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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 asks his sister Rachel to continue praying for him as he does for her.
Date
2-20-1852
Keywords
Philander Chase, Rachel Denison, prayers, Royalton, Vermont, garden, seeds, fruit, trees, crops, winter
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Rachel Denison Sr. (sister)" (1852). Philander Chase Letters. 1380.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/1380
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Transcript
Jubilee College Feb 20 AD 1852
Dear Sister Rachel,
I can not give up the pleasure of an immediate correspondence with you: although it seems you are not in health to hold the pen in your own hand. How thankful I am to find that you possess in your dear Daughter so able an amanuensis. I trace in her affectionate expressions your continued love for your far distant Brother “Philander” as I delight to be called by you as when we played together in childhood
How things have altered since then! Had I then realized what has intervened the very sight of my sufferings and disappointments and cruel treatment from my fellow beings would I fear have made me crazy
Blessed be Soveregn[sic] Disposer of events all was then kept in mercy from my view; and as the events occurred grace was always given to bear singly what was meted out for my chastisement in mercy to my soul. Your prayers for me I was always sure of and as I knew they were offered in faith, comfort came to me like the sun shining in a dark place on a benighted traveller
You also Dear Sister have [asked] the benefit of my prayers in the times of your sufferings and sorrows I tried always to obey your wishes, but could never rid myself of the consciousness of my unworthiness and never found relief but in throwing myself at the foot of the Cross and handing my petitions to HIm who alone intercede for us at the Right hand of the Majesty on High.
To Him let us always repair especially now when so spoon we expect to be called before him. Hand in hand let us together approach the Mercy Seat in spirit and truth--implo[r]ing His Support when we most need it in the hour of death and in the day of judgment.
I sent your letter to our Dear Lucia for her perusal and comfort[.] All her Vermont friends are dear to her, and cherished in her heart. Surrounded as she is with a flock of Lambs whom she feedeth every hour and cleaneth often with her maternal hand yet she thinks of friends far away.
Sarah Samuel the mother of these sweet babes is nearly recovered from an attack of influenza so common among us thus cold winter now I hope mainly passed away
We are triming[sic] our fruit trees raking the rank weeds from our graden[sic] patches and counting up the [measure] of our Garden Seen. By this you [sufer] that our Snow is all gone. We wish that like you we might enjoy still longe[sic] period of sleighing. The Wheat Crops I also fear will suffer from exposure to the weather.
I wrote you lately about our fear of losing our half section (320 acres) of land on which our buildings and improvement are. Nothing is as yet done to relieve our anxieties for the College which otherwise was never before in so flourishing condition.
My dear Wife is recovering from the Influenza and sends her best love
Mary-Mrs. Chamberlain, still suffers occasionally her returns of Sick Nervous headache but is at present well and her two fine boys. Henry was here at dinner today & Philander dropped in to us us[sic] last night, all well and send love to you & yours.
My own health is but poor but you see I am well enough to have written you a long lette[sic] wich I send my subscribing myself Your most affectionate Brother
Philander
To Mrs Rachel Denison
Royalton Vt