Letter signed Flora Byrne, Byrnham Wood, to [Mrs. Charles F. Mayer, Franklin Street, Baltimore, Maryland]. I want to see you very badly but the expenses of the farm seem to increase as the profits become greater. Edmond has to make heavy payments this summer on his machinery and wheat crops. Describes Annie’s riding ability and school progress. I cannot have any more dresses made by Mrs. Norris because I “have entirely outstripped” her measure. I am going to be a very “fat old lady.” Individuals mentioned include Frank, Taylor, Cousin Catharine, Eliza, Aunt Flora, Mr. Mayer, Annie, Edmond, Miss Neale, Miss Pratt, Mary Mayer, Mrs. Norris, Mr. Fletcher, Lawyer Ellison, James Smith, Comstock, Saunders, and Cousin Chambers. Places mentioned include California, Winchester, Alexandria, Washington City, Keokuk, and Baltimore. (4 pages), [1849] Mar 27

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.