Mary Clay Berry

This is absolutely one of my favorite compilations of historical letters from 19th century Kentucky. True, the letters come from one family, and a wealthy family at that, but the variety of letters from both the men and the women make for an enlightening experience. The letters come from the famous Clay family of Kentucky, but not the direct family group of Henry or Cassius Clay. These letters come from the Brutus Clay and Amelia Fields family of Bourbon County (Brutus was Henry's brother). Stretching from the early 19th century into the early 20th century, the many family members and their accounts of daily life are invaluable. However, the letters surrounding the coming and arrival of the Civil War are wonderful. While Brutus Clay was in Washington as a government representative, his wife Amelia was back home at Auvergne, managing their large working farm or plantation. This required directing the field work and handling such things as breeding the cattle. While her husband was critical of her efforts, it really demonstrated the difficulties that women on the homefront encountered. Being in Kentucky, Amelia had to watch for both armies and had to host at least one side before the close of the war. The rest of the collection includes many poignant tales of successes and failures and the fragility of life in 19th century America.… (mehr)