Letter signed Flora [Caldwell], Byrnham Wood, to [Mrs. Mayer, Franklin Street, Baltimore]. I wish I could place a small pitcher of boiled Missouri milk beside Mr. Mayer’s coffee. “He would relish it very much.” Asks for news of various relatives and friends. I heard Colonel Benton speak. His speech was in praise of the North. Shortly after 32 negroes fled but fortunately were caught before getting into Illinois. Describes Flora and Annie. This is a most delightful fall and the beauty of the day continues into the night. Met Dr. McDowell and Helen. “He was one of the most successful physicians during the time of the Cholera.” Individuals mentioned include Dr. Austen, Dr. McDowell, Helen, Mrs. Hoffman, Dr. Byrne, Mr. Mayer, Dick, Eliza, Cornelia, Kate, Uncle Brantz, Miss Bond, Clark, Elizabeth, Mrs. Shaw, Mrs. Rhodes, Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, Mr. Fletcher, Colonel Benton, Mary, Frank, Flora, and Annie. Places mentioned include St. Louis, Baltimore, Canada, Illinois, Palmyra, Pleasant Green, Maryland, and Missouri. (4 pages), 1849 Nov 16

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.