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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.
Date
11-24-1806
Keywords
Mr. and Mrs. Berk, Phil Ruggles, Mr. Hall, Mr. Hawkins, Dutchess Academy, Mr. Blakesly, Mr. Aikins, Albany, NY, James Moore, Daniel Dean, New Orleans, voyage
Recommended Citation
Chase, Bishop, "Letter to Dudley Chase" (1806). Philander Chase Letters. 161.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/161
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Transcript
My dear Brother,
We arrived in this City day before yesterday after a passage of about 30 days from the Hook. We had a good sea, [?] an obliging and experienced Captain, polite and entertaining fellow passengers, and for the most part, pleasant weather. My dear wife bore the “rocking of the ship” and “agitation of the Bellows” like a heroine. She was seasick only for a few hours, her appetite was good, her spirits vivacious, and her cough in a measure soon left her: insomuch that she was obligated to take an opiate only once to sleep with relish.
We were most kindly received at our arrival and welcomed with every appearance of sincere regard by Mr. and Mrs. Burk, at whose house I formerly lodged and had already had the honour of a visit from most of the reputable gentlemen in town; though the street as muddy and the weather as unpleasant as they can well be.
Just before my departure from N.York I wrote you in haste a statement of my business and property in the hands of [?] in Poughkeepsie which I hope you have received, but fearing something may have been omitted I [?] the following. A Mr. Hall and a Mr. Hawkings entered into an agreement (written) to move the building, which I had [?] in addition to Dutchess Academy onto a lot of mine opposite the street, at their own expense, and pay for the lot and building 1,000 dollars including the mortgage at the loan office of 200, and the amount of two notes of hand which I gave to [?]. Which amount I can’t now recollect but I believe I mentioned to you in my last. [???].The house was moved and rented by Hall and hawkins, at 100 per [?] to a Mr. Blakesley who keeps a tavern in it. When we came to Poughkeepsie, we expected to be paid the balance--but was disappointed. I offered Hall and Hawkins to refine the house and lot if they would give up the [?] in place. Hall was willing but Hawkins being intoxicated and badly advised, refused. Hawkins had built the addition in the first place being a Carpenter [?] by trade, for which I paid him and had his receipts, except an account which he brought in for window [?] and other little jobs: part of which being indebted in the agreement of building and the other [?] charged too high, i offered to pay him $20 and give him and Mr. Hall Mr. Aikin’s note of $80 (which Mr. A had given me in consequence of my giving Hall and Hawkins or one of them a receipt for that [?] by way of a favor to Mr. Aikins who could not conveniently pay them) take back my receipt and guilt. This Hawkins would not do, though Hall said he considered it an honorable offer and more than they had any reason to expect from any man in case of so great a disappointment as the failure of their payment must be to me in my then [?]. Consequently, [?] kept Aikin’s note and did not pay Hawkins amount; and directed Mr. [?] to get lawful [?] of the house and lot as soon as probable and rent it for me. Which I hope he will do. I executed a deed to Hall and Hawkins which in my journey to see you in Albany and get it signed and properly acknowledged: Which deed was formally [?] to them before witness by Mr. R and [?] now is kept by Mr. R for testimony against them. This agreement can be sued, as it is properly written by Aikins himself, and contains a [?] of $500. But I hate lilegation. Should they prove troublesome, it must be done, undefended.
The amount of the accounts left in Mr. R and Mr. Aikins hand, for [?] is 28.43 cents, if I [?] in the debt of [?] account: the the receipts for which I included in the last.
And now I think I have given to you in [?] the statement of my business--nothing [?] with gentlemen James Moore, my former Sexton, in poughkeepsie, has my horse and many other articles which if he sell soon he will send me the [?]--if not, I shall direct him to pay the money whatever it may be, to your order.
I think we shall not move down to our house [?] country until the spring when he hope to have all things in readiness.
A small part of this episode now remains for expressions of tenderness and love. The remembrance of our dear Boys and our beloved friends left behind, has been with us by night and by day. For then-we have never [?] to weigh out our prayers to the giver of all good things. Vless them, o God, and with blessing, withhold not the choice of thy benediction the gift and grace of thy Holy Spirit. That they may [?] things temperate not to lose the things eternal.
Kiss the dear boys; and make them write long letters to their loving Father and Mother.
If you can any way continue, on eligible [?] to purchase the [?] farm, pray do it, and let Ms. Fay move on to it. I think I can continue to pay 4 or 500 dollars per [?] for the same. My dear wife joins me in blessing, to our dear boys--and affectionate regards to [?] Olivia and all friends,
Farewell dear, dear, Brother
Philander Chase