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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 his travel to and the beginning of his stay in Quincy.
Date
4-19-1850
Keywords
Philander Chase, Samuel Chase, Reverend Allen, Captain Chase, Mr. Gidding, Mr. Trufit, Mr. Selwood, Quincy, Edwards, Collinsville, St. Louis, bad weather, weather, inclement weather
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Samuel Chase" (1850). Philander Chase Letters. 1355.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/1355
Rights Statement
Transcript
Quincy House. Friday 19th Apl 1850
To the Rev Saml Chase
Very dear Sir;
I have a few minutes to spare, from the many calls made since my arrival in this place, and devote them in writing a “few lines” to you whom I can not cease to love.
Yesterday I made out, by resting once on the way sitting on a pile of plank at the side of the street, to go down two or three squares, and drink tea with the Rev. George P. Gidding. He shewed me a drawing of a Church 90 feet long made by Mr Upjohn New York. It exhibits a beautiful structure but I fear too expensive for the Congregation of Episcopaleans[sic] in this place. It has hitherto been found so: and many are made to mourn at the pertinacity with which the plan has been thus far adhered to. I shall have to hold confirmation in the little old building next sunday without the hope of seeing things better during my life
Many have come to Quincy lately and the effect has been to increase the Congre’n, not with rich, but industrious, citizens. Among these are the sons of the Rev E. Allen,and of my name sake, Cap’t Chase, whose wives have desired the confirmed. I spoke very plainly to these gentlemen on their apparent dereliction of their baptismal vows and urged them to repentance and a godly life. One at least (Allen) has sent in his name to Mr Gidding for that primitive privilege of acknowledging Christ before men; and Mr Chase has just left my room I hope similarly impressed.
Mr [Trufit] sits at the Head of the Dinnertable here in the Quincy House surrounded with his Wife and Daughters. He is very civil and obliging to me and Mr. T. has called in to see Mrs. C. I am this day to drink tea at Mr. Erskines and thence shall be carried to Church. What I can say I know not. I can not read my M.S. and my heart beats at the thoughts of making talkative blunders.
I expect Mr. Selwood to come & see me while here; as to my going to Mendon thro’ the very bad roads the thing seems out my reach. I could not go to Edwards & Collinsville--nor could I even land at St. Louis on acct of the Mud. My passage up the River was pleasant but my landing at Quincy was in the Rain and cold snowy weather.
What has been the effect of the cold weather at Jubilee, I tremble to know-- Why don’t you write and tell me? Now and then a stary re-mailed letter with the Robins Nest postmark reaches me but none from under the hand of any on “the hill” has met my eye since I left Springfield.
My Gen’l Health is good but my lameness increases.
With the most affectionate regards to dear Sarah & Mrs Russell and love to the Children I am
Your faithful friend &
Ser’t
Phi’r Chase