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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
Dudley reports that he and Olivia visited the Bethel farm and he is worried about food supplies for them in the coming winter. Dudley talks about Polly Bludget being stranded away from her family in Ohio after traveling there with her husband Jacob Hunter who died. Dudley has paid off the debt of a man named Smith which amounted $1000. Dudley reports on Ithamal Chase's reply declining health and imminent death in Keene New Hampshire.
Date
4-4-1817
City
Randolph, VT
Keywords
Dudley Chase, Geroge Chase, Olivia Chase, Polly Bludget, Mr. Bludget, Jacob Hunter, Ithamal Chase, death, Keene, Randolph, New Haven, George Brown, Bethel Farm, Addison, Northampton
Recommended Citation
Chase, Dudley, "Letter to George Chase" (1817). Philander Chase Letters. 102.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/102
Rights Statement
Transcript
Randolph April 4th 1817
Dear George,
We are all here, vig Uncle Durkee, Aunt Olia, Mrs Blodget & her three little beautiful children, Caroline, Olivia Mary & Betsy Brown and and George Brown. All residents & [?] here in this old mansion except the gentleman first above mentioned who is here on business. All join in sending love to you with assenaenous of the nest affectionate greetings whenever you shall make your appearance amongst us. Your Aunt Olivia and I have this morning returned from a visit to our Bethel Farm, where we found all well & happy. Save those sombre & melancholy feelings arising from an uncommon & unparalleled severity of food for man & beast. Indeed the general want in such as frequently to force us into a view of scenes that wing the heart with the keenest agony — not to be mitigated by affording relief — which few have the power to do. The struggle will be cruel, during the coming summer. When the question is, who shall starve? Reason or humanity, have no view in the discussion. Addison has written us two long & excellent letters bringing down his dates to 24th February; which letter we rec’d this morning on our return from Bethel. His style is that of contentment & good [?]lution. Prospects with him are rather more promising than they have been of late. He says, he hopes e’re long to visit the scenes of his early infancy in a condition that will enable him to look his best friend in the face without blush. [Beaus] May the good fellow not be disappointed. — I has a very excellent journey from Hartford home. Good [sleighing] from Northhampton as your ever saw. Mrs. Blodget has lately rec’d a letter from her husband by which we learn that Jacob [Hunter] (who you must recollect) (he bued with Duct Bepell) and who had moved, and carried off to Ohio, Polly Blodget, the oldest sister of Luther, was dead, and his wife left in a distant Land & among strange people with prospects sad and gloomy. Luther writes in such a manner as to keep afire the small & faint blaze of hope that yet Maintains with its faded glimmering the sorrowful [beam] of his most excellent and injured wife. You know I have no hopes. I can only wish. And when my reflections are in a certain train, I almost cease to do that.
I have his far written following exactly the thread of discourse which has been carried on by Mr Dunkee, your Aunt and myself. Bust your Aunt is called out by the room and I will be begin de novo.
On my return I found our [dear friend] Smith surely prepared for the payment of about 1000 dollars which he owed for debts contracted in his speculation with Harow Russell. You know I could not stand by and see him suffer, while it was in my power to help him out of his difficulty. So I discharged the demands and took his surety to repay whene’re he can.
So we go — this has [slightened] my finances in some degree within their common range; but all be well again.
I hear melancholy news from Keene as to the health of your Uncle Ithamer. He is very much out of health, tho not so bad at to be unable to be about his ordinary business. Yet he is clearly declining, and its it fear he will not [survive] long.
Your friends all received your kind remembrance at my hands, with expression of gladness & [testified] the greatest [satisfactions] that you intended to receive among us after you leave N. Haven.
It is near nine o’clock when the mail is to be [closed] — I have written in the utmost which must excuse inaccuracies & want of [?]. I could not delay writing you a word or two ‘till another Mail.
All send love to you — write us soon & often — yours most affectionately
Dudley Chase