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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 informs William Mitchell that his son will not be able to attend Jubilee College on a scholarship because the College is already struggling to provide scholarships to the sons of the Illinois Missionaries.
Date
2-5-1846
Keywords
Philander Chase, William Mitchell, Jubilee College, scholarship, finances
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to William Mitchell" (1846). Philander Chase Letters. 1254.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/1254
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Transcript
To the Rev. W’m Mitchell
Jubilee College Feb. 5. 1846
My dear Sir;
In y’r letter of the 24th ultimo received last night “you propose to send your Son Charles to Jubilee College provided he can be admitted on one of the scholarships.”
I am sorry to say that there are more than twenty on the list of the School who now are not provided for during the coming year.
Very few of the Beneficiaries have paid the advance money for the 2’d year and not one of those who has omitted to so so has signified that he will in future contribute anything.
I am waiting the issue in painful anxiety: from which if I be not speedily relieved the number of our beneficiaries will begin to decrease.
Never was there an Institution of this nature better conducted or more promising in its prospects. Forty eight male scholars besides a few Females who would be much increased had we proper accommodations for Teachers.
The most pleasing feature in this benevolent enterprize was that the missionaries of Illinois who, the whole Church know are not over stocked with “ready means” had, as a saving hand held out to their sinking spirits, the opportunity of giving their children all a christian education in Jubilee College. But it seems this hand has proved no better than a shadow or if ever a reality has been suddenly for no apparent cause, withdrawn so as to make the very heart die with disappointed hope. Who suffers the most agony in this expiring struggle I will leave you to judge. I am old & have tasted much affliction: but this draft of the Cup allotted me by an Alwise Providence is the betterest. I see what I never saw before nor ever expected to see, the Children of laborious and very worthy missionaries suffering for necessary food and raiment and now I behold their parents hide their tears in being told that their [fondly] cherished hopes of a decent education to their Children are no longer to be indulged
The injuries I rec’d by the upturning of the mailcoach last Oc’t on the Alleganies[sic] are not healed but continue to distress me exceedingly.
I am your faithful friend &
Obedient Servant in Christ
Philan’r Chase