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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
Discusses power dynamics of pastoral life
Date
8-2-1795
Keywords
New York, Indian Charity School
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Dudley Chase" (1795). Philander Chase Letters. 13.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/13
Rights Statement
Transcript
Indian Charity School August 2nd ‘95
My dearest brother,
Thanks, four thousand thanks for your truly entertaining epistle! I would, if possible, pour my soul out in gratitude to you for saving just one ray of comfort upon the dark horizon, that seems all around [bound] my sight. Comfort! Yes, my brother, more in reading one of your letters, that’s all I receive otherwise for weeks, months or years together. You tell me not to [deform] -- this I by no means do -- that dignity which I have not out [?] will, I trust, never ruffed [?] or bow the once Menial slaves at hellish [?] Banks [?] wound memorable upon the head-- one in my opinion for [?] one [?] since. I had rather be censured by thousands for walking erect than be caressed by [?] for complying tamely with government which is in direct opposition to that spirit of freedom which my God suffered to be planted and [?] my breast. I think your method of treating the ignorant and malicious herd of mankind a very excellent one, and even if it was not, I fancy you would make your [?] positive what was wanting in precept. To treat with contempt has often a much better effect than many stripes, or [which is no bad] the lashes of the tongue.
The contrast you have drawn between your two [?] times I think is tremendously striking. [?] [part of the letter is torn here] I have been, I think, one of these your her[?] [the letter is torn here as well] If she is one. My G-- [the letter is torn here].
But I will my [?] little or this perhaps tender subject the complement you make with regard to your not having sufficient of refined company with [?] turn yourself, I think may be answered by considering your other means, for enjoyment in a [?] and refined attention. There my brother you have the feelings of superiority instead of the [?] -- here you can be a [?] judge, an utmost [?], instead of a summer letter that just broke from your school of discipline-- therefore [?] in my opinion, will forever ballance the objections which you have stated against a country and rustic life. As Pompey said, “I would rather be governor of a [?] of a farm full of poor villagers upon the Alps than the second man in Rome.” Just is the love for superiority. But I do not fear that you will not be [?]. Altho’ you may sometimes have [?] and [?] feelings yet by what would ever oppose you, steer clear, very clear, of the guidance of melancholy and dejectedness. I know that I am too much prone to these feelings, yet I have found a method in which I have experienced a remedy [?] -- to take a view of all mankind at one note then construed myself as a member of the great society [?] [?] one ground by the great and good Governor as the king upon the throne-- this my brother improves me with contemplation of my condition. [The edge of the letter is torn off here] the wind. Time glides away lightly and happiness it’s [?] on the bound.
Our friends at B are all well. Themself was removed from York and as I have heard was made out well. Your letter to Barnet I shall send tomorrow by the post, and Newport, and Daniel. Father whom I well [?] by a trusty [?]. I think I will run off a small epistle written to the young [?] in [?] which I pray you to deliver. I shall address it to Miss Fay as she has the former ones with which this is connected. Therefore a few directions and advice which I promised I would write [?] [?] powers. My [?] out and I will not write any more farwell.
Love
Philander Chase