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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
Summary of Chase's journey to Cincinnati; updates on his and his wife's health
Date
11-28-1822
City
Cincinnati, OH
Keywords
Sophia Chase; travel; health
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Dr. Whetmore" (1822). Philander Chase Letters. 135.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/135
Rights Statement
Transcript
Cincinnati Nov. 28 1822
To Dr. Wetmore at Worthington
Dear Sir,
Your kindness to me in ten thousand instances, especially in my last sickness prompts me to seize the first opportunity to express my gratitude; and tell you how we are.
Our journey hither, in my weak state of body and over such indescribably bad roads seems, in the retrospect incredible. It is on my mind, like a Dream. Was I in my sight understanding to undertake it? - Had you seen us struggling thro’ the mud, in a dark night, now brought up against a stump and now almost overturned in a bottomless slough - the boys scarcely able to point out the road from the difficulty of [choosing] between the many evils before them, my children crying and myself exhausted even of the factitious strength, “the Bark” had afforded - what would you have thought? I was glad I could not hear your reproofs for my temerity. - But I forbear writing on this subject; though the remembrance thereof is like a spectre of Horror.
We arrived here, on Saturday following the time of commencing my journey.
Mrs. Chase, by reason the great fatigue in moving, and putting things to rights, was taken quite sick. Her indisposition, however, thro’ great mercy to us all, continued but a few days; is now quite well. She begs to be remembered both Mrs. W. and yourself.
I have spoken to one of the Medical faculty about the matter with which you charged me. He says that the only care for such a complaint, within the circle of medical science is Sulphurous Fumigation as invented of late, and now administered by that department of Literati. The apparatus for this business is a great desideratum in the Region of the Scioto, now, in all directions, suffering under this very great judgment: one perhaps not exceeded, in point of depriving us of all comfort of living, by any by which Divine Providence has inflicted our land.
All our family will avail ourselves of this as it is said only cure infallible, as soon as the works in readiness.
The affairs of our College go on well. My own health, I trust, is gradually improving.
Pray remember me to inquire after your Friend and obliged Aunt [Ser’t]
Philander Chase