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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
Edwin Dudley, Philander's youngest son, has died. Philander informs Dudley of his job offer to Rachel.
Date
2-1-1802
Keywords
George Chase, Philander Chase Jr.; Richard Davis; Mr. Reade; Mr. Cooke; Reverend Benjamin Moore; family
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Dudley Chase" (1802). Philander Chase Letters. 20.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/20
Rights Statement
Transcript
Poughkeepsie, Feb. 1, 1802
My dear Brother,
I’m surprising that you should say in yours of J 18th that you have received but one solitary letter from us: We have written to you frequently. We have also in our communications been “historically diffuse domestically particular.” If you’ve not received them there must have been foul play somewhere or much carelessness. I shall therefore inclose this with [?] to my [Faith] in a parcel to the [?] Officer in Hartford requesting him to forward them.
Our love and fraternal greetings to you, then: begging you to tell my dear son George before you proved any farther that his absence has caused a chasm in my happiness which nothing in this world can ever replenish. After the death of our dear, most beautiful, and sprightly angel Edwin Dudley I felt the loss (hard on me) I mean the absence of George more than ever. Philander again stood alone - he frequently [would] call my thoughts from the temporary relief which they seemed to receive by wandering on more distant things, back to my sorrow by telling me that he saw them throw the dirt on the body of his Brother and that he should never see him more. The wound is frequently torn open afresh by this innocent [?] - “Mr. Edwin is gone down in the Ground - Two [?] (meaning is young bearers) put dirt on his he’ll never come here again.” Pardon these trifles - I loved this same Child more than ever I loved an object in my life - His sick mother committed the care of him solely to me and he slept in my bosom by night and my arms over his pillow by day. He who gave him however that [?] to [?] him again as his own - I sorrow not as one without hope - for that it is for [?] best, and that we shall meet again, I am of sure as I am of my existence.
Concern over frequent domestic affairs they are more prosperous than they have been since we came here. We have at present 3 [?] which bring for their board and education 150 pounds this [?]. This with a list I’ve received from N. York has nearly extricated me from the [?] and I’m upon my legs again. Old Richard Davis the person we meant to se at the Landing has (nobody can ever guess for what) lured out my most bitter enemy. Luckily he is not joined even by his nearest friends or relations. You are not the only one who feels an honest indignations at such an instance of the lowest species of Malice is a mean of his prosperity. My conscience bears me witness that I wish not to flatter his tyrannical spirit by any creepings or improper condescensions.
Mr. Reade is my best friend [?] a Gentleman a Christian and brother; may God reward him for his goodness to me for this is not of my power. Mr. Cooke and family return their acknowledgments of your politeness and wish you health happiness and prosperity. Miss B[?] I expect will (I know not when_ be married to Mr. Akins. Miss [?] (the next) will enter the matrimonial state when the fine apple begins to grow in [?]. The beautiful young widow and poetess I married on N. Year’s Eve to a Mr. Johnathan Fisk - he was acquainted with Mr. Baruch - and now lives at Newburgh a town the other side of hte River; about 14 miles from, and the size of this. He is a reputable Lawyer - but has gotten sadly ‘taken [?]’ in the choice of a wife. Mr. Messier’s family are well - their blind daughter is now at our house and sends her compliments. Her mind is a free from the effects of eating [?] forbidden fruit as any [?] I ever saw.
Rachel our sister would come and live with us and teach in English three or 4 scholars I would take them in addition to those I have already and should be able to make her a handsome compensation, besides having the pleasure of her company. I have written to her time and again but received no answer. Have they all miscarried, or what is the matter? If this have the good fortune to [?] you pray give her a hint. I’ve offered her 100 Dollars per anni as a pecuniary bait besides a hook full of love and affection [?]. If one chose to [?] it’s well and good, and even thankful.
Our Congregations increase very fast: and everything is in a prosperous train: I long how[ever] for the [?] in Egypt - I don’t know why but - perhaps it is owing to the instability of my mind. You have heard perhaps that we’ve gotten a New Bishop [?] Reverend Benjamin Moore of New York: he has given us a most excellent pastoral Letter. His reward, no doubt, is in heaven. My love to you both over and over again - I wish I could see you, but the time I fear is far distant unless you’ll come again to Col. Mrs. is well and Philander is afflicted no otherwise than with a bad cold. Our love and duty to our Parents and tell George that had I an oppor[tunity] I’d send him books and play-things till become as wise as Solomon and as sprightly as Garrick. Dear fellow! My eyes fill with tears while I pray the Lord God Almighty to bless, prepare and help him, especially from all sin and wickedness. My Dear Dear Brother and Son Farewell; I fervently pray for your happiness in this [?] next.
Philander Chase