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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 describes his religious duties at Jubilee College and provides an update on the construction of the "Cottage" and grounds of the College.
Date
5-22-1842
Keywords
Philander Chase, Mary Olivia Chase, Jubilee College, construction, Robins Nest, Church, cottage
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Mary Olivia Chase" (1842). Philander Chase Letters. 1149.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/1149
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Transcript
Robins Nest 22 May 1842.
My dear Grand Daughter
Mary Ohio
A sweet name it is! They do say, you think I have forgotten you! Never can this be while life I have. But I will assure you I am nearly worn out now, for I have to work night and day: and Sunday the hardest of all, Today, Trinity Sunday I have confirmed poor sick Edward Brigby, preached twice and administered the Holy Communion to 32 nearly half our number of Communicants the rest being detained by reason of inclement weather. On week days I am obliged to attend to the workmen in finishing off Jubilee Cottage and its stable, barn, and other adornments, not forgetting the the[sic] board fences for enclosures the 7 gates the spacious garden and the Lawn [something] for the girls filled with trees growing on the green grass. But my cash is now nearly all gone as you will see by the accompanying Statement.
By the by; the Engraving alluded to is not yet come from St. Louis. It shall be sent you soon.
You know that old people are apt to have bad pens. It is so now for the young men steal their pen knives and their eyes grow dim in the bargain. But this shall not hinder me from writing on, to you, dear Mary. Dudley and Sarah are quite well. I dine with them every week day being only across the road from the dear Cottage. They say this name the “Cottage” will have to be given up because of the comparative magnitude of the building. Why, will you believe it? It is 3 stories high in one place! Don’t laugh at this: for it is indeed so; and a fine dormitory up aloft there never was; and then to think of the Library room-- the large dining room & parlour on the ground floor and the two teaching rooms besides dormitories in the 2’d story. Glad I am that it is now nearly finished.
The garden will be done ploughing tomorrow: if God should be pleased to bless us. But as I was saying about your aunt Sarah & uncle Dudley-- They were quite content. Certainly they are well employed. She in her housewifery; he in reading his books & preparing for the Ministry. You would be surprized[sic] to witness how well he is getting on. He and his fellow Student Dr. Southgate passed a very good examination lately, and then to see what great interest Dudley takes in the Sunday Schools- both on the Hill and at Charleston 4 mils off; at which the latter place he goes every suday[sic] afternoon-- in the morning he instructs in the College School rooms, and if I may judge from the few times I have overheard him [?] the boys and praying with them, I have great reason to rejoice that I have another son like your angel Father.
Your aunt Mary and Mary Moore came home to the Robins Nest with me today-- it is vacation, and they will stay here till we all go to the Convention next week at Rushville
Philander is now nearly as stout as his father
His teachers say he is doing well. Henry & his wife are well. Indeed we have great reason to be thankful for general health on the Hill.
Tell your Grand Father that I never shall forget him and the pleasure I had anticipated in his loved society. Tell Ann that she is never forgotten when we tell over the names we love. Tell your dear Mother & Hon’d Father they always are remembered in my prayers: and be assured yourself of the never dying love of your poor old Illinois grandfather
Phil’r Chase the first