Letter signed Flora C. Byrne, Byrnham Wood, to My dearest Eliza [Mayer]. We are delighted with Frank’s success. Edmond, however, leans much to Charley and would like to do something for him out here if you were not so opposed to the West. Glad you approve of my plan for school this winter. Four are as many as I wish to have but I hardly think I will get them. Tells of trip to Quincy, Illinois. Describes Quincy. You must not let Aunt Flora buy us anything more. She will use up all her little means. We want nothing because we will live so retired this winter. Edmond went to chapel with priest who is staying with us. I like Mr. Byrne very much and he went with me to Jamie’s grave and spoke consolingly to me. Nor does he try to convert me which would be in vain. I am very pleased with our new church. Individuals mentioned include John Anna, Edmond, Mr. Mayer, Aunt Flora, Poors, Frank, Charley, Annie, Captain Artus, Charles Levering, Eliza, Father Byrne, Jamie, Margaret Watson, and Mrs. Byrne. Places mentioned include Quincy, Illinois, Alexandria, Hannibal, Charles St., Market, Lombard, and West. (4 pages), [1847] Aug 22

Item — Box: 1, Folder: 2

Staff Only

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.