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Date
6-13-1805
Keywords
Mary Chase; George Chase; Philander Chase Jr.; Jedebiah Fay; Dutchess Academy; Trinity Church; St. Paul's
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Dudley Chase" (1805). Philander Chase Letters. 26.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/26
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My dear Brother,
Nothing but a combination of indispensable cares, and a constant succession of business of the utmost importance to myself would have prevented me from answering your most affectionate before this. Yet, long as it is since I received it its contents are fresh in my mind, and the sentiments it excited in my form, thrill though very [?] every recollection. My God Almighty, before whom we stand, who hath fed us all our life long to this day bless you my dear Brother, for the kindness you have ever manifested toward me, particularly in your last visit to me. Your advise sunk deep into my heart and by the soothing of your fraternal [?] was every heart cheered. Since the dreadful fit of sickness, in which the malady terminated, my health has been gradually improving, till it is reestablished beyond my most sanguine expectations. Often the intermittent, the dregs of my first complaints, left me, (which was not till midwinter). I have been perfectly well, my mind is serene as the eternal day; and [?] and the discharge of my duty are again my delight. With gratitude do I look up to Him “who ruleth the heart and will, of sinful men” for these benefits. You will, no doubt rejoice with me in like manner, as you mourned with me when in trouble, with all your heart and soul.
I know of but one thing that hangs heavy on my heart; and that is the consideration that I have not seen my dear, dear Boys for such a length of time. Nothing but your [?] )(for such I should esteem it) in bringing the little fellow to see us [?] relieve me from this most [?] of all reflections. I am so completely tied to my concerns that a Galley slave is as much at liberty as myself. What will you think when still you that I have nearly $0 and soon shall have one hundred dollars a considerable part of whom board with me? We have already made the building one third larger than it was and soon shall be in want of still more room. Two large Parishes still claim my constant attention besides occasional visits to neighboring congregations. From all which [?]. If be absent even one month the most serious consequences would ensue. But busy as I am I would still find time to entertain you and your wife and dear George with pleasure that I can not describe. Times are changed, dear Brother, and I long to have you participate with us, in viewing the health and happenings which we enjoy.
I have, in company with Mrs. Chase visited New York in [?] of our vacation. To purchase necessities for the family call’d us thither: yet in yet in accomplishing this end was not our chiefest pleasure.
Our friends in that place seemed to make it a festival; and during the week we [?] we broke bread from house to house daily; joy beamed in every countenance and I believe Mrs. Chase enjoyed a happier week in her life. The clergy made me preach in Trinity and St. Paul’s.
My Brother in Law J. Fay is with us yet and most happy I am in his society. You would be surprised to see how he has improved both in manners and learning. We present he is an assistant teacher in the academy and performs his part with great care and satisfaction to us all. At his request this spring we made exertions to get him into a store in New York but found the business so much crowded that we have given up the share for the present. I think it may be as well for him; for he is not only making progress in school learning but is now [?] employed in learning instrumental music.
I wish you would write to me the minutia of all your affairs and of all our friends. Tell George that he has a Father who thinks of him and prays for him every day of his life. I would I had opportunities for sending him books and more [?]. Don’t forget to learn him his [?]. It is in the springtime of life that the good seed is soon into the bosom which will grow up and bring forth the purest of virtue and piety to make glad the City of God. Remember me affectionately to Mrs. Chase your wife and to [?] and brothers and sisters. Again, I pray that God may bless, preserve and keep you all. Philander is a [?] boy and leaves “stoutly”. Never [?] his best love to George he talks of [?]. Adieu dear Dudley.
Philander Chase
Dutchess Academy June 13th 1805