Letter
1897

George S. Barsoom wrote this letter on June 1, 1897 to Clara Barton about her pending visit to Baltimore, Maryland for a meeting.  It was found in the south wall of the SW basement in the Glen Echo building by National Park Service staff during restoration work in July, 1980. 

The “Mr. Pullman” referred to in this letter is George Pullman, financial secretary for the American Red Cross from 1892 until December 7, 1897.  George Pullman was the son of Reverend Royal H. Pullman, a pastor at a Universalist Church in Baltimore and nephew of George M. Pullman, inventor of the Pullman Sleeper Car and railroad fame. 
Paper. L 20.4, W 25.0 cm
Clara Barton National Historic Site, CLBA 2980

The meeting was noted in Miss Barton’s diary by George Pullman, secretary in the following entry:
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 1897: [G.P.] G.E. & Baltimore.  Fine.  We get ourselves ready and take the 2:01 for Baltimore.  Are met at the station and driven to the hall where a mass meeting was held in the interests of the Greek Red Cross.  C.B. and others made short speeches.  After the meeting C.B. was Mrs. Bennett's guest at supper at the Remmert.  G.P. was invited but decided to take supper at home.  Spend most of the evening with Dr. & Mrs. Pullman and leave for New York on the 1:15 a.m. train.

Transcription:
“Miss Clara Barton.
Washington, D. C.
My Dear Miss Barton
You cannot imagine how anxiously the people of Baltimore are waiting to see you.
Last Thursday after I left Washington came here and went to see Mrs Bennett there were several ladies at her home waiting for the news when they saw me they all rushed to the door and said, please tell us what new you have.  I said but a few words rejoice the Queen of America (Miss Clara Barton), will come.  This good news made every one happy.  Now Dear Miss Barton we all hope to see you tomorrow…(Wednesday) every thing for the meeting have been arranged and we hope to have big crowd and we also have arranged everything for your arrival and for your comfort.
Please remember my kindest regards to Mr. Pullman.  I hope to see him soon with you also.
With kind regards and many wishes and many prayers for a long and happy life for you and for all workers of suffering humanity
                I remain
                Most Sinceraly yours
                Geo. S. Barsoom
                of Constantinople
                1404 Eutaw Place
                Baltimore June 1, 1897.”