The American Revolution started in 1765 and was driven by colonial opposition to British rule. The Van Cortlandt House was sometimes located on contested ground during the Revolutionary War. Patriots were those in the colonies who wanted to separate from British rule, and Loyalists wished to remain under British control.
The manor housed both the British and the Patriots and was host to visiting officers such as General George Washington, who stayed in the house in 1776 and 1783. To avoid the capture of their belongings, the Van Cortlandt did not outwardly pick a side.
The secretary has two arched doors, enclosing shelves, and small drawers with brass knobs. The secretary also contains a secret compartment where the family could hide any incriminating items. They most likely hid personal letters that could trace them back to any one party as well as money.