend my ship and crew, is received, and I have to return my most grateful thanks. A commander’s duties not only embrace the safe navigation of his craft, but the comfort and happiness of his passengers and crew, and it is a great pleasure to know that my efforts in that direction, combined with the propitious conditions of the elements, have met with your approval, and I shall always treasure your approbation as one of the bright spots in my rather monotonous calling. I esteem it one of the greatest honors to have as passenger and friend one who has so distinguished and endeared herself to all the civilized world by her many years of faithful and never-ceasing devotion to suffering humanity, and it is my sincere hope that God may grant you many years more in which to continue your work of love, and that every success may crown your efforts. I have the honor to subscribe myself,
Your devoted friend,P.C. Wertsch,Captain.
We arrived at Egmont Key on the morning of September 3, and the party went into camp for a five days’ quarantine, which, barring the heat and mosquitoes, was rather a pleasant rest after the worry and suspense of the past week. Dr. Geddings, of the Marine Hospital Service, the surgeon in charge of the quarantine station, did everything in his power to make our stay agreeable, and he succeeded far better than we had anticipated.
As our party was about to break up, after a pleasant union of seven months, in which we had become like one family, and had conceived a mutual esteem and regard for each other, it seemed fitting that some little expression of good feeling should be manifested in a way that would be lasting and memorable. The following address to Miss Barton was accordingly drawn up, signed by all the members present and read to her:
To Miss Clara Barton.Now that our work has ceased for a time, and our party which has labored so long and so harmoniously together, is returning home, we, the members of the Cuban relief expedition, desire to express to you, our leader, as delicately and fittingly as may be, our unbounded confidence and admiration, and our sincere and heartfelt gratitude and love. As we look back over the past few months, and recall the many scenes of suffering and death that we have witnessed, and remember how ceaselessly, faithfully and tirelessly you have worked, and how much you have accomplished under the most unpromising circumstances, our wonder grows and we cannot help but reverence and admire your wisdom, patience and industry. No more trying position than you have occupied during the past seven months, could well be imagined, and no one not possessed of nerves of steel and of ripest wisdom and the rarest judgment, combined with a purpose as fixed as the stars could have made the great success that you have made of the work we had in hand. When it is remembered how many thousands of brave soldiers have been saved from suffering and death through your efforts, and how many starving and sick people have been brought back to health and happiness, and all with so little cost of actual money, our warmest admiration is excited, and we cannot withhold that praise which you so justly deserve.Personally each of us wishes to express his or her acknowledgment of your unfailing kindness and interest in our comfort and general welfare, and we have to thank you for thousands of those little considerations of word and look that go so far to brighten one’s thoughts and make life a pleasure. We all have the greatest satisfaction in knowing that all the work we were permitted to do has been done with thoroughness and economy, and we are vain enough to think that no one could have done more under the conditions that existed. We shall soon separate and go our several ways, and it will be with the deepest sorrow and regret that we shall say good by to our leader; but throughout life it will always be a pleasure to call to mind her image and remember all the happy moments we havepassed with her. So in parting, it will no doubt be a satisfaction to you to have the assurance that you hold our warmest love and good will, and that at any time each and all of us will be ready to serve you in any way that lies within our power.A. Von Schelle,Membre du Comité Directeur de la Croix Rouge de Belgique, Membre del’Association Nationale de la Croix Rouge des Etats Unis l’Amerique.J.B. Hubbell,General Field Agent of the American National Red Cross.E. Winfield Egan,Surgeon American National Red Cross.C.H.H. Cottrell,Financial Secretary.Lucy M. Graves,J.A. McDowell,Chas. R. Gill, M.D.,C.D. Cottrell,Annie M. Fowler,J.K. Elwell,Geo. J. Hassett.
To Miss Clara Barton.
Now that our work has ceased for a time, and our party which has labored so long and so harmoniously together, is returning home, we, the members of the Cuban relief expedition, desire to express to you, our leader, as delicately and fittingly as may be, our unbounded confidence and admiration, and our sincere and heartfelt gratitude and love. As we look back over the past few months, and recall the many scenes of suffering and death that we have witnessed, and remember how ceaselessly, faithfully and tirelessly you have worked, and how much you have accomplished under the most unpromising circumstances, our wonder grows and we cannot help but reverence and admire your wisdom, patience and industry. No more trying position than you have occupied during the past seven months, could well be imagined, and no one not possessed of nerves of steel and of ripest wisdom and the rarest judgment, combined with a purpose as fixed as the stars could have made the great success that you have made of the work we had in hand. When it is remembered how many thousands of brave soldiers have been saved from suffering and death through your efforts, and how many starving and sick people have been brought back to health and happiness, and all with so little cost of actual money, our warmest admiration is excited, and we cannot withhold that praise which you so justly deserve.
Personally each of us wishes to express his or her acknowledgment of your unfailing kindness and interest in our comfort and general welfare, and we have to thank you for thousands of those little considerations of word and look that go so far to brighten one’s thoughts and make life a pleasure. We all have the greatest satisfaction in knowing that all the work we were permitted to do has been done with thoroughness and economy, and we are vain enough to think that no one could have done more under the conditions that existed. We shall soon separate and go our several ways, and it will be with the deepest sorrow and regret that we shall say good by to our leader; but throughout life it will always be a pleasure to call to mind her image and remember all the happy moments we havepassed with her. So in parting, it will no doubt be a satisfaction to you to have the assurance that you hold our warmest love and good will, and that at any time each and all of us will be ready to serve you in any way that lies within our power.
A. Von Schelle,Membre du Comité Directeur de la Croix Rouge de Belgique, Membre del’Association Nationale de la Croix Rouge des Etats Unis l’Amerique.J.B. Hubbell,General Field Agent of the American National Red Cross.E. Winfield Egan,Surgeon American National Red Cross.C.H.H. Cottrell,Financial Secretary.Lucy M. Graves,J.A. McDowell,Chas. R. Gill, M.D.,C.D. Cottrell,Annie M. Fowler,J.K. Elwell,Geo. J. Hassett.
At the conclusion of this kind and just tribute to our beloved leader there was a moment of profound silence, our feelings being too deep for utterance. At length, when Miss Barton had subdued her emotions sufficiently to speak clearly, she responded in most graceful terms, expressing her warm and sincere appreciation of the work performed, and the loyal support that had ever been accorded her; that no words could fully express the gratitude she felt for this thoughtful little memento of our comradeship, and she should prize it quite as much as any badge or decoration she had ever received.
Farewells were said, and the party separated, going to their several homes; and so ended our first Cuban expedition.
It is a very hard matter to express in dollars and cents the value of the relief distributed, as it was all donated in either material or money which was turned into material; and the kinds were so varied, the market value so fluctuating, and the data so scattered, that only an approximation can be ventured. It is probably underestimating the amount of relief stores that have been sent to Cuba by the Central
Cuban Relief Committee and the American National Red Cross to place it at six thousand tons, approximating in value half a million dollars in New York. Had these same goods been bought in Cuba, their cost would easily have been doubled.
In estimating the cost of distribution great difficulties present themselves, as large numbers of laborers, sometimes as many as two hundred per day were paid in food taken from the stores; but such labor can only be paid in that way while the need is extreme; and the moment the direst wants are satisfied money is demanded for every service.
We found a considerable number of people who had once been wealthy, but who were utterly helpless after being despoiled of their riches, and gave up in despair, and would have died without making any adequate effort to save themselves, had not relief been brought to them. There were, however, many sterling families who had cast their fortunes with the revolution; had sacrificed everything for “Cuba libre,” and were willing to give life itself, if necessary; these people accepted relief reluctantly and sparingly, and with warmest gratitude.
For nearly two months after our arrival in Havana the entire expenses of the relief work were borne by Miss Barton from her private purse. It is but just to state that when this fact was discovered, by the committee the money was refunded. Then the Central Cuban Relief Committee began to furnish her with means which came thereafter in abundance, and nothing that was needed that money could procure was ever omitted. Volunteers for work were plentiful, but they were generally without experience and therefore not available. For this reason, and considering the magnitude of the work to be attempted and the celerity with which it must be carried on in order to be effective, it was necessary to override a time-honored precedent of the Red Cross, and pay salaries to certain grades of professional workers who could not be obtained otherwise. It should be stated though, that all these people who were engaged required no more money than was sufficient to meet the necessities of those who were dependent on them; and the few salaries that were paid were very low considering the high grade of ability that was secured.
The first funds sent for our use were in drafts payable in Spanish gold at Havana. Gold was then held at a premium of about thirty-five per cent over Spanish silver, with which the greater part of the ordinary business of the country was carried on.
On entering Santiago we found both American and Spanish moneyin circulation, and consequently considerable confusion resulted on account of the fluctuation in values, there being no established standard. The military governor made an arbitrary ruling that there should be a premium of one hundred per cent on American money over Spanish silver, or, in other words, that one dollar in American money should be worth two dollars in Spanish silver. Spanish gold and American gold were on a par in ordinary transactions of limited amounts, but in large amounts American gold was worth a small percentage more than the Spanish.
While we were in Santiago our supply of condensed milk ran short, owing to the large amount that was used in the hospitals. Fortunately there was at that time in the harbor a merchant ship loaded with groceries which could not be disposed of satisfactorily, and we were able to purchase at a very reasonable figure quite a large amount of that greatly needed delicacy, and continue filling all requisitions.
The following is a statement of our accounts at the end of the expedition:
Financial Statement.
The expense accounts will generally explain themselves by their titles, with a few exceptions which will be noted. “Cuban Relief Expenses” covered all charges for labor outside of that performed by our own party, and for supplies, etc., that were purchased outside of those we had brought from New York. “American Red CrossExpenses” included expenses of nurses and hospitals on account of army work, as distinct from Cuban relief work; also the maintenance of forty mules that had been sent us by that organization. “Household Expenses” covered house rent, servant hire, and maintenance of the entire party, which numbered as high as thirty people at times, and averaged twenty most of the time, making an average of less than $2.50 expense per week for each person. “General Expenses” included work on hospitals and other buildings necessary to make them habitable and comfortable, and all other expenses not properly chargeable to any other account.
On an estimated distribution of relief supplies, valued at half a million dollars, the cost of distribution, covering a period of seven months, exclusive of the charter price for the steamer “State of Texas,” amounts to less than three per cent of the value of the goods distributed.
REFUGEES FROM SANTIAGO.
REFUGEES FROM SANTIAGO.
Miss Clara Barton,President of the American National Red Cross, Santiago de Cuba:Madam:—The undersigned, who have had the honor to form your committee to assist you in the distribution of relief to this city during the permanence in it of the Red Cross, desire on the eve of your departure to “give an account of their stewardship,” presenting at same time in a condensed form an idea of the work that has been done.It would probably be difficult to cite an instance in which a relief vessel has arrived so opportunely anywhere as the steamship “State of Texas” arrived in Santiago de Cuba. After a rigorous blockade of two months, during which stocks of provisions had run very low, the greatest part of the inhabitants of the city, under stress of threatened bombardment, had abandoned their homes and taken refuge in the neighboring villages. On their return, after the occupation of the city by the American troops, many of the citizens found that during their absence their homes had been looted and the small store of provisions which they counted upon had disappeared. The same fate had overtaken many shops, and the establishments which had escaped, and which anyhow had hardly anything left to dispose of, remained closed for many days. It may therefore safely be said that the immense majority of the inhabitants of this city had nothing to eat, and it was at this moment that you most providentially arrived with the “State of Texas.”The organizing of a system of relief, and the discharge of the vessel were started simultaneously and with such success that on the twentieth of July a ration of cooked food was distributed by means of the local “Cocina Economica,” 6000 persons being relieved on that day, and 9000 the next, the whole gratis distribution of rations by that institution exceeding, in the three weeks such distribution lasted, 200,000.By advice of your committee, in order to proceed to the distribution of uncooked food, a number of commissioners were appointed, each of whom presented a detailed list of the families that he agreed to distribute among, some of these lists embracing over one thousandpersons. By this means the pressure of great crowds round the Red Cross deposits, which would have rendered impossible a prompt and efficacious distribution, was avoided, and to the limited number of commissioners, who had agreed to distribute among the great number of the needy, a large amount daily was supplied.We consider it a duty and take a special pleasure in manifesting our appreciation of the efficiency displayed by your whole staff in these days, and of the energy with which they discharged the vessel, carted and stored the cargo; and proceeded with its distribution; and can only congratulate them on the result of their labors and yourself on being at the head of such a well-organized corporation.In the very important items of directing the relief to be given into proper channels and keeping it out of improper ones, your committee had at the commencement an easy task, for the reasons already explained, the whole city being in want, by simply giving to all that applied, and in the first days that was what was done, so much so that three-fourths, more or less, of the entire community received some assistance.But after the first ten days it began to be evident that the strain was removing. Cargoes of provisions for sale had arrived and were being retailed. The government were employing quite a number of workmen on and around the wharves at high wages, and some few workmen were moving out to the country. It behooved then the committee to be more conservative in admitting lists of applicants for rations, and this necessity was accentuated by complaints which began to arise of the difficulty of getting people to work, complaints which became general extending from the governor of the city who could not find workmen even at good wages, to clean the streets of the city, to the heads of households who found no one to cook, serve or wash, while such important minor industries, as the supplying of the city with charcoal or even firewood, were almost wholly abandoned.
Miss Clara Barton,President of the American National Red Cross, Santiago de Cuba:
Madam:—The undersigned, who have had the honor to form your committee to assist you in the distribution of relief to this city during the permanence in it of the Red Cross, desire on the eve of your departure to “give an account of their stewardship,” presenting at same time in a condensed form an idea of the work that has been done.
It would probably be difficult to cite an instance in which a relief vessel has arrived so opportunely anywhere as the steamship “State of Texas” arrived in Santiago de Cuba. After a rigorous blockade of two months, during which stocks of provisions had run very low, the greatest part of the inhabitants of the city, under stress of threatened bombardment, had abandoned their homes and taken refuge in the neighboring villages. On their return, after the occupation of the city by the American troops, many of the citizens found that during their absence their homes had been looted and the small store of provisions which they counted upon had disappeared. The same fate had overtaken many shops, and the establishments which had escaped, and which anyhow had hardly anything left to dispose of, remained closed for many days. It may therefore safely be said that the immense majority of the inhabitants of this city had nothing to eat, and it was at this moment that you most providentially arrived with the “State of Texas.”
The organizing of a system of relief, and the discharge of the vessel were started simultaneously and with such success that on the twentieth of July a ration of cooked food was distributed by means of the local “Cocina Economica,” 6000 persons being relieved on that day, and 9000 the next, the whole gratis distribution of rations by that institution exceeding, in the three weeks such distribution lasted, 200,000.
By advice of your committee, in order to proceed to the distribution of uncooked food, a number of commissioners were appointed, each of whom presented a detailed list of the families that he agreed to distribute among, some of these lists embracing over one thousandpersons. By this means the pressure of great crowds round the Red Cross deposits, which would have rendered impossible a prompt and efficacious distribution, was avoided, and to the limited number of commissioners, who had agreed to distribute among the great number of the needy, a large amount daily was supplied.
We consider it a duty and take a special pleasure in manifesting our appreciation of the efficiency displayed by your whole staff in these days, and of the energy with which they discharged the vessel, carted and stored the cargo; and proceeded with its distribution; and can only congratulate them on the result of their labors and yourself on being at the head of such a well-organized corporation.
In the very important items of directing the relief to be given into proper channels and keeping it out of improper ones, your committee had at the commencement an easy task, for the reasons already explained, the whole city being in want, by simply giving to all that applied, and in the first days that was what was done, so much so that three-fourths, more or less, of the entire community received some assistance.
But after the first ten days it began to be evident that the strain was removing. Cargoes of provisions for sale had arrived and were being retailed. The government were employing quite a number of workmen on and around the wharves at high wages, and some few workmen were moving out to the country. It behooved then the committee to be more conservative in admitting lists of applicants for rations, and this necessity was accentuated by complaints which began to arise of the difficulty of getting people to work, complaints which became general extending from the governor of the city who could not find workmen even at good wages, to clean the streets of the city, to the heads of households who found no one to cook, serve or wash, while such important minor industries, as the supplying of the city with charcoal or even firewood, were almost wholly abandoned.
SANTIAGO REFUGEES AT EL CANEY,Where it is estimated that twelve thousand people were fed with Red Cross supplies before the surrender of Santiago.ESTABLISHING HEADQUARTERS ASHORE.
SANTIAGO REFUGEES AT EL CANEY,
Where it is estimated that twelve thousand people were fed with Red Cross supplies before the surrender of Santiago.
ESTABLISHING HEADQUARTERS ASHORE.
Finally the moment arrived when the end of the necessity of the permanence of the Red Cross was in sight, and, coinciding with the raising of the blockade of Havana and other large cities where want and sickness had necessarily to be more accentuated than here, made it a question of the greatest good to the greatest number, made its removal to the west end of the island a necessity. There necessarily remained some poverty, some sickness, and some misery, but the public, and more especially the military government, had taken efficacious measures to cope with these evils, and while in one sense deploring your departure, your committee could only coincide with your viewson the subject, and offer their conscientious opinion that the present state of affairs in Santiago de Cuba fully justified the departure of the Red Cross to districts where its presence was much more urgently required.In conclusion, your committee beg to express their gratitude for the confidence which you have so kindly bestowed on them, and to deplore that owing to sickness and extreme press of work, they have not been able so fully to assist in your benevolent undertaking as would have been their ardent desire.(Signed)Robert Mason,H. Michaelsen,Wm. Ramsden.Santiago de Cuba.
Finally the moment arrived when the end of the necessity of the permanence of the Red Cross was in sight, and, coinciding with the raising of the blockade of Havana and other large cities where want and sickness had necessarily to be more accentuated than here, made it a question of the greatest good to the greatest number, made its removal to the west end of the island a necessity. There necessarily remained some poverty, some sickness, and some misery, but the public, and more especially the military government, had taken efficacious measures to cope with these evils, and while in one sense deploring your departure, your committee could only coincide with your viewson the subject, and offer their conscientious opinion that the present state of affairs in Santiago de Cuba fully justified the departure of the Red Cross to districts where its presence was much more urgently required.
In conclusion, your committee beg to express their gratitude for the confidence which you have so kindly bestowed on them, and to deplore that owing to sickness and extreme press of work, they have not been able so fully to assist in your benevolent undertaking as would have been their ardent desire.
(Signed)Robert Mason,H. Michaelsen,Wm. Ramsden.
Santiago de Cuba.
When the Red Cross was asked by the Department of State, and the Central Cuban Relief Committee, to go to Cuba in charge of the relief work among the reconcentrados, the members of Miss Barton’s personal staff, who had worked on other fields, were called to join the expedition. On the twentieth of February, while in my office in Boston, a telegram arrived containing the usual call to service in the field. Six days later, I reported at headquarters in the city of Havana.
Already the preliminary work was in progress. Committees were in the process of formation. A working census was being rapidly taken and information collected concerning the conditions in Havana and the cities and towns of the interior, upon which to base a plan of operations.
One of the first things essential to a systematic prosecution of the work was a commodious and convenient warehouse. This privilege was secured from the proprietors of the Almacen de San José, one of the largest bonded warehouses in Havana. Here the Red Cross supplies were carefully stored and classified, and from thence shipped upon requisitions to all points reached in the relief work.
But the feeding of the hungry was not the only work of the Red Cross. Aside from the distribution of food and clothing, hospitals and asylums were necessary for the care of the sick, and for the orphan children. One of the first asylums established was located in the Cerro, a suburban ward of Havana, and was known as theAsilo de Niños. Here, in addition to the usual work in the hospital department, outpatient clinics were instituted, including medical, surgical, gynecological, and, lastly, an eye and ear clinic. As the building selected for the asylum was originally built for a family residence, it was difficult to adapt it to all the needs of both an asylum and a hospital. For the last named clinic a dark room was of course needed, and for this reason this department was open during the evenings, from 8 to 11 p.m., when, with nature’s kind co-operation, the necessary obscurity was always assured. The nightly attendance averaged about seventy. Among these patients, the diseases of the eye were generally traceable to starvation; the proportion of cases for “refraction” were comparatively few.
These clinics continued at the asylum until the United States Government, through the Consul-General, advised all American citizens to leave the island.
On March 2, the leading physicians of Havana were called in council, and methods of caring for the sick of the city were discussed, especially with reference to the best plan for avoiding the creation of a pauper element, through the abuse of the out-patient clinics. The plans formulated at the council were adopted and adhered to in the prosecution of the hospital work.
With the work in Havana still in progress, it was decided to make a trip to the interior. A special train was placed at the disposal of the Red Cross staff, and a visit was made to the principal towns in the provinces of Havana, Matanzas and Santa Clara. It was from the information gained by personal observation upon this trip, that Senator Proctor compiled his famous speech, delivered in the United States Senate, upon the starvation and distress among the reconcentrados in the Western Provinces of Cuba.
At Matanzas, Sagua la Grande and Cienfuegos, well-conducted dispensaries were already in existence, but were almost destitute of means. Supplies sufficient for two months were immediately ordered forward from the storehouse in Havana, and these institutions were left in good condition. After doing what relief work was possible at the time, the party returned to Havana.
On arrival at the headquarters, Miss Barton called the staff together to consider what action should be taken upon the Consul-General’s recommendation that all Americans should return home. The entire staff expressed their willingness to remain, but it was decided to confer with Captain-General Blanco. The Captain-General stated that he would be glad to have the Red Cross remain, and that so far as concerned the regulars of the Spanish army, the staff and equipment would be entirely safe, but that, owing to the irregular and unruly element in the army, the volunteers, whose actions could not be controlled, he considered it best that the Red Cross should retire before hostilities began. General Blanco, however, offered to be personally responsible for the safety of Miss Barton so long as she remained.
On the ninth of April the Red Cross retired, arriving at Port Tampa on the “Olivette” three days later, and Miss Barton and staff took up temporary quarters at Tampa, awaiting the time when the work in Cuba might be again taken up.
During the stay in Tampa the nurses were daily instructed in emergency field work. All the appliances usually considered indispensable were left at the headquarters, and they were compelled to depend upon such conveniences as might be improvised on the spot. Stretchers and splints were made from the limbs of trees; bindings and bandages weremade from the long grass, which was pliable and easily woven. These exercises were accompanied by lectures on discipline in the field.
On May 1, the entire party again arrived at Key West and joined the steamship “State of Texas,” where the active work of relief began, our attention being first directed to the refugees in Key West, and afterward to the Spanish prisoners of war on the vessels captured by the blockading squadron. The crews of these vessels were, in many instances, short of provisions, and in some cases had had nothing whatever to eat, except fish, for fifteen days or more. The government appropriation was not yet available, and several weeks must elapse before government rations could be obtained for them. At the request of the United States Marshal, the prisoners were supplied by the “State of Texas,” and were cared for medically by the surgeons of the Red Cross staff. A number of surgical operations were performed.
Not only were the prisoners fed, clothed and cared for, but by an arrangement made with the United States court and the naval authorities the men were permitted to write to their homes and friends, the letters being left open and certified by the Red Cross, and afterward forwarded to their destinations, those for Spain being transmitted through the Red Cross of Portugal, which had kindly offered to act as intermediary for the transmission of such communications. Thus the prisoners were not only enabled to write to their parents and friends, but the Red Cross was able, by this means, to show to the Spanish people in Spain and Cuba, through the letters from the captives themselves, what manner of treatment they were receiving as prisoners of war. This, it was hoped, would not fail to have its effect if in the course of the hostilities men of our own army or navy should be captured.
In the latter part of May, Miss Barton having occasion to return to Washington, the “State of Texas” left Key West and proceeded to Port Tampa. There we lived among the transports until the fleet sailed for Cuba. There is hardly space to tell in detail all the work done on shore and in the harbor. The impression that the “State of Texas,” with the insignia of the Red Cross on either bow and on the smokestacks, was a hospital ship had become general among the troops, though she was really loaded with medicines, clothing and general supplies for the reconcentrados of Cuba. As this impression prevailed, and the Red Cross was desirous of assisting our own men whenever necessary and adding in every possible way to their comfort, the spacious smoking room on board the ship was fitted up as an operating room, and the purser’s room converted into a dispensary. No hospital staff in any of our great institutions could have been more proud thanthis little band of workers with their emergency hospital equipment, and its outfit of instruments and appliances—unsurpassed by the equipment of many a first-class hospital.
Many of the cases treated were of a character that required rest, quiet and watchful care, and these patients were given rooms on board the ship, and nurses were assigned to regular duty. The following is a summary of the cases treated: cynovitis of knee joint, 5; necrosis of bones of leg, 12; scalds and burns, 29; ear affections (including one case of removal of the bones of the ear. This patient was chief engineer of transport No. 7, “The Comal”), 14; eye injuries, 19; tumors removed, 11; miscellaneous, sickness and minor injuries, 197.
On June 17, following instructions from the Navy Department, the “State of Texas” again weighed anchor and proceeded to Key West, and after a stay of two days continued her voyage to Cuba, and anchored in the bay of Guantanamo, on the south shore of the island, in the Province of Santiago, at sunset July 25.
A quantity of jerked beef and other supplies were left at Guantanamo, in charge of Captain McCalla, for distribution among the reconcentrados in the country. Leaving Guantanamo the next day we proceeded with the “State of Texas” to Siboney, reaching that place the evening of the same day.
A severe engagement was fought at Aguadores, where the Spaniards were strongly entrenched and guarding one of the roads leading to Santiago. Our warships shelled the fortifications and silenced the batteries; and our troops made a gallant charge, but were repulsed with heavy loss, and had to fall back. The wounded began to arrive, some in ambulances, in army wagons and on litters. Those who were able walked into Siboney, in order to allow their more seriously wounded comrades to ride. Major La Garde, who was in charge of the army hospital at Siboney, welcomed the Red Cross surgeons and gave them quarters and opportunity for working side by side with the hospital staff of the army, and extended every courtesy within his power.
Previously, the services of the nurses of the Red Cross were tendered to the surgeon in charge of the American hospital, but the offer was courteously declined. The aid of the Red Cross nurses was then offered to the Cuban hospital, and gratefully accepted by General Garcia. Under their direction the insurgent hospital was thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and put into excellent order. Their good work attracted the attention of the American wounded, who inquired why the Red Cross “had deserted them and gone to the Cuban army.”
That evening, however, the nurses were called to the operating tents to assist in the care of the American wounded, and remained constantly on duty till all the injured were cared for.
Immediately after the first battle, fought on July 1, a Red Cross hospital was opened, and rapidly filled with American troops. In this hospital the nurses worked incessantly until, one by one, worn out by overwork, with reduced vitality, they could no longer stand the terrible strain, and were obliged to succumb and pay the debt which an exhausted nature demanded.
These young women were the first volunteer nurses or “Sisters” of the Red Cross who served in the war, and too much cannot be said in praise of their untiring devotion. Faithfully and constantly they worked. Nobly and unselfishly they labored, and their greatest reward was the gratitude of those they helped to save, and the satisfaction of a duty faithfully performed. The names of these nurses were, Sister-in-chief “Bettina,” Sisters Minnie Rogal, Anna McCue, Blanche McCorristen and Isabel Olm, assisted by Mrs. Trumbull White, of Chicago.
At daylight on the morning of July 2 everything was in readiness for messengers of the Red Cross to proceed to the front, and in company with Mr. George Kennan, preceded by the Cuban guides, furnished by General Garcia, we set out for the firing line.
We reached the First Division Hospital of the Fifth Army Corps about four in the afternoon, over a rough, miry road, fording extensive lakes of deep mud, but the hearty welcome extended by Major Wood repaid us for the hard journey. The First Division Hospital was established some distance ahead of the firing lines, and it was several hours before the lines were moved beyond the hospital.
Major Wood assigned an operating table to the Red Cross. Not a light was permitted to be shown the night of the second of July, lest it should attract the fire of the enemy, particularly of the guerrilla sharpshooters who were stationed in the trees about us.
The operating tables were moved out into the open, and the operations were performed by the light of the moon. All through the night the scattering fire continued around us; generally the sharp crack of the Mauser, occasionally the louder report of the Springfield, and sometimes a heavier explosion, as of a shell or the firing of light artillery. At daylight, the firing had ceased.
Copyright, 1898, by Clara Barton.STARVING IN THE PLAZA.
Copyright, 1898, by Clara Barton.
STARVING IN THE PLAZA.
LOS FOSOS.
LOS FOSOS.
No pen can describe the horrors of that night and the silent suffering of the wounded. Long rows of them, nearly a thousand, lying in pools of water and on the damp ground, for the heavy rains had fallen everyday. Then, at night, the tropical dew fell like rain, adding to the general discomfort. In the morning, the great burning sun came out and the mists began to rise. Hotter and hotter it grew, until almost unbearable. To shelter the wounded, palm leaves and branches of leafy trees were placed over them.
The bravery and determined resignation manifested by the men waiting for treatment, and in the hospitals under operation, was worthy of comment. Many times, as the surgeon or nurse was proffering attention to a wounded man, or offering him water or nourishment, he would say, “Oh, give it to Tom first, he’s worse off than I am.” This spirit of kindness and grim courtesy was noticeable all through the campaign.
On our arrival there was no food for the wounded, no tents, no blankets. The men were without change of clothing, and in some cases what little they had required to be cut off on account of the character of the wound.
A message explaining the condition of things at the front was sent back to Siboney, from General Shafter’s headquarters, and immediately army wagons were loaded with supplies by the Red Cross, and the next morning they rolled into the hospital lines, with Miss Barton and some of her staff, accompanied by Private Hassett, who had been detailed from the Thirty-fourth Michigan, all seated on top of the wagons, which carried food enough for the patients in the hospitals for several days. They, too, had to come over miry roads that lead from the coast; of the wheels no spokes could be seen, nothing but one circular, solid mass of mud, like great massive car-wheels.
There was many a moist eye and many shouts of welcome and surprise as the train came into camp. “There’s a woman!” “It’s the Red Cross!” “My God, boys, it’s Clara Barton!” “Now we’ll get something to eat!” And they did. Miss Barton, Mrs. Gardner and others prepared condensed milk, malted milk and other delicacies, and within an hour every man was served with hot gruel, milk and fresh soda biscuits. Later in the evening well-boiled and seasoned rice, fruit, canned meats and other things, including beef tea, were passed around. As the patients from the hospitals became convalescent, they were sent to the transports bound for home.
On July 5, Dr. Gardner and I, after securing an ambulance and loading it with canned meats, crackers, pilot bread, milk, rice and other foods and delicacies, walked beside the loaded wagon, drawn by army mules, until we reached El Caney. We arrived just as the refugees were coming in from Santiago, from which city they had fled,fearing the bombardment that was threatened by the American forces around the place and the ships of the North Atlantic Squadron, lying off the mouth of the harbor.
At El Caney there was not even water to drink, food was very scarce. Hundreds of hungry refugees were coming in. There were poor women with children in their arms, and there were men with hands full of gold which they offered for the food they could not purchase.
A distributing committee was formed at once, including Mr. William Ramsden, son of the English consul at Santiago, the French consul, two Cuban officers, and other gentlemen whose names I do not now recall, and the relief of the refugees began. Following close behind this first ambulance of supplies for the refugees at El Caney, came a well-loaded army wagon in charge of Mr. C.C. Bangs of the Red Cross staff, who worked here, as he always had, with great vigor. He finished his work at El Caney, superintending the relief of the refugees until they could return to their homes, and then joined the Red Cross party at the First Division Hospital. Mr. Bangs was always a hard and enthusiastic worker, but he could not withstand the climate and the constant fatigue. He was at last taken ill and never rallied. He died and was buried on the field, faithful to the cause to which he had pledged his service.
On the evening of the twelfth of July Major Wood announced his intention of breaking camp and moving nearer to Santiago. Miss Barton and staff then returned to Siboney, reaching that place after dark the following day. The Signal Corps were unable to communicate with the ships in the harbor, and so there was no way in which we could join the “State of Texas” that night. Miss Barton slept in a room tendered her by Postmaster Brewer, who subsequently died at the Red Cross hospital of what the doctors said was yellow fever.
Dr. Hubbell and I lay on the floor outside, and enjoyed the sleep we could get, when we were not troubled by a species of shell fish called “land crabs,” which are perfectly harmless, but have a body about four inches wide, six inches long and three inches thick, with legs ten inches long, and, standing erect on their legs, they go up and down stairs at leisure. They always take the shortest road, never go around anything, but hobble over every obstruction.
Mr. Kennan rolled himself up at right angles with Sir Alfred Paget on the floor of the veranda. We were all up at break of day. A call from Captain McCalla for 50,000 rations for Guantanamo met with an immediate response. The “State of Texas” was dispatched, buton arriving there the surgeon in charge of the fleet asked if any of the relief party had been on shore, and on being answered in the affirmative, he refused to allow the goods to be landed, being afraid, as he said, of infection. The vessel returned to Siboney and there continued to land and store what was needed at that place, preparatory to leaving for Santiago.
On July 17, the “State of Texas” while lying off Morro Castle, Santiago, at the entrance to the harbor, was boarded by Admiral Sampson, Commodore Schley and Captain Cook, who came to pay their compliments toour commander. Never was there an action more gallant and graceful than the voluntary offer of these commanders to allow Miss Barton and her staff, with the “State of Texas” to enter the harbor of Santiago first, as the Red Cross and the relief ship represented the principle for which the war was waged—humanity.
Those on board will never forget the experience of that afternoon as the good ship steamed in, past the “Merrimac,” past the sunken ships of the once proud navy of Spain, on to relieve the hungry and despairing people who crowded to the wharves to look at the ship with the insignia of good will flying from her masthead. As the vessel steamed slowly in, from her forward deck floated the strains of the “Doxology” and “My Country ’Tis of Thee, Sweet Land of Liberty.”
The cargo of the “State of Texas” was quickly unloaded and stored in spacious warehouses, under the supervision of Mr. Warner, and the good ship, under command of her captain, F.A. Young, who had grown to be a Red Cross man at heart, accompanied by Mrs. J. Addison Porter and Sister Blanche McCorristen, steamed away to New York. For the warehouses the Red Cross is indebted to Dr. Douglass, who also placed at our disposition his residence and corps of clerks to assist in the work.
A distributing committee was at once formed by Miss Barton and staff, consisting of Mr. Mason, Mr. Michaelsen, Mr. Wm. Ramsden, Jr., who was also on the committee at El Caney. Mr. Ramsden, as chairman of the committee, gave his entire time to the work, and his courtesy and executive ability did much to prevent confusion and misunderstandings, and thus kept the way smooth for effective work. Through the co-operation of this committee, nearly 40,000 people were fed and made comfortable in four days.
The army were unable to get their provisions, owing to the inability of the Commissary Department to fill the orders. Two men were kept constantly employed in the warehouse of the Red Cross issuing foods, medicines and delicacies to fill requisitions from theofficers of the army. To the soldiers themselves a large quantity of food of all description was given, sometimes singly, but where it was practical they were given as much as they had transportation for, to provide for the sick in their locality.
A dispensary was opened in Santiago by the Red Cross, where some 400 patients were prescribed for daily. This dispensary was in charge of Dr. J.B. Sollosso, the assistant surgeon of the Red Cross on the Cuban field, assisted by five others. Their work brought comfort to many a sick soldier and was a great credit to all connected with it.
At the Red Cross headquarters, an Out-patient Department was established and placed in charge of Dr. Gill. This department developed so rapidly that local doctors were brought into the work, and all applicants reported to headquarters, requiring medicine or medical aid, were at once referred to one of the visiting staff. Medicines and instruments for all were furnished by the surgeon placed in charge of the Supply Department. In this department were treated many American soldiers who had been stationed away from their regiments and who consequently could not get to their regimental surgeons.
When the Red Cross staff left on the transport “Clinton,” bound for Havana, the remainder of the supplies were left in charge of Mr. Warner. On August 27 we arrived in the harbor of Havana. The following day the Civil Governor and his staff came on board the “Clinton” to pay their respects to Miss Barton, and expressed their gratitude for the work of the Red Cross among the reconcentrados.
The weather was very warm, and with forty mules between decks the situation was not all that could be desired for a protracted stay in a harbor like Havana. An effort was made to land the cargo of supplies, but we were met with a refusal to allow the goods to enter without payment of duties, and, because of some technical oversight in clearing the vessel from Santiago, a fine of $500 was imposed. The fine was promptly paid, and with no hope of being able to land soon, the “Clinton” was ordered by Miss Barton to weigh anchor and proceed to Egmont Key, where we would go into quarantine before proceeding North. The stay of five days in quarantine at the Key would not have been unpleasant, except for the gnats, mosquitoes, sand fleas, snakes and the daily storms, which made it necessary to call all hands at all hours to hold down the tents.
The general cargo of the “Clinton” was unloaded at Egmont Key, and as the charter of the vessel expired in a few days, she was hurried away to New Orleans, carrying the forty Red Cross mules in charge of Mr. C.H.H. Cottrell, financial secretary.
Accompanied by Dr. Hubbell, I then proceeded to Tampa to arrange for the shipment of the general cargo of the “Clinton” to that port, where much of it could be used for the Cuban refugees at that place who are being cared for by the Red Cross. The supplies were delivered to Dr. S.S. Partello, field agent at that point, whose efficient service among the Cubans, and in the auxiliary relief work in the army hospitals, has elicited many words of satisfaction and praise.
A few days later Miss Barton and staff, accompanied by General Von Schell, of the Belgium Red Cross, left Tampa for Washington.
Not long after our arrival, word came that the steamer “City of San Antonio” was loading in New York with relief supplies. Mr. J.K. Elwell was assigned by Miss Barton to go to Cuba with this ship in charge of its cargo and I in charge of the medical and hospital supplies.
On the arrival of the ship at Matanzas, the large warehouse owned by Brinkerhoff & Co., was placed at the disposition of the Red Cross. With the large lighters, of which there are many at this port, the vessel was quickly discharged and released.
The governor of Matanzas, Senor Eduardo Diaz, a man pre-eminently fitted for the position of responsibility which he held under the Spanish Government, contributed much of his time and means in furthering the work of relief. Day and night he went about investigating the condition of the people, placed at our disposal every facility, and furnished special trains when needed. He was not only an able and just administrator of public affairs, but a humanitarian as well. Taking him all in all, he was a man among the men of his country.
In Matanzas women and children walked the streets day and night begging. I suggested to the governor that it would be well to have all these poor people collected in institutions where they could be clothed, fed and cared for until they were able to care for themselves. In twenty-four hours after the governor’s order was issued, these people were all housed and being fed from the stores of the “San Antonio.”
At Matanzas we found a dispensary conducted by the Firemen’s Association. It was a model institution, and here 300 to 400 little children were fed every day, but their scanty store of provisions was running out, and so we left with them general food and delicacies and medicines sufficient for three months.
All places in the western provinces were handled after the manner of Matanzas. Twenty-two institutions, including hospitals and asylums, were opened, and the sick, the women and the children, forthe first time in many months, were sheltered and made comfortable. The regeneration of the hospital at Jovellanos will serve as an example of the work that had to be done in many of the interior towns. The building itself manifested signs of former prosperity and cleanliness. It was a stately edifice, after the Doric style. The pillars were crumbling and broken, the patio was a pool of mud, the yard in the rear was a laboratory of infectious germs, and all in a filthy condition. A Chinaman lay in what was called the “dead house.” He had died of starvation; so they said. The three coffins which had been repeatedly used to carry the dead to the grave, stood up against the wall. It was a perfect picture of poverty and filth.
The Chinaman lay on a slightly inclined board, with no clothing, covered only by an old blanket. Removing the blanket from his body revealed the fact that the man was not dead, but still breathing. He was at once bathed, removed to a clean bed and given light nutriment at intervals, and the next day was sitting up smiling his appreciation, for he could not speak English at all, and but little Spanish.
The following day the coffins that had done service for seven years, formed the basis of a large bonfire, to which was added all the decayed wood flooring, garbage, old clothing and bedding—the accumulation of years. A band of workers, about sixty in number, carpenters, masons, painters, cabinet-makers and representatives of other trades, were put to work renovating and rebuilding. With only rations for pay, these men deemed it a privilege to be permitted to assist. These men were in a few days relayed by others, so that both the work and the food might be divided. Great quantities of lime and paint were used, the building was raised in some places, and in others completely rebuilt, and ventilators put in. A marsh which had existed near the hospital and extending into the yard, was drained and the dense vegetation removed. The land around the building is now dry and clear, and is used for laundry purposes and for sunning the bedding and drying the clothing.
After the building was repaired, painted, whitewashed and disinfected, even below the foundation, new cots were placed in the “Salons” and the wards arranged. The patients were brought in until the hospital was filled, the women and children being first cared for. Thus the streets were cleared of all mendicants. The institution was then provided by the Red Cross with medicines and general provisions for three months, and a good supply of clothing and bedding furnished. Dr. Mena, the city physician, was appointed to take charge with a corps of select assistants, and the hospital was left underthe supervision of the alcalde, or mayor, and we passed on to other places where assistance was badly needed.
After opening all the institutions which our stock of supplies from the “City of San Antonio” permitted, we returned to Havana.
Shortly afterward, in company with Mr. D.L. Cobb, of the Red Cross, a final tour of inspection was made, and all the institutions left in good running order. Through the efforts of Mr. Cobb, assisted by Dr. Sollosso and others, permission was obtained from the Spanish authorities in Havana to open a hospital at Mariano, a suburb some seven miles from the capital. A Central Committee was formed in Havana, and the women of the city interested in the work. A large amount of money and supplies were contributed, and the hospital at Mariano is now one of the most complete and practical in all the western provinces. In addition to the usual wards, there are administration offices, a fine dispensary fully stocked, a modern kitchen, bath rooms, operating room, a steam laundry plant and storerooms. The sanitary arrangements are as perfect as could be attained under the circumstances, and everything is neat, clean and orderly. The institution was established especially for the sick, wounded and enfeebled men who had served in the insurgent army, many of whom had been without proper medical attention for months, with their old wounds still open and in bad condition.
Over five hundred have been treated at this hospital, out of which number but twenty-six have died, a remarkably good showing considering the terrible condition in which the patients were brought from the interior.
All the members of the American Evacuation Commission were always courteous and kind; they were helpful in their advice and otherwise assisted the work in many ways. To Mr. S.M. Jarvis, vice-president of the North American Trust Company, the fiscal agents of the United States Government in Havana, the Red Cross is indebted for valuable suggestions and material aid. The tour of inspection being completed, I returned to Havana with Mr. Cobb, and, in response to instructions by cable from headquarters, we left for Washington on the “Mascotte” sailing November 30.
Report of Miss Annie M. Fowler.[G]
On July 26, in the large back room on the ground floor, and opening out upon the flagged courtyard of the warehouse, Casa Buena Santiago, was undertaken, under the direction of Mrs. Gardner, the work of the Department of Clothing, to sort out the garments as to kind and quality, and to re-pack them for distribution among the people of Santiago, and the outlying districts and towns.
On August 1, Mrs. Gardner returned to the States, and the responsibility of carrying out the work so ably directed by her, fell upon me.
During the twenty days since, until our departure for Havana on the twenty-first of August, the work of examining boxes, barrels, trunks and sacks of clothing, and keeping a minute record of each case, where it came from, by whom sent, its contents and condition, etc., has gone steadily on, taking out the various provisions ranging from canned meats, soups, vegetables, fruits and condensed milk; flour, corn meal, beans and various preparations of cereals, sugar, tea, chocolate and coffee; hams, bacon, salt pork, dried beef and codfish; dried fruits, even to roasts of once fresh meat, potatoes and eggs packed in February and March; in varying conditions of preservation according to the dual factors of kind and mode of packing.
That nothing should be lost, such packages of meals and grains as had been broken in transportation and had become mixed in the box’s contents, were put into barrels to be sent to the Public Soup Kitchen, that worthy benevolence of one public-spirited citizen of Santiago.
In the process of its repacking for wholesale distribution from the various centers, the department was able to give much individual aid in clothing to those cases whose needs were made known to it. Not among the fewest of these were the soldiers whose privations and forlorn condition would have to be actually seen to be fully appreciated. The officers, being unable to procure the necessary articles of clothing, food and medicine for themselves, their men and their sick, the Red Cross had the privilege of lending a hand to these brave men who so uncomplainingly suffered danger, hardship, exposure, sickness anddeath for their country’s sake, and who so gratefully appreciated the least office done for them. As one man said to me: “The Red Cross has been a fairy godmother to us men.”