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The Philander Chase letters were written in the 18th and 19th century and therefore may contain language that we understand today as harmful or offensive. You may encounter paternalist descriptions of Native Americans, racial slurs, or sexism. For more information, see our policy page.
Description
Letter announcing arrival in New Orleans and intentions to build a Congregation there. Photocopy of orignals found in the William Research Center.
Date
12-12-1805
Keywords
Poughkeepsie, NY; Visit
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to John Reade Esquire" (1805). Philander Chase Letters. 1.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/1
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Transcript
My dear Sir:
If I can judge from your former [?] to me, it will make you glad to hear of my safe arrival at this place, with a [?] of 24 days; a period shorter than what is usual. With the testimonial, which is brought with me, my reception was flattering, and the polite treatment, I have agreed to settle here, with a salary of $2,000 per anni, together with the use of a large and convenient house, and the usual [?] which are considerable. It is agreed that I stay here until the 1st of May next, to collect the Congregation, and make other arrangements; after which time, I shall, if it please God, go to the estates, & once more have the pleasure of seeing you and your good family. My stay in Pough, however, must be short, having to visit my friends in New Hampshire, adjust all my business, and be here on the 1st of Oct[ober] next. The propserity of your Church in Poughkeepsie [?] is now, and ever will be pleas[ing] to me; tho the treatment from individuals was such, as formed among mothers for [?]. To my friend, please to make my warmest, [?] sentiments; and to my enemies, say if you condescend to say any thing, that: “I bear no malicious hatred in my heart.” Of the Vestry, as such, I beg you will be so kind as to communicate the following as official.
% the Vestry of Christ’s Church, Poughkeepsie
Gentlemen;
I take the liberto to signify that I have resigned into the [?] of the Right Rev. the Bishop of the State of New York, the Rectorship of the Church to which you are a Vestry:
With sincere wishes for your prosperity, I am, Gentleman, you friend and humble servant,
Philander Chase
City of New Orleans December 12th 1805
I attempt to give you a description of this Country, this City, and the manners of the people, it must, in the small [?] of a better & that two thirds occupied by the matter, be but an imperfect one.
The Country all along the River has elevated land, of the finest quality sufficiently deep, or
running back far enough to make a fine plantation, within between 30ish acres on front. These are cultivated in the raising of Corn, Rice, Sugar-Cane, oranges, and grapes. So [?] is ever wanted as the fecundity of the soil is inexhaustible. The City is about ⅓ longer than Albany, situated on the bank of the River, with a spacious harbour capable of containing ships of any [?]. [It] has two banks, a Principal, or large public building for the purpose of holding Court [cases], a jail -- a Convent, Roman Catholic Church, a Government house, and a number of large store houses and other military buildings capable of accommodating 1000 troops.
The climate is said to be rather warm & sultry in summer at times; but, for the most part, the heat is assuaged by the sea-Breezes, which blow from 9 in [the] morning till 4 in the afternoon: in the winter the air is mild & [g]rateful beyond description. Since the year 95, the City has been wiped with the Yellow Fever Thurica, one of which [?] was in the year 1804 -- The inhabitants, like those in New York, are beginning to prepare Country seats, to which they may realize with the utmost safety during the 3 warm months. The greater past of the inhabitants speak the French language - the americans, however, are past [?], and the state of society improving. A fine field, as any on the continent, is hard for the young & enterprising, either in merchandise, or any of the mechanical arts. If in be probably that I can succeed in sending you some of the golden fruit of the Country. Vis a box of oranges, I will do it. But they are so large, & ripen so quick, with the small grapes they have here about this season, that I am afraid I shall not succeed. Pray make my best respects to Mme Reade, to your worthy sons, and amiable daughter. I am, dear sir, with the utmost esteem, yours,
Philander Chase
John Reade New Orleans December 12th - 1805.