Letter signed Samuel James Fletcher, St. Louis, to My dear Cousin [Mrs. C.F. Mayer]. I have twice been in danger of death. Once I was thrown from a wagon and had my right shoulder badly dislocated. Then my escape from the ill-fated “Western World” was little short of a miracle. Gives details of its sinking on being rammed by the “R.W.H. Hill.” On my arrival here Mrs. Byrne and the doctor insisted on my taking up my quarters with them. I went to a ball for children learning to dance. I like Annie very much and she is more amiable girl. Mrs. Byrne is as gay as ever. I succeeded in disposing of the unfortunate Louisiana bonds for $15,400. I want to get things in order in Clark County so as to get my family there in the spring. I will have hard work ahead of me but I will not be so pushed with money matters. Individuals mentioned include Mrs. Mayer, Annie, Mr. Mayer, Dr. Byrne, Mrs. Byrne, Mr. Zopie or Xupi [Xaupi, E.J.], Aunt Flora, Mrs. Sumner, Dr. Wyatt, and James Buck. Places mentioned include New Orleans, St. Louis, Vicksburgh, Princeton, Clark County, Louisiana, and England. (6 pages), 1853 Jan 8

Item — Box: 1, Folder: 4

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.