History exists because of the records that individuals have kept over the years. Books, letters, decrees, even town notices can each give us insight into what life was like before we or our living families came into this world. There are oral traditions that can be passed down, as well as stories told from one generation to another. Letters specifically can show one person’s experiences, opinions, hardships, and relationships. This letter, from Sebastian Brandt a settler, serves as a perfect example of life before industry or the American dream. Sebastian writes to his friend Henry Hovener who is back in England at the time. The letter is written on January 12, 1622. According to the letter Sebastian appears to be a middle aged settler who made the voyage with his wife and brother. Due to the enormous outbreaks of disease at the time, they had both passed away about a year before the letter was written. Sebastian writes about silver, gold and copper. This suggests that he may be in the lower class considering he is venturing on those quests on his own. Throughout his writing he references the Lord God, asking for his blessings, and giving blessing to Mr. Hovener. This proves his religious …show more content…
Brandt was writing to his friend to ask for supplies from the company that he worked for back home. This further proves his lower class stature. “And I intreat you to beseeche the Right Hon: & Wor: Company in my behalfe to grant me my freedome to be sent either to me I dowbte not to doo well & good service in these countries humbly desyringe them also to provyde me some [appointed] fellowe & a strong boye to assiste me in my businesse, and that it may please the aforesaid Company to send me at my charge [2] a bed wth a bolster and cover and some Linnen for shirtes and sheetes”. He further asks for shoes, gloves, gun powder, and various spices. This was certainly an insight into the struggles in the new world, how difficult it was to begin to build this great