Hello I have a Thesis and draft outline to complete. My chosen topic is '"Gender Dynamic". All Primary sources must be used and secondary sources are NOT allowed. The book is called "The American Yawp

The British faced the difficult task of fighting a war without pushing more colonists into the

hands of the revolutionaries. As a result, the Revolutionary War included little direct attacks on

civilians, but that does not mean that civilians did not suffer. The following account from Eliza

Wilkinson describes the stress faced by non - combatants who had to face the British army.

On the second of June, two men belonging to the enemy, rode up to the house, and asked many

questions, saying that Colonel M’Girth and his soldiers might be presently looked for, and that

the i nmates could expect no mercy. The family remained in a state of cruel suspense for many

hours…

I had no time for thought – they were up to the house – entered with drawn swords and pistols in

their hands: indeed they rushed in in the most furious manner, crying out, ‘ Where are these

women rebels?’ That was the first s alutation! The moment they espied us, off went our caps. (I

always heard say none but women pulled caps!) And for what, think you? Why, only to get a

paltry stone and wax pin, which kept them on our heads; at the same time uttering the most

abusive languag e imaginable, and making as if they would hew us to pieces with their swords.

But it is not in my power to describe the scene: it was terrible to the last degree; and what

augmented it, they had several armed negroes with them, who threatened and abused us greatly .

They then began to plunder the house of every thing they thought valuable or worth taking; our

trunks were split to pieces, and each mean, pitiful wretch crammed his bosom with the contents,

which were our apparel, &c…

This outrage was followed b y a visit from M’Girth’s men, who treated the ladies with more

civility; one of them promising to make a report at camp of the usage they had received. It was

little consolation, however, to know that the robbers would probably be punished. The others,

who professed so much feeling for the fair, were not content without their share of plunder,

though more polite in the manner of taking it.” While the British soldiers were talking to us,

some of the silent ones withdrew, and presently laid siege to a beehive , which they soon brought

to terms. The others perceiving it, cried out, ‘Hand the ladies a plate of honey.’ This was

immediately done with officious haste, no doubt thinking they were very generous in treating us

with our own. There were a few horses feed ing in the pasture. They had them driven up. ‘Ladies,

do either of you own these horses ?’ ‘No; they partly belonged to father and Mr. Smilie!’ ‘Well,

ladies, as they are not your property, we will take them! “ ‘

They asked the distance to the other settlem ents; and the females begged that forbearance might

be shown to the aged father. He was visited the same day by another body of troops, who abused

him and plundered the house. “One came to search mother’s pockets, too, but she resolutely

threw his hand asi de. ‘if you must see what’s in my pocket, I’ll show you myself;’ and she took

out a threadcase, which had thread, needles, pins, tape, &c. The mean wretch took it from her.” .

. . “After drinking all the wine, rum, &c., they could find, and inviting the ne groes they had with

them, who were very insolent, to do the same, they went to their horses, and would shake hands

with father and mother before their departure. Fine amends, to be sure!” After such unwelcome visitors, it is not surprising that the unprote cted women could not eat or

sleep in peace. They lay in their clothes every night, alarmed by the least noise; while the days

were spent in anxiety and melancholy…

The siege and capitulation of Charleston brought the evils under which the land had groaned, to

their height. The hardships endured by those within the beleaguered city – the gloomy

resignation of hope – the submission to inevitable misfortune, have been described by abler

chroniclers.

Elizabeth Ellet, The Women of the American Revolution, Volu me 1 (New York: 1819), 225 - 232.