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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
Sophia Chase updates Witmore on her husband's progress and trials in his mission. She asks Witmore to talk to Mr. Douglas regarding their wool. She also informs Witmore of Bishop Chase's death.
Date
5-4-1824
Keywords
Sophia Chase, Charles Witmore, Mr. Douglas, wool, Worthington, Bishop Chase, Mr. Rutledge
Recommended Citation
Chase, Sophia, "Letter to Charles Witmore" (1824). Philander Chase Letters. 184.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/184
Rights Statement
Transcript
To Dr. Charles Witmore Kingston May 4th 1824
Dear Sir
It is almost a year since I have heard anything from Worthington or of our concerns there. Since my Husbands absence I have frequently thought of writing you—but put it off until a more convenient season. Yesterday a letter from Engd dated March 4th desires I would write Dr. Witmore & Mr. Douglas “telling them not to be discouraged but keep all things right according to agreement—and I think they will have occasion to rejoice and be exceeding glad hereafter.”
The difficulties and trials of my dear Husband since he set out on this mission have been greater than you can imagine—but the work has been the Lord’s and he has made the opposition of man serve his purpose—much persecution has been borne with Christian meekness—but for particulars you must await our return—one thing will surprise you—the great opposer Bp. Hobart is now one of the well wishers of the Mission—this is God’s work and let him have the praise.
The prospects of success are very flattering and the reception of Bishop Chase—in all places such as must be highly gratifying to his friends. As to the time of his return no time is set but in a letter written in Feby he mentions his hope of being in Ohio in Sept—respecting the Form he has given no directions—But I wish my dear Sir you would consult with Mr. Douglas that he may provide a good late garden of Fall and Winter vegetables for us. As there is great probability of our wintering in your neighborhood.
No directions have been sent Mr. Douglas respecting our portion of wool for the year—if Mrs. Douglas would wish to take it and work it up for me on the usual terms she can—I wish it made into flannel of different [?] as the fineness of the wool will permit. The finest piece wove full yard wide. If Mrs. D. should not find it convenient to take it perhaps Mrs. Witmore’s experience will enable her to recommend a proper person—my own in putting out wool has not been very satisfactory.
The cloth for the last year is I hope in your possession as I rely on it for the family use—Our [post] of The [?] I would also would wish kept until further notice — This letter will I suppose answer all The purpose of writing Mr. Douglas— as I have many to write I will trust to your friendship to do all that is necessary.
You have probably through the public prints heard of the loss we have sustained in the Death of our dear Philander— His Family and The Church of God have met with a
serious loss, but we have every consolation that we can experience in this bereavement. In a letter from Mr. Rutledge of Charleston, SC— a Clergyman of whose house he died, he thus writes “After a very gradual decline, he bade farewell to the [?] of time last night about 10 o clock— I do not think a person could die more easily and more happily— He went off without a groan or sigh, and as he sustained his mental faculties to the last, he was able to exhibit in a high degree the blessed influences of religion, His silence & death have been truly instructive to all around him, and such was his character that this number was not small— Our loss has been I am sure his gain” —dated March 2d — Mrs. Chase - at his fathers in Steubenville has been very ill ever since the birth of the child in Sept — In a late letter from her I find she still keeps his [?] but the hopes of his recovery are better than they have been.
My own little family have enjoyed good health since we have been here—I hope you have been [really] happy— My husband [writes] his health has been better the past winter than for many years— My love to Mrs. Witmore if you are not too much engaged I should be glad to hear something of the state of Things at The Farm.
With esteem, believe me as ever!
Dear Sir your sincere Friend,
Sophia M Chase