"A richer reflection of life in early 19th-century Maryland and the Washington environs cannot be found . . . These superb letters are enhanced by able editing, both in footnotes and excellent essays at the beginning and end." —Washington Post Book World "Callcott is a suberb editor; she has exhaustively researched every aspect of Calvert's life, and her introductory and concluding essays, including an account of George Calvert's relationship with a slave woman, which produced five children, contain much information of interest." —Elizabeth R. Baer, "These letters document the timeless elements of domestic life—family relationships, childbirth, illness, househld chores—but they offer far more than the familiar fare of the plantation mistress."—Patricia Brady,