A. E. Warley

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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

Miss Warley informs Philander Chase of the death of Colonel Richardson.

Date

9-21-1840

Keywords

Philander Chase, A.E. Warley, Col. Richardson, death

Transcript

[Totness] 21st Sept. 1840

Rev’d & Dear Father in God,

When I received your aff’te favor in Ch[arleston] I was about preparing to come to this place, and conclude[d] [to] put off my grateful reply till I could be with your [?] of St. Matthew’s whom you thought so highly of, and regarded with so much affection. I soon found sickness at Col Richardson’s in Dr Cheves, there my Aunt was sick, and one of his nieces very ill, all of this took up much time, and I continued to procrastinate tho my heart was with you in all thankfulness for the time, & trouble you had bestowed on me, which I did not expect, and therefore, if possible felt the more grateful to you, for your satisfactory letter. I little knew then that ere I did write, I should have to give you the most melancholy, heartrending tidings I could well convey to you, even the death of your sincere friend Col. Richardson, oh! its sudden, inexp[?] blow is hard to bear, my Aunt seems quite resigned and grieves only as a christian, not without hope, [and] not have him back, still it is, & long will be a [?] grievous stroke. I was particularly attached to him and he to me, in the most affectionate manner, he a friend in every possible way, then judge of my los[t] feelings consequently when my blinded eyes were open[ed] by the reality, that he was really gone forever from earth.

Col R. was taken sick on Tuesday, 25th ultimo, yet he went to his plantation had a very hot fever that night, came up the next day, when he looked extremely bad but went about, was very sick next day, I saw him Friday afternoon when he appeared better, he had chill & fever every other day, on Sunday he was on the bed but very weak, he only spoke [when] addressed, and I thot. he seemed better, helped to dress his [cata]plasms on his arms; I observed he looked at me for some moments in a most affectionate but melancholy manner, yet I left him to converse with Rev’d Mr Johnson hoping to find him better in the afternoon, but I never went in to see him again, Mon’y. while I was there he was drowsy, my Aunt was not aware of his danger,t il I left her when a sudden great change took place, and that night we went over (my Sister & family) and I saw him from the hall while the Physicians & friends were trying every remedy, till his spirit was gently taken up, we trust to Him who gave it. Mr Johnson was gratified with the conversation he had, and only wishes he had proposed administering the com’n for he thinks he would have partaken of it, and I know that my dear friend was pre[par]ing for receiving it with right feelings, he had most correct views of its being taken unworthily, & the awful condemnation incurred thereby, this my knowledge of his improving in spiritual feelings, tho gradual & silent to most others, together with all his charitable, benevolent actions, always done in humility of heart & mind, had me to hope that his spirit is with Christ: “for he trusted in a just & merciful God, who said, ‘he that believeth shall be saved.’” this he [told] a short time ago, do you not think we have great hope he is saved? he died on 31st at night, next day, he was [?] his servants, my eldest nephew with me followed next, with other nephews & Dr Cheves to the church, where the inhabitants assembled, Rev’d [Mr] J read the service very solemnly & [feebly] he was taken to his lowest place & buried with his [?] his house now is desolate, all the family were taken to Columbia for fear of more fever, & when I go there to [?] to some business for my Aunt, my heart is bent with grief, but don’t think that one [?], or repining thought enters my mind, I am perfectly resigned and submissive to His will, and no other do I wish, while I remain in this world, I wait for His will, trusting I may be fit to appear in His presence forever, but only thro Christ’s merits & for His sake only. Many, many depended on our inestimable friend for help and support. now they will be provided with another. I don’t know yet if he left a will, after a frost Aunt will go home, & then look for one.

I am going to Charleston with my Nephew to fix him his last term at the The’l seminary NY. I shall be [?] and take it as a particular favor, if you will write me, when you can bestow any time, on such as I am. I hear of you often with gratitude to Him, who protects and blesses you in all things, and may He continue to do is the fervent prayer of yr humber, aff’te friend who is respec[ted]

Yrs in Christ

A.E. Wa[rley]

_________________

Charleston, 30th S

Before I left [Totness] I saw that you had promptly written to [?] afflicted Aunt, no doubt a letter full of comfort and kind frie[ndship.] I must request Dr Waring to direct this to you, I trust it will find you in health, and prospering in your good cause. I wish [?] nephew, James W. [Miles], may be so fortunate as to meet with you, & become acq[uainted]

with one so dear to us all, who were so privileged in your society [?] such a little time, it would be great joy if you could visit here again. If you can favor me my Dear Sir, do say what your route will be, and [?] going on successfully. Our Bishop is quite well, & seems very active in his [?] and rec’d it as intended, knowing yr good opinion, & high esteem of my beloved, & lamented friend, too dear, ever to be forgotten. Accept my aff’te good wished, [and prayers] for yr continued good health & happiness, I eternal happiness hereafter.

yrs resp’ly

Direct to Miss A.E. Warley

Letter to Philander Chase

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