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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
Philander Chase describes his journey from New York to Michigan to his brother Dudley.
Date
7-9-1836
Keywords
Philander Chase, Dudley Chase, Chase family, New York, Gilead, America
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Dudley Chase" (1836). Philander Chase Letters. 1050.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/1050
Rights Statement
Transcript
Gilead 9th July 1836
My Very Dear Brother:
My journey hither was like that this troublesome life of a mixed character, designed no doubt both to try and to cheer the pilgrim. I passed thro’ Rutland where I had the honour of a visit from your good Friend whom with his daughters I had the pleasure of seeing in your Company near the post office Washington so often. He enquired very affectionately of your welfare & seemed to rejoice sincerely in mine. I staid the first night in Castleton; there passing thro’ White Hall Saratoga & Skenectady I put myself on board the Canal Packet Boat. In going up the [fork] at the Falls on the Mohawk I was espied by our beloved Nephew Rodney [Dunker] who is engaged in everting some mills on his own property. He bid fair do well. I was much pleased with his affectionate [civities] in accompanying me as far as Utica. The Boat could not wait one minute so I was obliged to deny myself the pleasure of seeing his Wife, who was in that city. At Rochester, I [?] many civilities from the Rochester Family: but at Buffalo I could not have time to see a single acquaintance. At Cleaveland we put in during a dreadful Late Storm and by that means were saved from much Danger. On my arrival at Detroit the good and excellent Friends of the Church met me with every mark of respect. C.C. Troubridge Esq. presented me with a valuable pair of Horses Harness & Wagon, as one among the many means which God is granting me to carry on the great work before.
I went in the S. Boat down to Monroe- a flourishing town on the Lake Erie- where the good man Miller treated me with much kindness; and [?] he sent me the next day at his expense in a Carriage by myself to Tecumseh. The road however being very bad I took a violent cold & was [?] to [?] great [oppression] on the lungs. The next day Sunday I [?] once: and on Monday let off for Gilead in the Stage Coach. I need not tell you how delighted I was in once more after a year absence meeting my dear Family in good health. The Children had grown and the farm had been managed with great judgment by my dear son Henry. Considering his youth I had reason for being surprised that he had done so well.
11 July: this is the day appointed for the selling off our little substance in order for a start for Illinoius with all my family. - I am not surprised that my wife should resolve on this measure.-
To be left behind while I should in the [?] of duty “go ahead” 4 or 500 miles was and is the last things of the kind she w’d willingly endure. The Children of Mrs. Russell were surprised that I should think of [allowing] them to enjoy ease on the farm while I should be suffering in the wilderness. -- We are therefore “all agoing” -- day after tomorrow (Du.) we shall set off-- Two Horse wagon & and Ox [?] (2 yokes) for Illinois-- Farewell -- your loving brother Chase