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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 scorns Rachel for not writing after her travels. He updates her on his wife's health.
Date
7-4-1801
Keywords
Mrs. Brick; Farmer's Boy; Olivea; Cornish, NH; Mary Chase; Philander Chase Jr.; Edwin Dudley Chase
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Rachel Denison" (1801). Philander Chase Letters. 18.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/18
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Transcript
Fourth of July 1801
My dear Sister Rachel;
I am exceedingly sorry that you did not write to me by Mrs. Brick. You certainly had as much time as our dear Father, and you know you can write five-times as fast as he. Besides it seems I must never cease complaining of you; for you did not so much as tell us from that day to this whether you got your neck broken or not in going home. I believe if I were asked five, I was five hundred times whether I had heard of your safe arrival at home. Besides my own individual anxiety I felt an additional shame in thinking other people must know, by this mean, how little I was regarded, how little my tenderest feelings were attended to, by my best friends and nearest relatives. However, with a True [?] Spirit, I will forgive all when you signify you desire it by writing over so [?] a [?] to your loving Brother, Philander Chase.
I mean, if possible to [?] for you one of the prettiest, most pleasing poems I ever read. The title is “The Farmer’s Boy.” Not even Gold-smith’s golden scraps are above it. In the Character of Giles you’ll read exactly what I used to be, with only a little change of customs and Country. But my remarks will only excite [?] curiosity if I don’t obtain it, and if I do you can read and discern for yourself.
My poor wife has been exceedingly low in health and in spirits - and I [?] it is, by God [?] mercy that she is now recovering. Dear innocent woman! I really think her as inoffensive a [?] as walks in the earth.
As to great talents they are but of little congruence in the scale, since she improves what she has to the best advantage and since ever so many and brilliant ones if turned to improper and bad [?] will avail to little in the Kingdom of God. She speaks of it as one of the most signal blessings of her life that she has been permitted to see your Brother D. and Olivea and her beloved son last winter. And ardently prayed with me that the time may come when [?] the rest of our dear relations may come and spend [?] weeks with us.
As for us, the disappointments [?]in this stake of Trail, the sicknesses, long and expensive which have happened to us [?] seem to render it impossible that ever I or my wife will be able to get to [?] again! In a worldly sense, melancholy is the [?]. But it may turn out for the best in the end. God’s will be above - Philander is very well and grows in mind and [?]. The youngest (whom as soon as Mrs. C. is able to go to Church we shall call Edwin Dudley) is one of the handsomest children I ever saw. May God keep all who are right in the good [?] - and bring those who are in error readily in to them.
P. C. your affectionate brother