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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 granddaughter Mary Olivia to let her know that Dudley's health is improving. He addresses the political situation with England and is grateful that it is looking peaceful.
Date
1-20-1846
Keywords
Philander Chase, Mary Olivia Chase, Jubilee College, Dudley Chase, Sarah Chase, John C. Calhoun, England, Sophia Chase, politics, sickness, illness, health, medicine, farm, construction, mill
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Mary Olivia Chase" (1846). Philander Chase Letters. 1253.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/1253
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Transcript
Jubilee College 20th Jan 46
My dear Grand Daughter Mary Ohio
Your letter of the 29th of last month reached us a few days ago. It gave us much pleasure to learn that you were all in good health. I wish I could say the same with regard to your dear Uncle Dudley. He has been so ill for several weeks that I thought proper to interdict his preaching or reading prayers: His complaint seems to be of a billious[sic] character; and today he has taken active medicine to try to carry it off. The snow falling and the wind blowing I went over to see him in the morning and urged him to take the Medicine. This evening Mrs Chase my wife wrote to Sarah to know if she desired some one to sit up with Dudley and keep up the fires. If so she would send for Philander to come to Inglesides. But Sarah returns for answer that Dudley is much better and that the medicine having had a good effect the fever was going off and that Dudley now had the prospect of a good nights rest. This is good news and instead of desponding we are all of a cheerful countenance.
Your Aunt Mary is well except in periodical headaches. We were both pleased to read the Review of the Rev. Mr Croswells letter to Bp Eastburn. May all attempts to spread Puseyism and to withstand the rebukes which they deserve with Mock Reverence while hatred wrankles[sic] in the heart meet with the like just chastisement. Pray who is this Mr. [Laius]? Another thing which cheers us all is the hope of continued peace with England. What a blessing has this Mr Calhoun been to our dear Country; if his efforts be crowned with success! A war with England now that Steam has produced such multiplied and dreadful means of Death & distruction[sic] and those means in her hands being so inexpressibly greater than they are or can soon be in our power, would in its very commencement deprive me of all enjoyment and in the end kill me. Oh May God in mercy avert it for Christ’s sake.
We are getting on amazingly well with our affairs. One Church has already been consecrated in this County since I came home. Two more in our immediate vicinity are nearly ready for use. Add to this the fact of the great success of our School of the Prophets. Our number is 48 mostly designed for the Ministry. Two thirds of them are Beneficiaries. Well! say you what of these! Do they continue to be supported by my distant friends? I answer, No! What then must be done? An’r I know not but still to have faith in God. “Jehovah Jireh” is still my motto. And tho’ I die in repeating it--the same will serve me for another world.
Tell your G Father that our Mills progress but slowly. The saw mill goes, tho’ the water never was lower. The Burr Stones are both down--tho’ but one of them has begun to grind and that Corn only. The Millwrights are at work and so I fear will continue for many days at 2$ per day!! Mercy on us he will say the[se] expenses will [?] Bp! But I say Patience--Never was I more encouraged than at present. All who have beheld these two [run] of Burr Stone, the two bolts and the Smut machine and the Elevators and so forth are mightily pleased and say they are first rate. I think this is the western way of coming at a Superlative. By the by Alexander Wells Chase Sarah’s lovely boy is the best exemplification of the Superlative I know of. I wish his Grand Father Wells could see him.
So you see I am coming to the end of my letter without giving you any Good Advice[.] I am sorry for it for I know you need it. One thing you may be sure of--viz that you have the prayers and blessing of your aged but most affectionate Grand Father Bishop Chase