Letter and Envelope
January 2, 1886

A handwritten letter from Dr. Hubbell in Dansville, New York to Mrs. Thompson of Pipestone, MN.  The letter discusses Thompson’s interest in gaining information about Clara Barton’s early life for an article she is writing for a magazine. Hubbell expresses his interest in providing information and reviewing the article. 
Paper. W 21, H 27 cm
Clara Barton National Historic Site, CLBA 4491 A

Transcript:

Dansville N. Y. Jan. 2. 1886
Dear Mrs Thompson:
In answer to your good letter of 15 [?].  I must say that I prefer the address you used (“friend”) to the sir you might properly have used.
I assure you that I do “appreciate the privilege” I enjoy “to know and claim Miss Barton as a friend”
I am sorry for your serious illness and wish for you a speedy return of health, that the New Year may be full of blessings for you.
The Books referred to as being out of print can only be reached [?] in some library.  I should be glad to help you to them if I could – and cannot now make extracts.
You are right in wanting to “know the early influences” surrounding her early life that should develop such extraordinary gifts and abilities of mind and heart” – Inheritance and education were perhaps equally pe[?], yet one without the could never give the world such worth of Character.  But time will now allow me to detail as I should like to now as there are many pressing things at hand…should you desire I will cerifid[?]tially overlook your manuscript with the thought of naming any suggestions or facts that I might be permitted to add to increase its value and interest as a magazine article – Of course knowing the publication for which it is intended would also help.
If you desired I would also submit it to Miss Barton for approval or suggestions –
Again wishing you health and a Happy New Year
I am truly & cordially
J. B. Hubbell M.D.”

Envelope
c 1886
Hand addressed to Mrs. Helen H. S. Thompson, Pipestone, MN with a cancelled two cent from Dansville, N.Y. January 2 at 2 p.m.  The return address is marked American Association of the Red Cross of Geneva. 
Paper. W13.8, H 7.8 cm
Clara Barton National Historic Site, CLBA 4491 B