Letter signed Flora Byrne, Byrnham Wood, to My dearest Eliza [Mrs. Charles F. Mayer, Franklin Street, Baltimore, Maryland]. I am glad that Frank is recovering. When he is strong I hope he will come to us. Annie and I are going to take a trip down the river to Hannibal and Palmyra. She hopes to bring two friends back with her and I have promised her a dinner party. “All my joy is centered now in her.” What new books are out? I have just finished Jane Eyre. Thank Mr. Mayer for sending paper with copy of his speech. Individuals mentioned include Annie, Aunt Flora, Mrs. Norris, Dombey & Son, Jane Eyre, Mr. Mayer, Lamartine, Frank, Edmond, Dr. Buckler, Lucy, Mary Hieskill, Victoria Davis, Mary Eskridge, Mrs. Ellis, and Betty. Places mentioned include Monument Square, Hannibal, and Palmyra. (4 pages) [Typed copy included], [1848] May 30

Item — Box: 1, Folder: 3

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.