Catherine Van Cortlandt's Letter To Her Husband

2. The two authors in this historical document experienced differing yet unexpected hardships. In Reverend Andrew Eliot’s letter to his brother he describes “a season which promised the greatest plenty that has been known for many years” (242). Eliot wrote this as a reminder of how life was prior to the invasion. The change in tone from the beginning of his letter gives a clear indication that Eliot was not expecting to be robbed of the pleasures of harvest time by invading forces. In addition Eliot experienced an unanticipated behavior when writes about the harsh treatment of women by male soldiers of the invading forces “…individuals among the British troops were, however, exceedingly abusive, especially towards women” (243). Eliot watched the burning of his town and the harsh treatment of women folk who chose to not to flee town. Eliot recorded the event in a letter to his brother and for future generations to learn from.
She was forced to leave friends, personal property and the comforts of her previous life “…parting with our few though sincere friends, the destruction of our property” (243) to embark on a harsh journey. Along her journey through hostile territories with her servants and children she encounter many unexpected hardships, one particular hardship in mind was a farmer refusing to give or even sell milk to Catherine even despite her children crying out for milk. Cortlandt was granted safe passage by the British but not the guarantee of hospitality. It does however raise cause for the reader of her letter to identify with