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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 informs his nephew Intrepid Morse that he will be sending his granddaughter Mary to stay with him.
Date
3-6-1838
Keywords
Philander Chase, Mary Chase, Intrepid Morse
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Intrepid Morse" (1838). Philander Chase Letters. 1096.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/1096
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Transcript
Robins Nest Mar 6-38
Very dear Nephew:
I can not promise I will come on to the Convention in Phil’a-- for I know not whence I can get the means. But I can tell you that Godwilling our dear Dudley & darling daughter Mary will be with you in a few weeks-- The former on his way to the Sem’y in Alexandria there to study a year or two under the excellent Dr Keith and the latter to spend a few months with those who are of all people in the world best qualified to set her an example of piety and christian morals.
To think of what I must suffer in parting with these dear objects of my [?] affection almost overcomnes me. They are both after my own heart cast in the mold of generated Spirits and embued[sic] with every tender sentiment. Of Dudley you know something: therefore I shall say but little on his acc’t: But of Mary: would that I could tell you how dear she is to me. You will find her like her Mother of a good understanding & judgment and well grounded in the branches of a solid education & withal most sincerely precious. No novel reader nor lover of vain things she will not talk with you much:but she will understand all that you say to her, and appreciate your excellent sermons and I trust, by the grace of God which she has [?] to call for by diligent prayer, “will practice them.” I know that you will not permit her to be “led into temptation”-- so dar as you can be the means of preventing it. And this is the reason I send her to you; which I would not to to any other person I know. All I dread is the evils and dangers in traveling in the Steam Boats where Man is always in much vice and sin. But Dudley, the best and most obedient of brothers will be with her. And more than all this the presence of Jehovah will go along with her to shield her from harm!
Oh! if it were not for this my faith the parting with her would send my heart in pieces.
This subject of sending away my beloved children in my old age bust be mine apology for not as yet even acknowledging your good letter of the 13th of Feb: I thank you for your advice and sae opinions: God Grant that I may profit by them. I am pleased and grateful for what you say of Springfield and Cross Creek. Most heartily do I sympathise with Dear Mr. Wells in the ill health and the worldly embarrassments of his worthy son my ever [?] Alexander[.] may all things work together for their final good. They “love God” & therefore have a promise that it shall be so. God’s promise-- and did he ever break his word. Your letter says no: and I believe you & all you say so much to the purpose on this head. All that makes me displeased with is that you seem to think I am trusting in God more than i do. I am, I tell you sincerely, most unworthy on this head. I have leaned and still lean on an arm of flesh to my confession and [shame] and stand in need of your prayer continually. Even Philander’s example & dying advice are too frequently forgotten by me my breast is torn with murmurings: an Almighty arm alone can safe[sic] me. And to him who saved Peter sinking I am constantly obliged to apply: and O that I might apply as he did in faith.
Don’t rely too much on my going to the Convention. My poor Diocese requires all the time I can spare from the attention which I mist give to my farm or starve the coming winter. Something I have rd. from Virginia legacy (did the Yankees ever think of me when on their deathbed?) sufficient to pay a man to dig coal for me while the boys for the first winter of their life had some time for their schooling: but this all gone & as much more: who will die next & think of me in dying I know not: perhaps some: I can say no more at present both for want of room & inclination to continue this there there/will close with begging to be most kindly remembered to Mr. & Mrs Wells to dear Rebecca & my dear grand Daughter to Alexander and all who think of
Your loving Uncle
P. Chase