Letter signed Flora Caldwell, Byrnham Wood, to [Mrs. Mayer, Franklin Street, Baltimore]. I hope that the canal going to Cumberland will be an advantage to Mr. Mayer and improve his property there. Went to Waterloo with Flora and returned with James. I had the opportunity of traveling over miles of unbroken prairie. We have seen few indications of spring except that the doves are cooing in the woods. Sorry to hear of all the changes in Baltimore. Let me know about the children’s schools. We have many young gentleman visitors but we have to depend on the small towns for the ladies who are mostly Kentuckians, “but very kind in their manners.” How I would like to know the true state of Edward’s affairs. Flora is out all day gardening and she will certainly have a pretty place in time. She has given up all thoughts of going to Baltimore in ’47. You may see me before then. Individuals mentioned include Eliza, Annie, Mrs. Brantz Mayer, Mr. Harington, Mr. Mayer, Mr. Fletcher, Frank, Lieutenant Gant, Edward, Dr. Byrne, Miss Caldwell, Mr. Miller, Flora, Fanny Clark, James Wilson, Miss Jackson, Miss Bond, Mrs. Wilson, and Cath. Alexander. Places mentioned include Baltimore, Anapolis, Canal, Cumberland, Waterloo, and Ireland. (4 pages), 1845 Apr 5

Item — Box: 1, Folder: 2

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Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

The Mayer Family Papers consist of the correspondence of Flora Byrne to Mrs. Charles F. Mayer. Describes her life and family at Byrnham Wood in Clark County near Winchester, Missouri. Includes correspondence from various members of the family in Baltimore, Maryland. The letters contain many sidelights on the state of development in that day, mention well-known characters, and show the facilities for transportation between the Atlantic seaboard and St. Louis. The latest letters, dated in 1861, document Civil War movements in St. Louis and Baltimore. The collection also includes miscellaneous correspondence regarding the donation and the drawings of Francis [Frank] Blackwell Mayer.