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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 has read his granddaughter Laura's letter from July and is grateful for the updates on the health of the family. He asks her to inform him of Rachel Denison's health when she goes to visit her. He then writes that the drought has devastated most of his crops and he is struggling to plan for the winter. Finally, he updates Laura on the "Romanism" situation and his letter to the Bishops.
Date
8-14-1843
Keywords
Philander Chase, Laura Chase, Rachel Denison, Catholic Church, drought, Jubilee, farming, health, illness, religion, Episcopal Church, Romanism, Catholicism
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Laura Chase" (1843). Philander Chase Letters. 1195.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/1195
Rights Statement
Transcript
Aug’t 14 43
Jubilee
Dear Laura
Your letter of the 6th of July was not r’d till last night. I am glad to hear that my dear Brother Dudley & Aunt Olivea are well though they never write to me. I rejoice to learn that Brother Simeon and Sister Alice are also well and able to attend Church and that my Noble Benefactor and beloved Nephew Asa Smith is able yet to manage his affairs in their usual prosperous manner. Your mother & Sister & Mr Flint I trust are well also, though you do not mention them.
Dear Aunt Denison, I fear from what you say, is still very ill. I am glad to hear that you are going to see her. When you do so note down every thing she says and let me know the state of her mind. The news that her Son James has made a conspicuous figure in the Convention of the Epis’c Church in Texas and thereby given testimony that he still loves the ways of Zion must give my dear Sister Rachael the sweetest comfort. With this consolation may there come down on her precious head the choicest of Heavens blessings the graces of the Holy Ghost.
And now dearest Laura: I would say something of myself: who but for the love and partiality you bear me am of little consequence.
My health is better than when in my town to the south: but my cares have increased beyond all expectation since my return. The Drought has been here truly distressing. Till yesterday no rain to speak of for 7 or 8 weeks. The oats nearly cut off--the grass but poor and the corn in more than half of the fields dried up & irrecoverably lost. What we shall do for wheat (which was entirely destroyed by the last hard winter) we know not except to buy; & this with out money is a difficult thing. We have a few goods in the store to pay the hands who are at work on our West Wing now nearly up. It is of Stone two stories & 3 feet in length[.] Our Flock of sheep about 500 now becomes an object of solicitude. But why speak of temporal things when the cloud that hangs over our Spiritual Jerusalem is so black & portentous!
I have written to all the Bishops about the “Man of Sin” and his wicked endeavours to creep unawares into our peaceful Church. I have told them that it is my opinion we must do something & that very soon to put down Romanism--or perhaps we never sha[ll] meet together again in peace. And were it not that I am so obscure a person and have so little influence in the East, living as I do in the far west I should hope my advice w’d be taken and that we should all or very nearly all, write in stopping the breach in our heavenly City’s[sic] so that no more of the Enemy would rush in upon us.
Never did I lament my insignicance[sic] and want of talent and influence as I now do. Perhaps you may hear from me again soon-- if not by letter- by sone other wat. Mem: When I send you anything tell me of its reception and what you think. Get all the information you can pro: and con: and let me know. My duties are [?] to [?] my saying any thing more than to tell you we are all well & send love-- much love to you and all friends- Your affectionate Grand Father
Philander Chase