Fascinating ALS, two pages both sides, 5.25 x 6.75, November 28, 1907. Barton writes to “My dear secretary.” In part: “I did receive Dr. Hartung’s resignation and but for one whispered word at Saratoga, a perfect surprise. Under the circumstances I thought I must accept, but still the Board must be the final body of action. I did not presume to act over its head, either way. Comprenez vous? Before the final election by the board of another Medical Director would it be in order that I ask that some hint be given me? I had already notified our esteemed V.P. of my acceptance of the resignation of Dr. Hartung, and I agree with her suggestion that for the present at lease, for convenience, and dispatch the Secretary might be asked to take on the additional duty….For safety in the possible development of any later—Deviltry—so to speak, I would consider distinct offices the safer. Lord knows what His adversary may put into the heart or head of an enemy to do…. When the Secretary and Treasury ship of that entire state prison of Sherborne were both thrown (additional to superintendence) upon me by the Legislature of Mass. without an hour’s notice, and the very fact of its being done, naturally created an enemy to watch, and criticize, if in any way possible. I walked steadily under that three fold burden, and was my own ten thousand dollar bondsman at that. I walked by day, and waked by night…. This would be one of the cases where ‘more hands’ should ‘make lighter work’…. Dear me: how much work it is to live! I am so tired and choked that I must go to bed….” The very subtlest hint of soiling, otherwise very fine condition. An unusually revealing glimpse into the early administration of the Red Cross! R&R COA.
