Clara Barton autograph letter signed regarding the Irish abolitionist Richard D. Webb. Barton writes a letter of introduction for Webb to General Benjamin Butler, Barton's close friend and political ally. Undated, though likely shortly after the Civil War's end, Barton writes from Washington, DC in full: ''General Butler / Dear Sir / I take pleasure in introducing to you, the bearer of this, Mr. Richard D. Webb of the city of Dublin, so well known and justly prized by our people as America's true and [?] friend; and the friend of freedom & human rights everywhere. Mr. Webb expresses a warm desire to meet General Butler and that the interview will be mutually agreeable cannot be doubted. Very truly / Clara Barton''.



Webb was a well-known Irish abolitionist and close friend of Frederick Douglass, whose memoir ''Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave'', Webb found a publisher for in Ireland. Douglass was especially fond of Webb, as he remarked that Webb treated him like an equal, and would debate with him in a forthright manner, rather than agreeing with him publicly but disagreeing in private, as Douglass believed other white abolitionists did. Douglass even remarked that he hoped he could have such a relationship with American abolitionists after slavery ended. Single page letter on card-style stationery measures 5'' x 7.75''. With docketing by Butler's office on verso. Light toning and folds, overall in very good plus condition.