What was the one important thing that the looters did not take in Fever 1793? Could it help Mattie and Grandfather right away?Why or why not..?

There are a few things that the looters do not take. Some of them are important and can help Mattie and Grandfather right away, and some are not. One thing the thieves leave behind is the strongbox containing the money Mattie's mother has saved, "pence and shillings." Although Mattie is grateful that the money was not taken and takes care to return it safely to its hiding place, the coins are of no use to her and her grandfather right now, because the city is in chaos, and there is nothing to buy (Chapter 17).

Some things that the looters do not take that are more helpful to Mattie and Grandfather in the immediate sense are the potatoes in the garden. When Mattie pokes in the mud in the garden and finds 'six fist-sized potatoes," she is so happy she does a little dance. Mattie and Grandfather are hungry, and the potatoes will satisfy their immediate needs. Mattie cooks the potatoes with "a scrawny turnip and a few beans" she has scavenged, and serves them with a pot of coffee made from a small bag of roasted coffee beans, which the thieves have also left behind (Chapter 18).

One other thing the thieves leave behind which comes in handy almost immediately for Grandfather and Mattie is Grandfather's old sword, which is displayed in a place of honor over the mantle. When more looters invade the house when Mattie and Grandfather are actually present, Grandfather uses the sword to hold them off and scare them away (Chapter 19).