AMERICA'S RELIEF EXPEDITION TO ASIA MINOR UNDER THE RED CROSS
Note from the administration of ArmenianHouse.org: the page numbering is preserved, so the book can be used for quoting. Also we did our best to keep the layout as close to the original as possible.
[page 97]
RELIEF FIELD TELEGRAMS AND REPLIES,
WITH OTHER MATTER.
[page 98]
[page 99]
[caption] HEADING USED ON ALL TURKISH TELEGRAMS.
TELEGRAMS.
___________
To afford a comprehensive idea of the methods employed in carrying on our work in Asia Minor, we give a transcript of the the telegrams sent and received while our expeditions were in the field.
As all or nearly all messages were in Turkish of Arabic, the translations were, at times, very dissimilar to the original telegrams.
We give a fac-simile on the opposite page of an ordinary message, with the translation. As interpreters were sometimes difficult to find, one can readily imagine a small disadvantage in working among strange people with a strangle language.
Of the hundred or thereabouts of cablegrams connected with the work, received from and sent to America, no mention is made at the present time.
[page 100] TELEGRAMS.
Constantinople, March 8, 1896.
BARTON (S. E.), New York.
Shipped large quantities supplies via Alexandretta, caravan, interior, yesterday.
Sent funds to Harpoot, Sivas, Marash. Pressing needs increasing, wire all
parties.
BARTON.
(This cablegram is given to show the starting of the expeditions.
Between this and the next dispatch of the 20th, from Dr. Hubbell at Alexandretta,
two shipments were made and the second expedition formed and left.)
___________
Alexandretta, March 20, 1896.
BARTON, care American Legation, Constantinople.
Arrived safely. We and goods expect to go forward.
HUBBELL.
___________
Constantinople, March 20, 1896.
HUBBELL, Alexandretta, Syria.
Greetings. Wistar's party sailed yesterday. All well except Mrs Mason.
Telegraph your needs.
BARTON.
___________
Marash, March 20, 1896.
Miss BARTON, Constantinople.
As at Marash and Zeitoun fatal diseases of dysentery and ---- are raging,
we are requesting from Beyrout six physician s and two apothecaries, with
medicines and necessary appurtenances. Can you defray the expenses?
LEE, MACALLUM, SHEPARD.
(Received March 23. This dispatch being in Turkish the names of the other diseases given could not be made out.)
___________
Constantinople, March 24, 1896.
LEE, Marash.
I will gladly defray expenses if within our means. Approximate smallest amount
required.
BARTON.
___________
Constantinople, March 25, 1896.
Dr. J. B. HUBBELL, Alexandretta, Syria, care Daniel Walker (consular agt.)
Mrs. Mason died peacefully at three this morning. We will carry out Ernest's
wishes if possible. Wire suggestions or advice. Have cabled Satolli.
BARTON.
___________
Alexandretta, March 28, 1896.
CLARA BARTON, American Legation, Constantinople.
Wistar's party here. We all start Aintab to-morrow in company with Doctor
Fuller. The goods were sent Monday.
HUBBELL.
[page 101] TELEGRAMS.
Marash, March 30, 1896.
CLARA BARTON, Constantinople.
Physicians for four hundred liras, Turkish, necessary.
LEE.
___________
Beyrout, March 30, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Ready. Cannot send expedition until I receive credit two hundred pounds.
POST.
___________
Constantinople, March 30, 1896.
Dr. GEORGE E. POST, Beyrout.
Have just telegraphed you two hundred liras Ottoman bank. Wire when physicians
leave. Please write particulars.
BARTON.
___________
Constantinople, March 30, 1896.
LEE, American, Marash.
Your telegram received. Will pay four hundred liras if necessary. Have cabled
Dr. Post two hundred liras. Courage. Physicians start Marash immediately.
BARTON.
___________
Constantinople, March 30, 1896.
HUBBELL, care Dr. Fuller, Aintab.
Six physicians, two apothecaries with supplies leave Beyrout for Marash, probably
to-day, our expense. Typhus, small-pox, dysentery, epidemic there. Yourself
and men forbidden to enter into contagion. You are needed outside to supply
those who must be there. Answer quick.
BARTON.
___________
Constantinople, March 31, 1896.
HUBBELL, American, Aintab.
Send two-thirds caravan to Lee, Marash, at once. Confer with Shepard concerning
Marash, if at Aintab. Push on to Harpoot. Orders issued furnishing every facility
for distribution. Success depends on prompt action. We ship more goods next
steamer.
BARTON.
___________
Constantinople, April 3, 1896.
DR. FULLER, Aintab.
Where are our men ? Why don't they report ? Answer paid.
BARTON.
[page 102] TELEGRAMS.
Constantinople, April 3, 1896.
DANIEL WALKER, Alexandretta.
Where are our men ? Did they leave with Puller ? When ? Answer.
BARTON.
(Just in this interval, between Alexandretta and Aintab, had occurred the massacre at Killis, which news, together with the inquiries of the government for the routes taken was giving us great anxiety.)
___________
Constantinople, April 3, 1886.
DR. POST, Beyrout.
Cabled you two hundred liras, thirtieth, no word. Where are physicians? Wait
for nothing, wrote you yesterday.
BARTON.
___________
Constantinople, April 3, 1896.
DR. SHEPARD, Aintab.
Have ordered and paid for eight physicians to Marash. Have they reported?
Where are our men? If at Aintab please send some of them to Marash with supplies
at once. Answer paid.
BARTON.
___________
Constantinople, April 4, 1896.
LEE, American, Marash.
What goods and in what quantity do you most need ? We will send them if possible.
BARTON.
(This telegram was answered by letter and goods sent.)
___________
Aintab, April 4, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
We arrived on Wednesday. The authorities gave us a splendid reception. We
have received your telegram. We are sending goods to Marash. We will be on
the twenty-fifth at Harpoot, and by way of Oorfa, Diarbekir, Marash. We will
start for Malatia.
HUBBELL.
(It was sometimes impossible to get a really sensible translation. The above is a specimen.)
___________
Alexandretta, April 6, 1896.
Miss BARTON, through Am. Bible House.
Your men left with Fuller on twenty-eighth.
WALKER.
___________
Beyrout, April 6, 1896.
BARTON, through Am. Embassy.
Doctors sailed Friday.
POST.
[page 103] TELEGRAMS.
Constantinople, April 8, 1896.
LEE, American, Marash.
Doctors left Friday. What is present condition epidemics ?
BARTON.
___________
Constantinople, April 8, 1896.
HUBBELL, care Dr Fuller, Aintab.
Telegram received. Good. So glad. Will ship more goods next steamer. Doctors
gone to Marash. Telegraph me every opportunity, both caravans; keep us informed
of all, we need it. Let us know your wants. (Will Dr. Fuller please forward?)
BARTON.
___________
Constantinople, April 9, 1896.
DR. POST, Beyrout.
We cabled money thirtieth; will mail the other two hundred when you desire.
Glad doctors have sailed. Please wire arrival. Many thanks.
CLARA BARTON.
___________
Marash, April 10, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
The sickness is continuing to increase.
LEE.
___________
Beyrout, April 10, 1896.
BARTON.
Two more doctors willing, shall I send them ?
POST.
___________
Constantinople, April 11, 1896.
POST, Beyrout.
Send physicians by all means. Will send Ltq. 220 by post to-day,
BARTON.
___________
Oorfa, April 11, 1896.
Arrived at Oorfa all right. How much money can you send ?
WISTAR.
___________
Adana, April 11, 1896.
CLARA BARTON, Constantinople.
Our party of physicians from Beyrout detained here, unable to obtain escort.
HARRIS.
___________
Constantinople, April, 11, 1896.
DR. IRA HARRIS, Adana.
Turkish Foreigh Minister just ordered escort for you. Please let me know if
you do not go on at once.
CLARA BARTON.
[page 104] TELEGRAMS.
Constantinople, April 11, 1896.
LEE, American, Marash.
Thanks for dispatch. Two more physicians ordered from Beyrout. Telegraph conditions
often and fully. Will refund all expenses.
BARTON.
(To insure greater security in transmission of messages the word "American " was placed after the name of person addressed.)
___________
Constantinople, April 11, 1896.
WISTAR, American, Oorfa.
Telegram received. Very glad. Wire fully all conditions. Send two hundred
liras Oorfa next week. Answer; fifteen words paid.
BARTON.
___________
Marash, April 12, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
When may we expect doctors here and in the villages ? Help is needed in Zeitoun.
Three thousand sick and only one doctor. The English consul is ill with typhus.
We may hire a doctor from here. All well.
HUBBELL.
(Dr. Hubbell's notes leaving Aintab on the fifth say: "Three days through rain and snow brought us to Marash," where he waited the arrival of Dr. Harris.)
___________
Beyrout, April 12, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Please telegraph second two hundred pounds; have already distributed seventy.
Remainder sum nearly due.
POST.
___________
Constantinople, April 14, 1896.
DR. POST. Beyrout.
Freyer, American Press, will hand you two hundred sterling. Hope the doctors
will leave at once. Great need in Zeitoun.
BARTON.
___________
Constantinople, April 13, 1896.
WISTAR, American, Oorfa.
Takes twenty-four days to send nfoney Oorfa. Shall we send you there or Harpoot.
Answer quick.
BARTON.
[ To face page 104 ]
[caption] DISTRIBUTING SPINNING WHEELS AT ARABKIR.
[caption] AINTAB.
[ To face page 105 ]
[caption] CONSTANTINOPLE DOGS.
[caption] SECTION OF THE OUTER WALL.
[page 105] TELEGRAMS.
Constantinople, April 14, 1896.
HUBBELL, American, Marash.
Dispatch received. Have sent you money to Harpoot. It will take twenty days
to send money to Marash. Shall we send it? Doctors are due there now with
medicines. Your party must not remain in contagion. Leave soon as doctors
arrive; be careful. All well.
BARTON.
___________
Marash, April 14, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
The shops are open here, and money can be used in the purchase of farming
implements and other goods. Sickness at Zeitoun increasing; forty or fifty
dying there every day. It would be well if you can send medicines quickly.
The general conditions in Marash about the same. I want money for Harpoot.
HUBBELL.
___________
Constantinople, April 15, 1896.
POST, Beyrout.
Can you purchase large medical supplies and send Marash with doctors? News
just reaches us from our own men of terrible condition of epidemic-stricken
people. Please send all doctors possible. Draw on us for money required.
BARTON.
___________
Constantinople, April 15, 1896.
Dr. WASHBURN, Beyrout.
Please strengthen Dr. Post's efforts in sending doctors and medical supplies
to Marash and Zeitoun. We gladly bear all expense. Our men are there.
(Dr. Washburn, president of Robert College, was in Beyrout at this time on business.)
___________
Oorfa, April 15, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Though delayed, we are received with love everywhere. Distributions at Aintab
and Oorfa are going on. Money is sufficient. We shall go to Diarbekir.
WISTAR.
___________
Oorfa, April 16, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Having no vize from Aintab, we are delayed here. We are looking since four
days for the Consul's reply. What are your orders ?
WISTAR.
(Owing to neglect on the part of the dragoman the passports were not regular.)
[page 106] TELEGRAMS.
Marash, April 16, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Harris left Adana. The letters have arrived. Goods are coming. Succeeded in
hiring doctor for Marash. Have written.
HUBBELL.
___________
Constantinople, April 17, 1896.
HUBBELL, American, Marash.
One thousand liras for you enroute Harpoot. Five hundred to Macallum, Marash,
for you or for the relief committee if you have gone. Borrow from Macallum,
if necessary, for your journey. Would advise Harpoot before Malatia unless
you have money and supplies with you. Leave Marash soon as doctors arrive.
Be careful, keep well. All right here, but very busy. Shall we still ship
supplies, if so, what?
BARTON.
___________
Constantinople, April 17, 1896.
WISTAR, American, Oorfa.
Sent two hundred liras to Shattuck for you yesterday, but don't wait for it;
Shattuck can use it. Sent five hundred liras to-day for you to Barnum, Harpoot.
Very thankful you are doing such splendid work. Keep strong and be careful;
all well here. Your letters forwarded to Harpoot.
BARTON.
___________
Oorfa, April 19, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
The instructions in your yesterday's telegram accepted; Your telegram of previous
date remains non-translatable.
WISTAR.
(Some telegrams sent and received required days to decipher.)
___________
Marash, April, 19, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Your telegram received, also the five hundred liras. Would suggest as much
more for tools. Harris' party arrived yesterday. We start this morning for
Malatia. Typhus is increasing here. We are well.
HUBBELL.
___________
Oorfa, April 20, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Our teskeres have been vizéd. We will be in Harpoot by the thirtieth
of April.
WISTAR.
[page 107] TELEGRAMS.
Constantinople, April 21, 1896.
Dr. GEO. POST, Beyrout.
Letter received; many thanks. Agree with you "no better work than ours
possible for suffering humanity irrespective of religious preferences."
Cabled you credit two hundred liras to-day. Can you care for medical supplies?
Can you find more physicians? Have the two started? Shall we send money to
Harris ? Can we purchase drugs better here ? If so, what kinds?
BARTON.
___________
Constantinople, April 21, 1896.
Dr. HARRIS, Marash.
Rejoiced to learn your arrival. Know you and your corps will attend every
detail, refusing assistance to none, whatever his religion or race. How can
we best assist, your noble work? Please send very frequent reports—daily,
if practicable. How many sick? What diseases? What proportion are women? About
Zeitoun: Can you attend that city? Where can we obtain more doctors for you
? Besides telegraphing reports please write fully your findings at beginning
of your work. Classify diseases and and people. Tell us your needs.
BARTON.
___________
Marash, April 22, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Been having sharp attack malarial fever. All doctors have left for Zeitoun.
Many sick. Will try and go with party to-morrow. Impossible to get more doctors.
I post letter to-day.
HARRIS.
___________
Beyrout, April 24, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Cable received but no money. In need of funds. Will forward supplies. Am doing
all I can.
POST.
(Money was sent on 21st but bank did not notify him as usual.)
___________
Constantinople, April 24, 1896.
POST, Beyrout.
Apply Ottoman bank for remittance sent twenty-first, two hundred sterling..
PULLMAN.
___________
Marash, April 24, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople
Party start for Zeitoun to-day.
HARRIS.
[page 108] TELEGRAMS.
Diarbekir, April 25, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
All well. Vali cordial. Harpoot Wednesday.
WISTAR.
___________
Malatia, April 27, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Will leave for Harpoot to-morrow. All well.
HUBBELL.
___________
Constantinople, April 28, 1896.
DR. HARRIS, Marash.
Can send three or four Greek doctors from here, well recommended. Shall we
send them ? Many thanks for dispatch. How is Zeitoun ? America intensely interested
in your work. How can we further serve you ?
BARTON.
___________
Oorfa, April 29, 1896
BARTON, Constantinople.
Remittance by pony post is just received. Many thanks.
SHATTUCK.
___________
Aintab, April 29, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Typhus and dysentery are raging at Arabkir. The people are in great poverty
and the deaths are numerous. Can you send doctors and medicines?
SHEPARD.
___________
Constantinople, May 1, 1896.
SHEPARD, American, Aintab.
We are trying to secure doctors and medicines for Arabkir.
BARTON.
___________
Zeitoun, May 1, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
We are in need of more doctors.
HARRIS.
___________
Constantinople, May 1, 1896.
HUBBELL, American, Harpoot.
Typhus and dysentery raging at Arabkir. Can you send doctors with medicines
from Harpoot? Can you investigate condition of people there without exposing
yourself to contagion ? Wherever seed is required ask for it of the Turkish
Governor; if he cannot furnish it let me know. If you
[page 109] TELEGRAMS.
find places where the people are afraid to go to their fields to cultivate them, report such places to me and measures will be taken here accordingly.
BARTON.
(The above instructions had been just received by me from the Sublime Porte and in all subsequent work were carried out in full.)
___________
Marash, May 3, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Five hundred pounds received by pony post; we are grateful.
MACALLUM.
(The first five hundred pounds sent Harpoot by pony post was acknowledged by Rev. Dr. Barnum by letter.)
___________
Harpoot, May 4, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
All arrived here Wednesday. Harpoot district including three hundred towns
and villages in need of much help. Strong desire for us to remain some weeks
here in special work of tools, animals, seeds, shelter and medical relief.
Friends here assisting. Advise please. All well.
HUBBELL.
___________
Constantinople, May 5, 1896.
HUBBELL, American, Harpoot.
Telegram received. Very glad. Remain in Harpoot as long as necessary. Wired
you Harpoot, May first, concerning sickness in Arabkir; find and answer please.
Do you or Wistar need more money now ? Report frequently; daily if possible.
Much gratified at your line of work. Have cabled your telegram to America.
BARTON.
___________
Zeitoun, May 6, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
We reached here yesterday. The number of refugees is seven thousand, more
than half of them are women. Fourteen hundred suffering with ----and dysentery;
six hundred have typhus. There are many strangers. I need one hundred liras
(?) at once. The hospital work will increase. We will remain here for the
present.
HARRIS.
(This telegram was in Arabic and required two days to get even a passable translation.)
___________
Constantinople, May 8, 1896.
HARRIS, American, Zeitoun.
Telegram received. Please do not send in Arabic characters; great difficulty
in translating. Have arranged with Peet for Macallum to draw two hundred liras
for you at once. Five doctors start for Marash next Monday.
[page 110] TELEGRAMS.
Will report to you for duty. Shall we send medical supplies with them ? if so wire kind and quantity. Beautiful letter just received from your wife. Will the five doctors we send be enough for you ? We are grateful to you for your heroic efforts.
BARTON.
___________
Harpoot, May 7, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Wood with assistants goes to Palou district. Wistar with Michael to Tcharsandjak
district. A doctor with medicines, Miss Bush, dragoman, Mason, and I to Arabkir.
Will need more funds. Wire amount we can have. We buy seed, work cattle, tools,
timber for shelter. Conditions for working in fields improving.
HUBBELL.
(The instructions had taken effect.)
___________
Constantinople, May 7, 1896.
HUBBELL, American, Harpoot.
Telegram received. Splendid! Excellent arrangement. So thankful to you all.
Have arranged with Peet. Draw fifteen hundred liras from Barnum. We sent one
thousand liras in two groups, gold, to Barnum for you and Wistar April 20.
Have you received it? if so,, acknowledge by wire; anxious. We send five doctors
to Harris. Your letters received.
BARTON.
(It became possible for us to transact our money business with the interior by draft at this time. The drafts were sold to merchants. No banks in the interior, all were destroyed.)
___________
Zeitoun, May 12, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
We are very thankful for the money you sent. By our giving food to the famishing
sick the sickness is diminishing.
HARRIS.
___________
Harpoot, May 13, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Three expeditions started as planned. Hubbell's party left for Arabkir to-day.
Fifteen hundred liras received by pony post to-day. All well.
GATES.
___________
Palou, May 13, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
We have arrived here and been well received by the Kami-kam.
WOOD.
[page 111] TELEGRAMS.
Tcharsandjak, May 15, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
We had a good reception from the authorities. It is difficult for the industrial
instruments (?). They have to be examined from Harpoot. There are plenty of
provisions. The country is pretty vast.
WISTAR.
(On receipt of this dispatch the amusing fact occurred to us, viz.: that our great quantities of farming implements in transport to the villages being of iron, were mistaken by the village authorities for arms, which we might be furnishing to the Armenians, and hence delay, and great caution were required. This idea was exploded by the government and the officials instructed that they might trust whatever we furnished There were no obstructions after this.)
___________
Constantinople, May 16, 1896.
HARRIS, American, Zeitoun.
Four doctors have sailed. They have medicines, nourishing food, disinfecting
machines. Ordered to go wherever needed. Much sickness reported north of you.
BARTON.
___________
Tcharsandjak, May 17, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
We are distributing two thousand suits clothing, eight hundred bushels seed,
also tools and oxen.
WISTAR.
___________
Palou, May 18, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
In forty villages they need one thousand oxen, which will cost twenty-five
hundred liras.
WOOD.
___________
Arabkir, May 18, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Since three days we are attending with our doctors and their attendants to
one hundred sick per day. The contagious fever, typhus, is diminishing. Miss
Bush and all the party are distributing clothing and bedding. Our dragoman
is giving implements and seed to the farmers. The needs here are extreme.
Wistar's party is in Peri. Wood with his men is working in the district of
Palou.
HUBBELL.
___________
Constantinople, May 20, 1896.
WOOD, American, Palou.
Investigate and get all information necessary. Do not purchase in large quantities
until you hear further from me. Thanks for such splendid work. Take receipts
for all purchases.
BARTON.
[page 112] TELEGRAMS.
Constantinople, May 20, 1896.
HARRIS, Zeitoun.
Your letter just received. Have Macallum draw two hundred liras for the sick.
Please "keep the pot boiling."
BARTON.
___________
Constantinople, May 20, 1896.
WALKER, Alexandretta.
Cabled you credit Aleppo £50 (liras) to-day. Please give amount to our
physicians who will arrive in a few days.
BARTON.
___________
Palou, May 21, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Ten women, eleven men, working daily at headquarters. Nine hundred pieces
clothing, two hundred mattress covers. Much silk is being woven. The implements
of the villagers are made by blacksmiths. Our work is progressing rapidly.
The need of oxen for the villagers is announced from every part.
WOOD.
___________
Harpoot, May 24, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Arrived to-day. Hubbell telegraphed you from Arabkir. 16th, relief proceeding
satisfactorily. 17th. wired, obstructions; no reply. Kaimikam (governor) at
Arabkir, prohibits all intercourse with sick, so we can do nothing for them.
He declares no help needed in Arabkir or vicinity.
MASON.
(This matter was at once taken to the Porte, and an order from the Porte sent same day to the governor at Aratakir, which had desired effect instantly.)
___________
Constantinople, May 24, 1896.
HUBBELL, American, Harpoot.
Wood wants cattle; can you instruct him regarding purchase ? We can afford
two yoke of oxen for each village where necessary. All cattle and tools should
be branded or stamped to be owned by us. So glad of your excellent work. Mason's
wire here. Porte has ordered all obstructions removed at Arabkir. Will take
up Palou with Porte to-morrow.
BARTON.
___________
Constantinople, May 24, 1896.
WOOD, American, Palou.
Can you confer with Hubbell ? We can afford two yoke oxen each village, where
necessary. Each animal should be branded B. or C. B. All tools stamped with
steel die. We must own these things to save them. Take
[ To face page 112 ]
[caption] A COFFEE HOUSE IN PERA.
[caption] GROUP OF HAMMALS, SHOWING MANNER OF CARRYING
HEAVY MERCHANDISE.
[ To face page 113 ]
[caption] SECTION OF TURKISH CEMETERY AT SCUTARI.
[caption] A HAMMAL.
[caption] PLANE TREE OF THE JANIZARIES, STAMBOUL.
[page 113] TELEGRAMS.
full receipts. Can your blacksmiths make steel dies and branding irons ? So glad of your excellent work.
BARTON.
(As we could not brand or stamp with a cross, or U. S., it was decided to use B. or C B., to enable us to trace the relief property in case of robbery or theft.)
___________
Constantinople, May 24, 1896.
WISTAR, Tcharsandjak.
Thanks for excellent letter. Splendid work. Let us know your needs. Can afford
two yoke oxen each village where necessary. All cattle should be branded B.
or C. B.; all tools stamped same. Can your blacksmiths make steel dies and
branding irons ?
BARTON.
___________
Marash, May 25, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Start Monday for Alexandretta. Am advising with local doctors here. Feeding
the sick and poor soon end the typhus and dysentery. Contagion stamped out.
HARRIS.
___________
Constantinople, May 26, 1896.
HUBBELL, American, Arabkir.
Wired you Harpoot yesterday. Porte has ordered every facility given your work.
Wire of any hindrance you meet anywhere. Thankful for your splendid work and
your continued health.
BARTON.
___________
Constantinople, May 27, 1896.
WOOD, Palou.
Can you distribute eighty yoke oxen to advantage ? Can you purchase them there?
At what cost?
BARTON.
___________
Harpoot, May 29, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Greatest need of oxen; farmers cannot recover without them. Ground must be
plowed for fall sowing within twenty days before it dries. Two yoke barely
sufficient for two farms. Wood's request moderate.
GATES.
___________
Tcharsandjak, June 1, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Leave to-day for Harpoot via Palou.
WISTAR.
[page 114] TELEGRAMS.
Arabkir, May 30, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Our doctors have attended one thousand sick; one death. We will leave Dr.
Hintlian here and we will go next week to Egin and Aghin villages. The local
authorities help us on every occasion. We are well.
HUBBELL.
___________
Alexandretta, June 1, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Off for Tripoli. Doctors returning. Seventy-five pounds handed to Padre for
Aintab artisans as you requested. Thanks for good news.
HARRIS.
___________
Constantinople, June 2, 1896.
HUBBELL, American, Arabkir.
Very glad authorities assisting so well. Just wired Gates five thousand liras
for all expeditions. Gates wires that cattle must be bought at once to be
of use. Think Wistar is with Wood at Palou to-day. He will leave field soon.
Met Wheeler and Ellis to-day. Splendid report of your work.
BARTON.
(Dr. Wheeler will be everywhere recognized as the founder and first president of Harpoot College. He lived to see eight of the twelve college buildings go up in flames, and broken with paralysis, a helpless, suffering invalid, he had reached Constantinople en his way back to his own country to die. His death took place in August at his home in Auburndale, Mass.)
" For the stores of knowledge brought us,
For the charm thy goodness gave,
For the lessons thou hast taught us,
Can we give thee but a grave ? "
___________
Constantinople, June 3, 1896.
GATES, American, Harpoot.
Deposited five thousand liras with Peet for you to draw for my men. This makes
over forty-three thousand dollars sent Harpoot. Only small balance left for
rest of field. Very grateful for all your kindness.
BARTON.
___________
Constantinople, June 2, 1896.
WOOD, American, Palou.
Just wired Gates credit Ltq. 5,000 for all the expenditures. This makes over
$43,000 sent Harpoot. You must all use to the best advantage. Use some in
Diarbekir province if possible. Brand your cattle and stamp your tools. Wistar
wires that he goes to Harpoot via Palou; confer together and wire me your
plans distinctly. If Wistar must go to London, cannot you remain ? Hard to
spare you both just now. Hubbell goes to Egin this week.
BARTON.
[page 115] TELEGRAMS.
Constantinople, June 2, 1896.
FONTANA, British Consul, Harpoot.
Several days ago Porte, at my request, ordered local authorities at Arabkir
and Palou to instantly remove all obstructions to the work. Are my men now
meeting difficulties anywhere? If so, I will again notify, the Porte. May
I ask you to consult Gates. Very thankful for your efficient aid to our expeditions.
BARTON.
___________
Harpoot, June 6, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Your agents now meeting no difficulties whatever. Am most happy to assist
your wonderfully successful work.
FONTANA.
___________
Palou, June 6, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Wistar left before your telegram arrived. I will remain. The list of the needy
has been made with great care. The recent relief distributed to the poor is
as follows; Twelve hundred suits clothing, sixty-five thousand piasters in
money, and one thousand pieces bed clothing; seven hundred sets tools have
been made by blacksmiths; fifteen thousand persons in district. We will remain
here ten days more. One thousand liras is needed in Silouan; the destitution
there in proportion is very great.
WOOD.
___________
Marash, June 6, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Your last remittance, two hundred liras, practically cured the sick, whose
number is now small. Have spent nearly all the tool money. People are prayerfully
grateful to you. Need of tools, animals and food very pressing. Four thousand
liras would enable us to help every family to some extent. Farmers who have
implements are working their fields as much as they can without animals. Have
written particulars.
MACALLUM.
___________
Constantinople, June 7, 1896.
GATES, American, Harpoot.
The five thousand liras sent you for my men was for work cattle, tools and
seed as asked for, and for no other purpose. Please so instruct. Is Wistar
coming out now ? Kindly send following to Hubbell. Don't know his address.
[page 116] TELEGRAMS.
HUBBELL, American, -------
The five thousand liras sent Gates is all the money there is to finish the
field. It is to be used only for work cattle, seed and tools, none for general
distribution. Finish your work and return here as near July first as possible.
Wood must draw one thousand liras for Diarbekir Vilayet. Please go to Harpoot
and take charge of cattle distribution; this is your specialty. This will
enable Wood to go to Farkin at once. In that way you can finish together.
Answer on receipt of this.
BARTON.
___________
Constantinople, June 8, 1896.
WOOD, American, Palou.
Your telegram received. The money sent was for oxen, tools, and seed, as asked
for. Against orders, and dangerous to distribute money. The five thousand
liras sent Gates for all expeditions must be divided so as to finish the work
there. We have no more funds to send. Draw one thousand liras from the five
thousand, to finish your work in Diarbekir. Use it with all expedition and
report at Constantinople as near July first as possible.
BARTON.
(We had ordered that no Red Cross cash should be distributed. Wood had been giving out a small amount of missionary money at the special request of Dr. Gates, which we knew nothing of at the time. We heartily approved his course when we learned the facts.)
___________
Arabkir, June 10, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Wood has received your telegram; he will go to Diarbekir next week. Wistar
is in Harpoot. Our dragoman is buying cattle in Arabkir. We return to Harpoot
in ten days, afterwards will go to Malatia. Typhus is diminishing from day
to day. All well.
HUBBELL.
___________
Constantinople, June 10, 1896.
GATES, American, Harpoot.
Wood's letter just received. Explains money distribution in Palou. Very wise.
Exceeding glad he could help you. Feared it was our special seed, tool and
cattle fund, already too sma'l. Please send following telegram to Wood:
WOOD, American, -------
Report of your splendid work just received by mail. We are grateful to you
for your heroic efforts. Did not understand about money distribution. It is
all right. Keep well.
BARTON.
[page 117] TELEGRAMS.
Constantinople, June 11, 1896.
HUBBELL, American, Arabkir.
Telegram received. Plans good; all the work excellent; Wood dping grandly.
Your dispatch of 16th came late. Porte took official action promptly. Your
"notes" here. All well.
BARTON.
___________
Constantinople, June 12, 1896.
MACALLUM, American, Marash.
Your dispatch and letter of the situation there, received. Our little balance
can only be used for cattle, tools, seed. Draw for fifteen hundred liras—every
lira we can possibly spare now. We regret "it is beyond our power to
send the four thousand desired, for we well know the need there and what excellent
work has been done with so little.
BARTON.
___________
Palou, June 19, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
You misunderstood my telegram. The 65,000 piasters was missionary money which
could be distributed in no other way. We are distributing in the villages
only tools, clothing, bedding, cattle, and grain. Cannot finish distributions
here and Diarbekir by July first. Silouan is seven days from here. Your telegram
of May 15 is just received. Our work is progressing well.
WOOD.
___________
Constantinople, June 20, 1896.
GATES, Harpoot.
Telegraphed you to draw 5,000 liras which we deposited with Peet, June 2.
Have you drawn it? Do our men know about the amount? Are they using it? Answer.
BARTON.
___________
Constantinople, June 20, 1896.
MACALLUM, American, Marash.
Wired you June 12 to draw fifteen hundred liras for seed, cattle, tools. Have
you done so ? Answer.
BARTON.
___________
Harpoot, June 21, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Wistar will finish his distribution of cattle and tools next week. Wood started
Farkin to-day. Our dragoman still buying cattle. Hintlian with sick in Arabkir.
Bush goes Malatia with us next week. Good work, all well.
HUBBELL.
[page 118] TELEGRAMS.
Harpoot, June 23, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Your men are using the money and working splendidly.
GATES.
___________
Marash, June 23, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Money received; many thanks. Macallum left Wednesday for Zeitoun and surrounding
villages.
MRS. HENRIETTE MACALLAM.
___________
Constantinople, June 24, 1896.
MACALLUM, American, Marash.
Telegram received. Draw five hundred liras more for cattle, tools, seed.
BARTON.
(Additional sums of money had been received from America since we sent the 5,000 liras to Harpoot, which enabled us to finish the field to better advantage.)
___________
Harpoot, June 27, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Hubbell's party started for Constantinople to-day. Wistar and Wood go after
a week.
FONTANA.
___________
Silouan, June 27, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Have arrived at Farkin; fourteen hundred sets tools are enroute here from
Diarbekir. The Turkish officials are giving us great assistance, and are in
no way interfering. Leave for Harpoot in three days.
WOOD.
___________
Harpoot, July 3, 1896.
BARTON, Constantinople.
Wood and I start for Constantinople. Please notify my wife by wire.
WISTAR.
(Dr. Hubbell and men arrived in Constantinople July 16. Mr. Wistar and Mr. Wood on the 20th of same month.)
___________
I need not attempt to say with what gratitude I welcomed back these weary, brown-faced men and officers from a field at once so difficult and so perilous, and none the less did the gratitude of my heart go out to my faithful and capable Secretary Pullman, who had toiled early and late, never leaving for a day,
[page 119] TELEGRAMS.
till the face grew thin and the eyes hollow, striving with tender heart that all should go well, and "The children might be fed." And when the first greetings were over, and the first meal partaken, the full chorus of manly voices: "Home Again," "Sweet Land of Liberty," "Nearer My God to Thee," that rolled out through the open windows of the Red Cross headquarters in Constantinople, fell on the listening ears of Christian and Moslem alike, and though the tones were new and strange all felt that to someone, somewhere, they meant more than mere notes of music.
Contents
| Pages 1, 2 | Executive
Report by Miss Clara Barton
Financial Report by George H. Pullman |
Financial Balance Sheet | Map
Of Asia Minor
Pages 57, 58 | 1st
Expedition Report | 2nd Expedition
Report | 3rd Expediton Report
4th Expedition Report | Telegrams
| Red Cross Principles | In
Memoriam
Contents (as in the book) | Illustrations
| Acknowledgements: |
| Source: Clara Barton. America's relief expedition to Asia Minor under the Red Cross. Journal Publishing Company, Meriden, Conn. 1896. Provided by: Sona Tumanyan |
| See also: |
|