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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 describes the death and funeral of his infant grandson Philander IV.
Date
12-5-1846
Keywords
Philander Chase, Rachel Denison, Samuel Chase, Ann Chase, Philander Chase IV, Philander Chase Jr., Dudley Chase, Mary Olivia Chase, Ann Wells, mills, crops, farming, winter, summer, weather, wool, sheep, money, finances, illness, death
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Rachel Denison" (1846). Philander Chase Letters. 1282.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/1282
Rights Statement
Transcript
Jubilee College Illinois Dec’r 5th 1846
Dear Sister Rachel.
I am a sincere mourner for my youngest Child’s Child-- Philander Chase the fourth. He was born while I was at the Convention at Galena some time in June last--was remarkable hearty and had begun to notus and be acquainted with me; and it was perhaps owing to his too gull health that he was seized with fits and indigestion.
On the 2’d of December hearing that he was sick I went to see him as he lay in his Grad[sic] Mother’s arms-- He fixed his dear eyes on me and once smiled sweetly--and then gazed on my face till I left the room. The next morning the 3’d of December he died and on the 4th I went with the Family to the Church and Dudley his uncle read the service. After which the little Relatives and Pall Bearers gathered round his coffin and looked into his lovely countenance.
The procession all followed his remains to the graveyard where he was deposited by the side of Dear Samuels lovely Babes and where also lies the remains of Samuels Brother Dudley--and where if the Lord will will[sic] your own Brother Philander will soon be laid. Fill of this ever this expectation I myself read the Burial Service and felt and still feel consoled.
My dear Son and his sweet Wife Anna weep but it is in silence and in a subdued spirit. We all feel the afflicting stroke--being the first breach in our family since we left Ohio-- God hat begin with the topmost bud and tenderest & youngest branch. The rest will follow in his own good time. Hill[sic] will be done.
Your summer and autumn have been uncommonly warm; producing great debility and followed by [August] [fevers] which though the cold weather has set in still linger among us. Our scholars diminish and nothing is as yet paid for the Beneficiaries. Our trust however is unshaken. He that hath done a good work among us will finish it to his glory
I am now writing my 8th No of my reminiscences and in doing so enjoy over again the pleasing scenes of my second visit to dear Old England.
My granddaughter Mary Olivea Chase and her Aunt Ann Wells from Ohio are with us. They play on our Church Organ and “make a joyful noise” in praising God.
My own Daughter Mary is again afflicted with periodical Headaches which much impair her health and enjoyment.
Owing to the exceeding and long continued dry weather our Streams of Water are very low and it is difficult to prepare our grain for food. Our Mills of course are still a portion of the time[.] Our Henry also has the oversight of all our affairs grieves at this as he does at the low price of our wool--which they say is occasioned by the “Locos”-- Poor fellows they’ll find their punishment in (I fear) an untimely death in Mexico. The Lord have mercy on them!
I would say something more on this last page of my paper--but fear I tire you.
It is saturday night and tomorrow I have to preach to the dear Boys and a few Neighbours. The rest of the Congregation which used to attend have found a place to worship in the Churches (3 in number) lately built in their neighbourhood. These are supplied by our dear Dudley and the Rev Mr. R. Radley who has been with us so long.
You see I grow old by my clumsey[sic] way of writing. But nothing alters my affections for you my beloved Sister and you my Dear Brother Denison. The last throb of my heart will be for your happiness especially in another and a better world. As for the world we live in it matters little now how it goes with you and me. The 52 thousand Pounds Sterling (if it were not a hoax which it is, and one which costs me dear in paying the postages of letters from the fools who write them) would be no source of comfort to us. One word of peace from the Lord Jesus Christ assuring me of pardon for the past & grace for the time to come could be more precious than it all
Ever your faithful & loving Brother
Philander Chase