Circular to the Associate Societies of the Red Cross of America
August 24, 1887

This circular announces the appointment of Clara Barton as delegate to the International Conference of the Red Cross in Karlsruhe, Germany to be held in September, 1887. It contains instructions for the Associate Societies to follow in her absence. 
Paper. H 22.8 ,W 35.6 cm
Clara Barton National Historic Site, CLBA 40

Transcript:
Circular.
To The Associate Societies of the Red Cross of America.
To The President officers and members of the Associate society of the Red Cross
Gentlemen and Ladies:
It becomes my duty as president of the American National Association of the Red Cross to officially announce to you that by appointment of the president and cabinet, I have been constituted governmental delegate to represent the United States in the coming Inter-National Conference of the Red Cross.  To be held at Carlsruhe Germany during the last week of Sept. 1887.

Also that Dr. J.B. Hubbell, general field agent of the American National Red Cross, and whose faithful and efficient services are so well recognized by our Societies, has been appointed associate delegate to serve in the same capacity with myself. 

It is naturally with anxious solicitude that we feel ourselves [constrained] to leave our post of active duty for so long a space of time as our journey and duties abroad must occupy, but the good will and good judgment of our Associate Societies in a sustaining force, and our confidence in these a source of comfort, and as am earnest of this sentiment, and with concurrence of the National Association.  I proceed to leave in the hands of our associate societies a general call to act with the desire that they shall act according to their own discretion in case of any calamity which may occur during the coming absence of the president and field agent of the National Association in the same manner which they would do under immediate call from Headquarters; the same to remain in force during such absence or until officially revoked.

The liberality, humanity, and discretion so fully evinced by our Associate Societies in the past warrant this course in the present, and in leaving them with this, - it may prove most important charge.  I feel a relief which I can not express in the consciousness of the wisdom and faithfulness of those with whom it is left.

This will be the fourth International Conference held by the Red Cross since its inauguration in 1864.  The First in Geneva, Switzerland in 1864 - The second in Paris – 1868 – The Third in Geneva 1883 (The first to which the United States sent delegates)”
[continued on reverse of document CLBA 40]
and the fourth about to be held in Carlsruhe, Germany.

This conference is invited by Her Royal Highness The Grand Duchess Louise of Baden, consort of the Grand Duke, sister of the Crown Prince, and only daughter of the Emperor and Empress of Germany, one of the most illustrious princesses of Europe, and a leader in philanthropic works.

It is to be opened at noon of the 22nd of September in the Royal Chambers of the Grand Ducal Palace at Carlsruhe, where its sessions of a week will be held.  It will be composed of Delegates from the heads of all Governments within The Treaty of The Red Cross of Geneva.

The subjects to be considered and discussed are already arranged, and are such as pertain directly and practically to the best methods of mitigating preventing, or relieving the sufferings incident to warfare, the extending and strengthening of international organization to that effect, the enlarging of sanitary science in the direction of military surgical service and the proper occupations and activities of the societies formed for these purposes in times of peace.

By the constitution of our own American organization which, from the first, gave to other great national calamities the same prominence of war, this latter subject has never been a question with us, as yourselves have only too frequent opportunity to realize, and we watch with deep interest the effect of our [hither?] bold initiative upon the decisions of other nations.
               
We shall endeavor to give you timely information upon all points of general interest connected with the conference, and commending you with the charge left in your faithful keeping to the wisdom and care of Him who never forgets nor misguides, and praying your warm interest, good will and wishes we remain
Yours Fraternally
Clara Barton
President of the American National
Association of the Red Cross
Address till notified
Carlsruhe
Germany.
Cable grams
                Barton – Carlsruhe – Germany
Our time of sailing will be about the 8th of September
Washington D.C. Aug. 24th 1887