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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
Bishop Jackson Kemper expresses his support for Chase's Reminiscences and the founding of Christian schools. He then defends the Reverend David Griffith, who has been transferred, describing him as "sincere" and "pure-hearted" despite his "queer" and "eccentric" tendencies.
Date
5-11-1841
Keywords
St. Louis, injury, Vincennes, Wisconsin, Christian schools, Reminiscences, Rev. David Griffith, Rev. Benjamin Hutchins, Bishop of Maryland, religion
Recommended Citation
Kemper, Jackson, "Letter to Philander Chase" (1841). Philander Chase Letters. 1139.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/1139
Rights Statement
Transcript
St. Louis, Mo.
11th May, 1841.
My dear Bishop,
I regret I was not at St. Louis when you passed through here on your way to and from Cairo. Before this I trust you have quite recovered from the injury which your leg received. If I can be of any service to you I beg you to command me. After wandering about the Valley for six years I hope to have a home by next spring. Before this month has elapsed I expect to be at Vincennes and during July I presume I shall ascend the Mississippi to Wisconsin.
I congratulate you upon the admirable success you met with during your tour last year. Now, I am thoroughly convinced is the time for us to lay the foundation for at least one Christian School in each State and Territory of this immense region.
I beg to be considered a subscriber to your Reminiscences. It will doubtless be a very interesting work - the record of one whose trials and experience have been great - and who now, pausing as it were from his labours to survey with calmness the events that have occurred, can impart information to the Church, edification to her Members, and encouragement to her youthful ministers. While speaking the truth in meekness and love I pray you to give the minutest particulars, relative to the foundation and growth of our own Zion, in those various places to which your earliest efforts were directed.
I hereby acknowledge the transfer of the Rev. David Griffith.
The Rev’d Benjamin Hutchins requested [now] a few months since to plead with you for him. He is certainly very eccentric - but I consider him a sincere, pure-hearted man. Perhaps he might supply a station which no one else would take. I once heard the present Bishop of Maryland, who knew him at the theological Seminary, speak of his disposition and intentions in high terms. Among other queer things [he] attempts at [?] to be witty in his letters. [N]ow [?] wit, not being often understood, is generally offensive - yet I am sure he means no harm.
Believe me Rt. Rev’d & dear Sir
Very truly yr friend & bro:
Jackson Kemper