Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell, Philadelphia, to sisters. Barnwell describes touring Philadelphia with his cousin, Nathaniel Barnwell Fuller, as they wait to travel to Europe and gives a physical description of the two as noted in their new passports. He also writes of making inquiries with a Naval Commander about ship timber in the hopes his father can make a deal to sell Live Oak lumber from South Carolina. February 8, 1854.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell, to father, William H. W. Barnwell, discussing his preliminary preparations for a trip to Europe and his brother Edward's attempt to find employment at "Mr. Huberts office" in Charleston. January 19, 1854.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to unnamed aunt. Barnwell discusses the start of his German education, including his efforts in avoiding American and English acquaintances to better immerse himself in the language, and describes the sorrow he feels for how hard German women have to work without servants. 1854.
Robert Woodward Barnwell writes to father, William H. W. Barnwell, describing the difficulty of learning Hebrew during his studies in Erlangen, Germany, and discussing his plans for his final months in Europe.
Letter from Miriam Hirsch to her husband regarding the revolution in Monterey, her husband's travel to Brownsville, and various happenings in her community in Matamoros. The back of the last page of the letter includes a note from Isaac W. Hirsch to his father reporting on his status since his father's departure. He also states that the sister of their servant Guadalupe has died, and there was a fire that destroyed a house and grocery store.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, from Erlangen, Germany. Barnwell explains that he left the university in Berlin because of the high cost of living and that the university in Erlangen afforded him a better opportunity to learn Hebrew. Pictured on the stationery is a view of Erlangen that Barnwell has marked with the approximate location of his apartment there, a room over a tavern. April 27, 1855.
Incomplete letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to unknown describing his plans for Christmas in Germany and the pride he feels for his siblings' accomplishments back home. December, 1855.
Robert Woodward Barnwell writes to sister, Elizabeth Barnwell, telling her of his preference for Beaufort women compared to the women he has met in Germany. May 7, 1855.
