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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 tells Dudley about the conclusion of his wife's illness, the progress of the schoolhouse building, and his recent appeal to the clergymen of the South.
Date
8-18-1839
Keywords
Sophia Chase, illness, schoolhouse, appeal
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Dudley Chase" (1839). Philander Chase Letters. 1114.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/1114
Rights Statement
Transcript
Robin’s Nest. [?]: Aug 18-1839
Dear Brother:
I know you and all our friends in [W] are [anxious] to hear how the sickness of my dear Wife has terminated. Blessed by God, the disease has passed away: but has left her frame in great weakness: and much time and careful nursing will be required to restore her to health. At present she can not turn herself on the bed and needs watchers through the night and the [livelong] day. When perfectly awake (for she sleeps I fear too much) she talks of things and friends most dear with great feeling and judicious remark. So that I have evidence that her mind is not impaired by the late dreadful shock of sickness. As I remarked in my last so it continues to be a source of great joy to me that she gives most satisfactory evidence of most exemplary faith. God’s will is her will and all her will. As when she thought herself leaving us so now when [?] has returned [?] she may continue with us she evidently does it because it is the will of God. This is as it should be.
I write this on Sunday. We have had church Mr. S Chase read prayers and myself preached. Ms. Russel on dear Lucia staid with my invalid wife while Sarah and Mary and her brothers Henry and Philander attended service. Our Cabin (you’ll recall it) is our Church yet we [trust], such is the decency of our arrangements, by the manners of our Condition. All the audience seem to be worshippers. They all kneel. And all join in the service.
Soon I trust the “Chapel” will be finished. The roof is ready; on [end] the floor will soon be in their place.
I think I sent you a copper plate drawing of this schoolhouse and chapel. There is an alteration in the execution of the plan. Instead of one story, the schoolhouse grant has two stories the upper designed for females dormitories and a [?] gallery of 10 feet right opposite the open loft which is situated over the Chapel. Mr and Mrs. S Chase are much gratified with their newly finished house: and all [?] begin to look like home to them.
The printer at [Peoria] Mr. Davis was here a few days ago and [went] over the ground and viewed the buildings. Since his relation to [?] I hear he has [shaken] very favourably in his paper: and commented with [expression] of [?] satisfaction on the Recommendation which Bishop Rowan of S. Car’a gave in his Gospel Messenger of Charleston.
When I can get a no of this paper I will send it to you.
I have lately sent an appeal to the Southern Churchmen! I [hope] there is someone in your neighborhood who takes this paper. If not I beg you to subscribe for it. It [bids] fair to become much more efficiently and heartily my friend than any of the middle or [northern] religious papers. Time will show.
(# printed in Richmond [?] tho Mr Meade is the [printer])
Now I have come to my last page. I would pile it with expressions of kindness to you and dear [?] and all Friends in Randolph and Bethel and [Royalton]. But I have to write to Dudley my dear Son in Michigan who no doubt is suffering with anxiety if even one mail is neglected at this critical period. So praying for blessings on you and all you think do and say I am
Your loving Brother
Philander Chase