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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
Death of Intrepid Morse's wife; updates on Chase's health; the benefits of taking the presidency of Cincinnati College
Date
7-8-1822
City
Cincinnati, OH
Keywords
Mrs. Morse; Mary Brewer; Cinncinnati College; Mrs. Osborne; Sarah; Dudley Chase; Mary Chase; Worthington, OH; farm
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Philander Chase Jr" (1822). Philander Chase Letters. 121.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/121
Rights Statement
Transcript
Cincinnati July 8 1820
My dear Son,
Your two letters conveying the melancholy - the distressing tidings of dear Mrs. Morse’s untimely death were received before I left home which was last Monday, this day week. I immediately on the reception of the former wrote to [dear] Intrepid and indeavoured to comfort him, but poor is human comfort compared with that from above: therefore he was directed there whence alone in the balm of human woe. Not that I considered him in any wise ignorant of the [?] of consolation: but my endeavour was to exhort him to practice himself what he has so successfully taught unto others - that resignation to the will of God, which is the crown of our faith. O that his and our Savr might support him in this, his greatest need! And that we, by his example, might learn how to suffer! For a considerable time before I left home I had been afflicted with the Dysentery: so that it was doubtful if I should be able to fulfill my appointments at Dayton, this place, [?]: But, on Monday, tho’ very ill in the morning, I mustered courage in the afternoon to proceed across the woods. I was obliged to travel very fast to redeem lost time, and I fear injured myself by reason of the weakness of my bowels, by riding. I made out to reach Springfield Da[yton] [?] this place time, and to hold service according to appointment: but alas! I am afflicted by a constant pain especially when I [?] my [?] by walking or stepping hastily, which I fear will never leave me. I have, however, fixed on next Thursday for returning home by way of Dayton Hamilton Piqua and Urbana. May the Lord strengthen me to bear the journey.
While at Dayton coming hither I saw Eben. Brewer, the brother of Mary Brewer, your second cousin. I gave him a letter to you hoping he would go thro’ Z, or if he did not, the Letter was to be forwarded. It was but a scroll, but it was designed to apprise you of the reception of a letter from the Trustees of Cincinnati College, of my unanimous appointment to the presidency. At first I tho’t little of it: But since coming here, the business assumes a serious shape. Messrs. Osborne and Johnn aided by the very assiduous attention of all the Trustees have almost persuaded me to leave my farm in W. and once more lead a City life. They promise, my every surety required, to afford me $1800 per ann: together with a sufficient douceur at the outset, to in[?] me for the sacrifice necessary in a sudden removal. The Cabinet work necessary in furnishing my house they say they’ll procure free of expense to me and something to help my removal. Tomorrow they are to call on me and receive my answer.
As to the duty expected of me the Rev. M. Osborne informs me it will be light. The general superintendence of the literary interests of the Institution, and the hearing of the senior class in Belles lettres presiding at Commencements [?]. The vacations, four weeks in the spring and seven in the fall would afford me time to visit one half the Diocese one year: and the other could be visited the succeeding year: so that thus my duties could be made coincident. As to the crowding of so many of us into one place, which at first seemed to me an insuperable objection, it is thus obviated. Mr. J if his pulpit be supported can make excursions in the country and visit vacant parishes and destitute people so as nearly to balance the evil.
Now what, you’ll say, will become of my farm - my trees, my lambs and my cattle? - [?] Rent the whole establishment on as good terms as I can: or if that can’t be done sell or given them away. I wish i could see you with your dear Mother if it were only for a few hours on my return home. This I tell you will be after spending next Sunday at Dayton, Mon. at Troy, Tuesday and Wednesday at Piqua, and Thursday at Urbana. So that Friday night or Saturday morning I shall be (God willing) at home. If you can not come write me your wishes - Far from feeling elated at the prospects above named I feel an unusual depressing of spirits. This I can not account for; except it be by reason of my ill health which God sends upon me to keep me humble.
The chief course of my joy at removing from W. arises from a hope of its being favourable to Mrs. Chase’s happiness. To have removed her from N. York to the woods and thus buried her alive, has always stung my conscious with a kind of remorse. Here she will find those who resemble the elegant society to which she has been accustomed. Here her pure mind will not be so frequently disturbed by the viperlike hissing of envy or the toadlike croaking of malice and atheism. My poor babes too Sarah Dudley Henry and Mary do not [?] plead in for [?] of removing hither and I think so. And who knows but that I may stand a greater chance of enjoying your dear society here than elsewhere? If this College prospers: who can say but that you may not bless me, with your company. But [?]! None of this hereafter.
There is I firmly believe a particular Providence in all things and tho’ not always visible, yet here I humbly think it is. Many reasons concur in making me fully believe this, which I will give you when we next meet which I pray be soon. In the meantime let our hearts be drawn more and more in piety and gratitude to God who orders all things for the best.
If this event be rightly used it will (whether according with or contrary to our worldly interest and quiet) turn out for the benefit of yourself and your loving father
Phil. Chase