November 2018 Auction Ends Thursday, November 8th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/8/2018
Clara Barton autograph letter twice-signed to General Benjamin Butler regarding the plight of Barton's friend and colleague Dorence Atwater. During the Civil War, Atwater was a Prisoner of War at Andersonville Prison where, despite great risk to himself, he secretly kept a copy of the ''Death List'' of Union prisoners who died there. After the war, Atwater smuggled the list out of the prison and shared it with Barton, who was corresponding with families of missing soldiers. Despite also sharing the list with government officials, Atwater refused to relinquish his copy of the list to the U.S. government because it refused to publish the names for the benefit of the families, as Atwater wanted. As a result, Atwater was court martialed and imprisoned, but not before Horace Greeley, Editor of the ''New York Tribune'', published the entire list of names, causing an enormous public outcry to free and pardon Atwater.
Barton writes on 28 June 1866 on ''Office of Correspondence with the Friends of the Missing Men of the United States Army'' letterhead. In part, ''...You have observed the position which young [Dorence] Atwater's case has assumed...that the War Department being placed upon the defensive will make a firm stand and a strong fight. Need I attempt to say what strength, security, and quiet we should gain from your presence among us...Joseph Sheldon Esq. of New Haven is here preparing the facts with some care, the Committee is awaiting the arrival (or what is the same) refusal of papers from the President, and especially well disposed to do justice in the case, but a combination of the forces of the War Department will be arrayed against Judge [Robert S.] Hale's inquiry to break it down. I enclose a copy of his remarks (from the Globe) by which you will observe that he is after Genl [Edward D.] Townsend as well as his subordinates. The case is likely to make some noise, I apprehend...Clara Barton / P.S. In order to save your time, if you should desire it we can telegraph you within 36 hours of the time the case will be likely to come up. C.B.'' Three page letter measures 10'' x 8'' on card-style bifolium stationery, unfolded. Folds and light soiling, overall in very good condition. With full transcription.
Excellent Clara Barton Autograph Letter Twice-Signed, Regarding the 1866 Trial of Dorence Atwater, the Famous POW at Andersonville Who Smuggled Out the ''Death List''
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