Letter signed Flora Caldwell, Byrnham Wood, to [Mrs. Mayer, Franklin Street, Baltimore]. The river has risen and we could not reach Alexandria or Tully for many days. Flora has given up all thought of going to Baltimore. St. Louis will be as far as they can get. Harvest is fast approaching and the new cutting machine will be a sight to me. Annie is a great comfort and joy to Flora. Visited Canton for two days. Have you heard of the men going across the plains to California each having a wheelbarrow containing clothes and provisions. Note from Flora states Aunt Flora is very anxious to leave. We have done all we can to make her comfortable. Individuals mentioned include Aunt Flora, Annie, Frank, Mr. Fletcher, Cousin John, Mr. Thapter, Flora, Eliza Elizabeth, Mary, Jenkins, Mr. Konic, Margret, and Rachel. Places mentioned include Canton, St. Louis, Baltimore, California, Alexandria, and Tully. (4 pages), 1850 June 10

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.