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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 writes to his brother Dudley about his Northeastern travels. He despairs that his daughter might leave the journey early and leave him alone. He has almost finished the Pastoral Letter before the General Convention begins.
Date
9-23-1844
Keywords
Philander Chase, Mary Olivia Chase, Dudley Chase, Pastoral Letter, New York, Philadelphia, General Convention
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Dudley Chase" (1844). Philander Chase Letters. 1235.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/1235
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Transcript
New York 23’d Sep’r 1844
My dear Brother Dudley
My heart still clings to you and my other Brothers and sisters in Vermont. The fewer those who are left the better I seem to love them. I know you can not write to me; but this most painful reflection does not prevent me from writing to you. Dear, dearest Brother! what shall I say to you but that I continue to think of you and pray for you!
You have learned my “whereabouts” and perhaps something that I was doing from the “Christian Witness” newspaper. But nothing of this kind can tell you what I feel as a lonely wanderer far from home: constantly changing with scarcely a fixed hope as to the time of returning to my loved family. My dear Mary beings to feel, as I do, desirous of repose. Perhaps she may accompany [y’r] Regiment whom our dear Samuel will take with him across the mountains. Yet if I stay to complete the “[centum]” of my Jubilee scholarships how can I part with this dear daughter my only travelling companion who if I die can till where my dead body lies. Yet if she insists on going (& there is reason enough to do so) I must submit to be left to plod my weary way alone--all alone:
I am now finishing the Pastoral Letter: but O how poor--how inadequate a thing it is!
Next monday I shall leave this City for that of Philadelphia. There I hope to see our dear Nephew Benj’n W Chase our dear Baruch’s excellent son. There also awaits me a course of duty of the most painful character: viz to preside in the House of Bishops to heal the wounds which she has received from her friends; her own Fathers in the Lord. May God support me or I sink under the great weight of such heavy responsibility!
With the most sincere affection for Sister Olivea and all dear Relatives I am y’r loving Br. Phil’r Chase