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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
Intrepid provides general updates to his wife and daughter regarding recent visitors and the health of family and friends. He also transcribes a "Traveller's Hymn" by Mr. Croswell.
Date
4-15-1839
Keywords
Philadelphia, New York, Dudley Chase, Catherine, Owens, Mary Chase, Mr. Gray, Cross Creek, Mr. Foster, Elizabeth Johnston, Mary Jane Johnston, Dr. Andrew, Pittsburgh, Traveller's Hymn, Mr. Croswell, Boston, Anne, Hartford
Recommended Citation
Morse, Intrepid, "Letter to Rebecca Morse" (1839). Philander Chase Letters. 1112.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/1112
Rights Statement
Transcript
Steubenville April 15, 1839
My dear wife,
I rec’d yours of the 8th from Philadelphia late on Saturday evening, and now early on Monday hasten to answer it that my letter may reach you if possible while in New York, which it will do by usual course of mail should you remain there as proposed a full week. I need not say how thankful we feel to the bountiful giver of all good that you have been [preserved] thus far on your journey in health and peace and safety. Those also whom you have left behind are in their usual health and comfort. Father has been feeble but is rapidly gaining strength since he began a few days since to make use of Saratoga water. Sister Catherine appears quite well gain -- walks to town & back -- oversees domestic affairs &c. as usual. Owens & Her have not arrived, but are expected. I have just rec’d a letter from Dudley C. who is well & says that the assessor has brought in a bill lately of twelve dollars tax on Mary’s lot for a school house. N.B. I mean to remit it and as much more to pay all taxes that may accrue I have done with it - for the “burr oaks” at this rate are too expensive to keep long on hand; unless they shall greatly increase in value, it will be best soon to part with them to the highest bidder. But this by the way for I did not mean to trouble you in this letter with a single bit of temporal cares on earthly troubles.
Rev’d Mr Gray was with us on yesterday week and I of course want to [Cross] Creek where i found the new church almost ready, indeed entirely completed except seats, pulpit & desk, and it is their intention to make the “old ones,” in the former church “do for the present i.e. probably they will continue them in use & thereby spoil all.
On Friday 12th. Mr. Foster came for his children and on Sat. P.M. they left us by steam boat for Pittsburgh & [?]. They had become so much attached to the “hill” as to be quite unwilling to leave it even to go home. (By the by, the goose made battle with Elizabeth & Mary Jane (Johnston) and put them both to flight, with great outcries by all parties, one day last week, to the no small diversion of the beholders.) So you see I am left quite alone: none but poor puss & the little lame chicken to run & meet me when I visit our deserted [council]. Poor things! They, like myself, appear more affectionate in their solitariness - they seem to sigh & look & look & sigh for the other members of the family whom they will see no more for long days & weeks & months: and although I do all in my power to make them comfortable, yet, alas, they will not be comforted while Mary & mother are not here.
Yesterday (Sund.) at 4 o’clock P.M. I attended the funeral of Doct. Andrew’s sweet little babe. It had been better & worse by turns from the time you left. & finally fell asleep in Jesus early on Friday 12 inst. The parents are smitten & afflicted, but resigned to the will of the Lord, and are enabled to say with the [?] of old, “It is well with the child.” A large concourse of people attended the funeral.
I met the other day with a Traveller’s Hymn by the Revd. Mr Croswell of Boston, one of the best men & sweetest of poets of our days which for our mutual benefit I will here transcribe for your use.
“Lord! go with us; and we go
Safely through the weariest length,
Travelling if Thou willst it so,
In the greatness of thy strength.
Through the day & through the night
O’er the land, and o’er the sea,
Guide the wheel & steer the bark --
And bring us where we fain would be.
In the self-controlling car,
[Mid] the engine’s iron din,
Waging elemental war,
Flood without and fire within;
Through the day & through the night,
O’er the land & o’er the sea,
Guide the wheel & steer the bark
Bring us where we fain would be.
And now, dear wife & child, farewell -- The Lord bless you & keep you in all your ways, & at length bring you in health, safety & peace to the earthly house where you would be, & finally to a heavenly & eternal state of blessedness & glory, is the prayer of your loving husband & father,
Int. morse
(Write frequently & fully - Anne means to write you at Hartford - Love to All)
For my safe take care of your health