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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 informs Olivea that, due to financial problems, he is selling his family's farm in Michigan. He also asks her for feedback on his reply to Bishop Benjamin Onderdonk's pastoral letter.
Date
3-8-1844
Keywords
Philander Chase, Olivea Chase, Olivia Chase, Benjamin T. Onderdonk, Bishop Onderdonk, Michigan, Dudley Chase, Mrs. Russell, finances, Epistles
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Olivea Chase" (1844). Philander Chase Letters. 1221.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/1221
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Transcript
To Mrs Olivea Chase
Jubilee College Mar 8th 1844
My dear Sister
Yours of the 14th of Feb. has but just arrived: But long as it has been in coming, never was there a letter more welcome. I have read it over and over again; and so has my dear Wife and Mary: and always with renewed pleasure.
I am rejoiced to find that our dear good Sister Mrs. Cotton is (for her) well; and that Brother Bybe keeps in good health and Spirits.
What you say of Brother Simeon and wife gives me great pleasure. From Laura I hear of the recovered health of Sister Rachael: and last tho’ no least, the gradual mend in your Dear Husband’s Spirits make all together good tindings[sic]: hardly to be expected in persons so advanced in the vale of years. Do give my best love to them all assuring them of my prayers for their welfare.
I thank you for sending me my old Epistles: altho my story had gone beyond the time they embrace, long before they arrived. They may be of use in the 7th Number. It is now nearly finished. Those who have read the manuscript think it is the best of all the previvious[sic] numbers.
I hope by this time you have sent for the numbers to complete your set of this work which is causing me so much trouble and expence. So much have I set my heart on the approbation of yourself and my Dear Brother Dudley, that, were you & he never to read what I have written (chiefly for the inspection of my friends and posterity,) I know not how I could bear the disappointment.
You mention the expectation of my coming to see you next summer. If can get the needful I most surely shall do so. Any Mary will come with me and your sincere friend & Sister, my beloved Wife, will also accompany me, provided the Lord Give us health and strength.
But don’t be too sanguine: Before we can afford to bear so great an expense we must sell our Michigan Farm. For some part of this I have had some offers; but nothing for certain. I have not salary from Illinois to pay half my travelling expenses within the Diocese: and were it not for the presents sent from some good Ladies in Eng’d to my dear Wife the goods for the support of the college expenses w’d go unpaid for in N York - So it is. Yet we go on improving depending on the promise “God will provide”
Our Spring opens very early. Already have I begun to put in garden seeds: and today is a warm rain as in May.
But the old addage [sic] is “Winter does not rot in the sky.” If it prove so this year; if there be season of cold weather late in April our flock will suffer.. But we hope for better things. All this of temporal things. If I speak of Spiritual things. - “such as pertain unto the kingdom of God;” My heart seems to sink within me. What a figure do your good Bishop and myself cut in Bp: B.T.O.’s pastoral letter. - Is this the way to build up the walls of Zion by pointing a “blunder buss” at the head of those whose worst fault is in “contending earnestly for the faith once delivered unto the saints?” - Pray write me what you think of my reply to this awkward [shot] from New York? - I have as yet heard not a word of my letter to that Gentleman yet.
Dudley of whom you inquire so affectionately with his dear Wife and sweet little son are well - Henry’s wife is now nearly well. Her 2’d son is a large fine fellow. All Sam’ls Children Sarah & Mrs Russell are well. You are never forgotten by Mrs R. Her virtues shine as bright as ever. My wife and Mary send love - Your loving Brother
Philander C