Letter to Sophia Chase

Authors

Philander Chase

Files

Description

Chase updates Sophia on his various meetings with potential business partners and church affiliates.

Date

3-21-1824

City

Nottingham

Keywords

England voyage, London, England, Philander Chase Jr., Appeal, Oliver Cromwell, Josiah Pratt, Reverend Wheaton, Nottingham Castle, Mr. Cox, Reverend Howard, Reverend Stuart, Mr. Hay, Reverend Almond, Mr. Sykes, Reverend Chapman

Transcript

Notingham Mar 21 1824

My Dear Wife,

To follow [?] of Mar. 20

I think my last letter to you contained a post-script dated at Derby. Since which I have very little to tell you except by way of keeping the course of my travels and the occurrence of a few events and noting down a few names which I wish to remember.

It was thought best I should in going to London pass thro’ this place and Leiscester. Accordingly the Rev. Mr. Howard of Derby drove Mr. J Cox’s gig with himself and myself to [Ockhook] where we dined with good Mr. & Mrs. Hay. There with proper letters I came to the Rev. Mr. Stuart’s Rec^r of one of the Churches in Notingham. It was Saturday night & while he was preparing for the Sunday’s duty, I went to see the Curate of his church and a Mr. Sykes both of whom treated me with great kindness.

Today, Sunday, I have attended Church three times. Mr. Stuart preached in the morning and in the evening & the Curate Mr. Howard in the afternoon. I was much edified. The Church is a new one but built after the Gothic taste which you know suits mine.

I am now in my chamber. Philander’s dear image is constantly before me. Dear Sainted Spirit! May God in mercy sanctify this, among the heaviest afflictions of my whole life. Kiss the dear Children for me.

Mar. 22nd Monday ½ past one

The Rev. Mr. Stuart this morning went with me to the Rev. Mr. Almond’s to Mr. Chapman’s & thence to Mr. Howard & Mr. Sykes. About noon we returned home and found the Arch Deacon Brown of Ely (but who has a living & resides in this neighbourhood) had called & was waiting to see me. He had read the “Apeal [sic] in behalf of the Diocese of Ohio” and felt great interest in the success of my mission to this country. His whole treatment of the subject and his behavior to me gave reason then for most devout gratitude to a merciful Providence. He invited me to go to his place & dine with him tomorrow; but in as much as there is appointed a meeting to favor my cause tomorrow at 6 P.M. the Arch Deacon agreed to accept the Rev. Mr. Stuart’s invitation to dine with us at 2. Thus the cause is blessed.

10 oclock in my bed chamber

At three Mr. Stuart accompanied me to see the Castle famous for having been the place where Charles 1st raised his standard against the usurper Cromwel. It is a noble building on lofty ground overlooking all the city of Notingham and the surrounding country. The Castle walls & ramparts of defence were raised by Oliver after the King’s defeat and the present building was repaired and ornamented especially with a statue of Charles on horse back in later days. The whole property now belongs to the Duke of New Castle who in consequence of his residing at another place has suffered the premises to fall into decay. The Canal, the river and the gardens seem from the south of this noble structure are most delightful to the view. The Park in the neighbourhood of the Castle is also very handsome.

From viewing this magnificent object we descended to the town, and called on old Dr. Storer, a man above 80 years, who interests himself in my affairs. He treated us kindly, and we returned home.

In the evening Mr. Sykes & the Rev. Mr. Howard came and drank tea with us. They have been doing much to interest the friends in our cause.

I this day re^d a pair of slippers and a book, in a parcel from Mr. Tho’ Cox of Derby.

And now Dear Sophia I have told you nearly all the events of the day except the constant occurrence of your dear image and that of the Children & the dear friends at Kingston to my mind; never without prayers for you & their happiness.

23. Tuesday 2 oclock P.M.

The Rev. Mr. Almond called on me this morning. After viewing St. Peter’s church we went to see a Mr. Smith who received us kindly.

Last Sunday, I heard a charming piece of Music in St. James Chh. and requested Miss Stuart to copy it for me. She this day presented it to me. It is called a Communion Hymn.

23. 10 oclock

This evening there was a meeting of some considerable numbers of people to promote the good cause. The Rev. Mr. Stuart read some parts, the most of the “Appeal.” The Arch Deacon Browne & a Mr. Chapman dined with Mr. Stuart today; and I was much pleased particularly with the A.D. ; brilliant in his talents and pious in his deportment few people in England seem to be better calculated to do good. He gave me a copy of three charges delivered to the Clergy of Ely.

After the meeting above named I went with Mr. Stuart to engage my place in the Coach for Leiscester which will set off at 7 oclock tomorrow morning. 50 of the appeals cam from London this day, which being distributed will I hope do much good. Thro’ God’s merciful blessing.

Leicester. Thursday. Mar 25.

Yesterday morning at 7 oclock I took the coach for this place. The day was rainy cold & uncomfortable. Thro’ a young man, (Mr. Tho. Bell) I became acquainted with the Curate (the Rev. Mr. Mitchel whom I was advised to see being out of town). I however called at the “Rev. Mr. Mitchel and in a parcel found these letters are from Mr. Pratt on from a Mr. who sent me some money by post the other day and the Donation of some books. And one from Mr. Wheaton from Connecticut.

The last named gentleman has come forward with a new project about a junction of funds with the Bishop of New York and himself. Commencing at the time of signing of the treaty of peace the project is that we go on and collect I with my appeal for Ohio and they for their several objects, but that for [peace] sake (pray who has disturbed it?) we must have [to] [divide] the proceeds equally. One common [bag]… Is not the hand of [Joeb] in all this? When will there be an end of this

Recommended Citation

Chase, Philander, "Letter to Sophia Chase" (1824). Philander Chase Letters. 230.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/230