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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
Bishop Chase writes to his wife on Easter and tells her about his day with the Pratt family.
Date
4-3-1836
Keywords
Philander Chase, Sophia Chase, England, Easter, America
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Sophia Chase" (1836). Philander Chase Letters. 1042.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/1042
Rights Statement
Transcript
My dear Wife;
The Earl of Ripon sent his coach for me yesterday at ten A.M.-- Putney Heath where his Lordship resides is about 4 miles from the City of London on the south side of the Thames. The road thither from Harley St. is through or beside Hyde Park and very pleasant. The bridge is the same which I passed when coming from Portsmouth on my first arrival. We were in a street of houses nearly all the way [?] C. Ward se’d me very kindly and soon I was introduced by L.R. to his Lady Ripon. She is in ill health but very agreeable and I think a pious person. The acquaintance between us was soon made and the full flow of English Talk commenced: and never flagged all the time I staid which was 3 or 4 hours. The young Lord who [writes] two or three ancient families is a child of great promise & is uncommonly clever for one of his years being between six and seven. Indeed he seems to be one of those children who indicate such talents and maturity of [?] & judgement as to give one an idea of fruit ripening before its time and [?] of a premature decay and death. He had been made acquainted with me by Miss Ward of whom he is very fond and began immediately to enquire of the things in America-- the flowers of the Prairies and the wild inhabitants of the forest-- the fertility of the soil -- the beauty of the birds and the manner of entrapping the wild animals were the subjects of his inquisition. He said he had no objections to natives being made good Christians but loved to contemplate them as wild men roaming the forest, in a state of liberty too well to wish them civilized like white men. The poor little fellow is subject to violent attacks of that complaint in the head occasioned by an unnatural rush of the blood and to prevent its becoming fatal they are obliged to bleed him copiously in the jugular veins, his pale countenance made his speaking eye appear more brilliant and I felt deeply interested in his welfare. He is the subject of many prayers. When we parted he made me promise to send him some things as specimens of the natural productions of America. He mentioned particularly any things which belonged peculiarly to the [?] of the savages and their [?] of war and agriculture. The prairie-flower seems would delight him much. I must not forget him [?]. In riding to Harley St.: [Mary] Illinois as sh[?] herself accompanied me to call with me to see her and Hammersley, in No. 3 Bolton Row. [Carzon] Street.
We found but one of them at home. We there called at 28 Goucester Terrace to see Mrs. [?] & her Daughter Miss Taylor.
At 7 I went to drive with Mr. Hammersley and numerous family at No. 25 Park Crescent Regents Park.
This morning [?] to notice given yesterday I went to keep Easter with my best of Friends the Rev. Mr. [Hammond] and Mr. Pratt. At the hands of the former I re’d the blessed Sacrament with the latter I drank tea. I am never better pleased than when hearing the dear family of Pratts sing Hymns as they always do two about 12 or 11 verses immediately after their afternoon refreshment on Sundays. The Rev. Mr. [Jorvet] brother to Mrs. P. played on the piano and all the not 4 ladies and as many men joined with their voices. It seemed to engage my devotional feelings more than usual.
Young Mr. John Prett lately ordained preached an excellent sermon, after which I rode in an [?] but about 3 ½ miles to Harley Street and at ten came to my room & began this. [It] now strikes 12, and so my Easter day closes. May my spiritual comforts this day be lastingly beneficial; I ask it for Christs sake. Amen
Monday 3rd of Apl. 1836-- called on Lord Kenyon, on Mr. Rand and on Mr. Dodsworth. Mrs. D. went with me in her coach to Collins the Painter, an excellent artists-- good Christian & a finished gentleman-- also called on [?] the painter and Remington, His pictures are of a superior character. Bonaparte [?] to the Pope is [?]
At 4 I went to Finsbury Circus and dined with the Rev. Mr. Pratt and excellent family, attended a meeting of his parishioners and was much pleased with their missionary spirit.
Tarried with good Mr. Pratt’s family the evening and had much delightful conversation: & left peaceably and came home by [to her home] yard. Young Mr. Pratt of Oxford accompanied me to the Omnibus.