Title:
Clara Barton ALS to Young Chandler Barton, 1903 — Tender Multi-Page Family Letter — PSA/DNA Certified (Cert #AS01149)

Description:
Offered here is a deeply touching Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) by Clara Barton, dated February 12, 1903, and addressed to her young relative Chandler Barton, written from New York City (49 East 58th Street). This four-page handwritten letter is composed entirely in Clara Barton’s hand and signed at the conclusion, “Always your loving Auntie Clara.”

The letter is written on two folded sheets (4 pages total) and remains in excellent condition for its age, with dark, flowing ink and fully legible script throughout. PSA/DNA has authenticated the letter and signature, assigning it certification number AS01149.

Barton’s letter is rich with sentiment, memory, and family history. She reflects lovingly on receiving a photograph of Chandler and a handmade frame, reminisces about his father and grandfather, and shares heartfelt stories about her own brother Captain Stephen Barton—a powerful generational narrative filled with love, legacy, and kindness.

Full Transcription of Letter:
(All spelling and punctuation preserved as in original)

February 12, 1903
New York. 49 East 58th St.

My dear Correspondent – Chandler Barton

About Christmas time I had to make a rather long journey, and when I got home, I found several nice things on my desk, but none so nice as a large photograph of a little boy, and a lovely frame he had made, with patient fingers for the Auntie he had never seen. — A dear little boy, living away in the sunshine, among the fruits and flowers of California.

As I looked at them, my memory travelled back – far back to the days when the persons that this little boy sees now with white hair or hears spoken of as aged men, were little boys like him, and called me Auntie as he does.

The Grandpapa that you and your dear Mamma, came, and took out to live with you, when I first knew him was a baby boy – then a school boy, and I was his teacher, and a dear, bright little black eyed boy he was, always hunting rabbits and catching squirrels – and his father, who was the great-grandfather of this little boy I am writing to – Capt. Stephen Barton was a great good man and my brother, and his father, who was the great, great grandfather of this little California boy was also, Capt. Stephen Barton and was my father. All these people lived in North Oxford.

I thought of all these persons when I looked at the large picture of the little boy, and thought how nice it was of this little Western man, to know that he has an Auntie so far back, and so far away, and to take the trouble to write to her, and make little keepsakes for her.

I have some table mats that your uncle Ira made for me, with his loving sick fingers long ago, — Ask your papa to tell you about him, he loved your papa so much and was so proud of all, of everything he did.

Almost as soon as I received the Christmas presents, I had to leave home again, and come to this great city where I found so much to do, that it took no time to do the things I most wanted to do. I wanted every day to write and thank for the fine picture and little frame, but I wanted time to write a better letter, and tell more things than I had time to do. I wanted to say how glad I should be to see you, and how sorry I was not to have seen both your Mama and you when you came East last year. I have only seen your dear Mama once in all the time she has been my niece.

We are so far apart that we may never see each other, but I hope you will write to me, remembering all the time how dearly I love the little California man and his Mama & Papa, and how glad I should be to see them and you in this far Western home.

Will you kindly give my love to your papa & Mama, Grandpapa & Mrs Hunt and write again. Tell me what you like most to do what you study, read, and pray – and let me be
Always your loving Auntie Clara

Historical Context:
By 1903, Clara Barton was 81 years old and just two years removed from her resignation as President of the American Red Cross—a post she held for over two decades after founding the organization in 1881. Despite her advanced age and a lifetime of relentless public service, this letter shows that Barton’s nurturing spirit remained undiminished, especially toward the younger members of her family.

Chandler Barton, the letter’s recipient, was part of Clara Barton’s extended family in California. In this letter, she warmly recounts multi-generational memories and connections, linking Chandler to his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather—Captain Stephen Barton, Clara’s own beloved brother. Her reflections not only preserve her family’s personal history but offer a tender glimpse into Clara’s private world, her values, and the continuity of love she saw across generations.

This letter is especially significant as a post-retirement correspondence, offering rare insight into Barton’s later years, written in her own hand with enduring clarity, warmth, and literary grace.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
This item has been authenticated by PSA/DNA, accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity dated October 13, 2025, and issued with Certification Number AS01149.

• PSA confirms the authenticity of the full letter and signature.

• A tamper-evident PSA authentication sticker is affixed to the LOA.

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
A beautiful and intimate artifact from the final chapter of Clara Barton’s life, this handwritten four-page ALS embodies her lifelong devotion to family, memory, and mentorship. Thoughtfully preserved and PSA-authenticated, it stands as a heartfelt document connecting one of America's most revered humanitarians to her next generation. For collectors of women’s history, Civil War legacies, or the American Red Cross, this letter is a touchstone of personal legacy and national historical importance.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.

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