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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
L.H. Sigourney writes to Mrs. Chase to send her condolences regarding the fire and report back on Bishop Chase's visit to Hartford, as well as inquiring about the Chase children.
Date
2-22-1836
Keywords
L.H. Sigourney, Sophia Chase, fire
Recommended Citation
Sigourney, L.H., "Letter to Sophia Chase" (1836). Philander Chase Letters. 1045.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/1045
Rights Statement
Transcript
Hartford, February 22 1836
My dear Mrs. Chase,
You and your family have been very much upon my mind, since that sad conflagration of your house, which must have involved you in so much anxiety and trouble. I have been continually wishing to write, and express my sympathies, but was uncertain about your definite direction, until last evening, I discovered it in the “Churchman” and hastened to avail myself of the information. I wish exceedingly to know how you, and your children are, and where you are residing, and any other minute particulars of your situation, which you may feel willing to impart. Though I am fully aware that your power of surmounting obstacles, and enduring privations, and steering wisely between Scylla and Charybdis, surpasses what is often possessed even by the stronger sex, yet I can scarcely conceive, how without the protection on which we in New England often too exclusively depend, your energies should have remained [?] after the almost unparalleled trials to which they have been subjected. I felt as if I wished to fly to your succour and at least try to comfort you in the wilderness.
I presume you frequently hear from your excellent Husband, whose noble enterprise for the cause of the Church will, I doubt not, be fully appreciated & liberally patronized in England. His visit here, in the Autumn, was most acceptable & confirmed the hearts of his friends. I was so unfortunate as to lose the first part of it, being confined at the time of his arrival, with a sudden turn of fever; and acute pain in the head, but was able to see him repeatedly, before his departure. I had long wished for an opportunity to assure him how much my heart had been with him in all his trials, and how steadfastly it had adhered to his cause, through “evil report, & good report.” But there were so many, anxious to obtain a sound of his voice; or a pressure from his hand, that there was little opportunity for individual communication. He seemed to be in excellent health & spirit.
Your friends in this vicinity, continue to remember you with great regard. Mr. & Mrs. Tudor are well, are we have an excellent rector, the Rev’d. Mr. Burgess. Dudley seems interested in his collegiate studies, and sharply.He occasionally comes to see me, but not as often as I could wish & always mentions you and the family with the strongest affection & sympathy. My husband, and children, are in good health; the ages of the latter, range from 5 years to 25, and there are five of them.
I wish you would mention the ages of your children as I am uncertain about the chronology of the younger ones. Is there any way, in which I could be useful to them, or to you? I have never received a line from the Bishop or yourself, since our son went on to Kenyon College six years since. Possibly all my letters did not reach you; or you might bace been too much occupied with the variety and magnitude of your avocations, to have replied to them.
Hoping that the prediction of the Almighty, may ever be visibly around you, and all who are beloved by you, believe me, my dear Mrs. Chase, ever your
Sincerely affectionate friend,
L.H. Sigourney