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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
Timothy Wiggin writes to Philander Chase about sending missionaries to Jerusalem. He also informs Chase that he has not received any copies of "Reminiscences" which he was meant to distribute in England.
Date
12-1-1841
Keywords
Philander Chase, Timothy Wiggin, religion, Reminiscences
Recommended Citation
Wiggin, Timothy, "Letter to Philander Chase" (1841). Philander Chase Letters. 1146.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/1146
Rights Statement
Transcript
London December 1st 1824
My Dear friend
I have great pleasure in advising you that Mrs Charlotte Maryat[sic] has paid me £70 and taken up your draft on her, which I paid for you long since, with your means. I applied to Mrs. GW Marriott, supposing that you intended it, and that you knew nothing of the other Lady. The former was unable to pay it, but the latter is rich and able to do it without inconvenience. I have desired my agent William Torrey of New York to authorise you to draw on him for the equivalent, and I now authorise you to do so if not done before you receive this--
All my family continues as well as usual, except Dear Mary Jane who has been confined to her bed for 12 months, and I fear without amendment. Her sufferings are great, but her religious principled have enabled her to bear them with extraordinary patience and resignation. I am sorry to say that Mrs GW Mariott[sic] has just experienced another severe affliction. One of her sons went into the Naval Service, a remarkably fine lad, and a universal favorite, who was taken ill and obliged to come home since his return his complaint has affected his brain, and caused distressing apprehensions. I do not bear that it has produced insanity and hope he will recover on his mother’s as well as on his own account. I trust you hear of the great [exertions] made here to introduce and perpetuate the Protestant Episcopal religion to the New Colonies, and of the appointment of Bishops to reside in them. The Bishops and other warm friends of the Church, are not afraid it appears, to place one at Jerusalem and thus take Mahomet and the Pope by the horns. I doubt not much good will result from these exertions. Perhaps there never was a time when more vigilance and sound measures were requisite to prevent the propagation of visionary schemes and their leading well disposed persons, than the present. We have Puseyites at one extreme point and Socialists at the other. There is not however much danger to be apprehended from the latter because their principles in practise work our speedy distraction of morals and domestic happenings. Higher qualifications for the Ministry are now required them at any former period which I doubt not will add much to the respectability and efficiency of our Clergy. Our son William has now decided to take orders. He took his Bachelors degree at Oxford yesterday and we have reason to believe that he is an eminent Classical scholar. He is engaged to be married, some time hence to a daughter of the Hon’ble & very Rev’d Dean of Gloucester, and niece of Lord Dinevor[sic]. The connexion is highly respectable and the young lady unobjectionable, being of good personal appearance and right religious principles and feelings. He cannot take orders till he is 23, near two years hence, but the Dean will then give him a curacy which will be a favourable introduction to the Ministry. Frederick is at Cambridge where he must remain two years longer in order to get his degree. He has entered for the law, for which profession he appears to be naturally qualified. I have Augustus to provide for and if I thought he would make a good Missionary I should be disposed to send him to Jubilee College. He is going on well with Latin Greek & at a good school. Our worthy friend J. Hartwell Horne told me a few days since that he had received some numbers of your reminiscences, but I have not received any, and those who look at me for a supply are somewhat disappointed. By the by do not send the through the post office, because the Reduction in postage here applies chiefly to inland postages. The lowest postage on American letters is about [4] for under half an ounce and according to this rate for greater weight. All my family desire to be most kindly remembered and I remain my Dear friend faithfully and truly yours
T. Wiggin