Philander Chase

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Description

Chase is staying with Mr. Evans. His wife has been acquainted with Hannah More since infancy. He dined with Evans, Rev. Sanders, and Rev. Howard, and is going to Ockbrook with Rev. Sanders to meet Rev. Connor.

Date

1-31-1824

City

Derby, England

Keywords

England voyage, Manchester, England, Benjamin Chase, Mr. Evans, Hannah More, Josiah Pratt, Lord Gambier, Dr. Wetmore, Parliament, Moravians, Intrepid Morse, Liverpool, England, Reverend Thomas Sanders, Reverend Howard, Mrs. Bateman, Mr. Douglas

Transcript

At Mr. Evans

Allestree, near Derby

Jan 31st 1824

My dear Wife,

So unexpectedly did the Coach leave Manchester that on going to Town from Platt Hall I was obliged to come off without time to send back for my trunk (It will follow me and be at the Coach-house in Derby this night) - Benjamin Chase at whose lodging I took a hasty dinner lent me a shirt and dressing-box and I came off in haste.

The night was dark but a kind providence brought us to Derby [?] and I went to bed about two ‘clock.

This morning after having breakfast at the Inn I set off to walk to this place. It is situated from the town about 2 ½ of 3 miles. The mansion-house commands a view, now before my eyes the most pleasured and perfect of any I have seen in England. Though it is the dead of Winter yet the sun is shining on green fields as if in April. On the left, in a distant plain, is seen a Hamlet with its decent spire and still beyond it, hills and houses in irregular grades rising, till they are lost in the smoaky horizon. On this night a descent and ascent for an equal distance, both about one miles in extent, exhibiting fields divided by hedges and interspersed with woodlands, is presented to the gazing eye. The house is after the English fashion grand, yet more remarkable for its comfort.

Mr. Evans has just gone to the Village: but Mrs. Evans is at home. Amidst the proposition of riches she seems meek and gentle as a Lamb. Her kind reception of me marked her [urbanity] and goodness. We were soon acquainted and began to talk Authors. I rejoiced to learn that she has been ever since her infancy acquainted with Mrs. Hannah More. She told me many things concerning the history of that Excellent lady which I never before knew. It seems that Mrs. More has been more [?] and sickly in her natural constitution than we have thought. Her frequent attacks and long continuance of fevers [?] have been great afflictions. Yet amidst all her ill health Mrs. Evans says that Mrs. More seldom lost her resolution and spirit. Her Coelebs was written by her trembling hand, when her frail body was in bed supported by pillows. And yet how excellent is that work!

After Luncheon Mrs. E. shewed me up to my room supplied with comforts, and conveniences among the which was a pen and ink to write to friends.

Before leaving Manchester I accompanied Mrs. Wiggin to see Mrs. Bateman a Lady whom I think I have mentioned before as being among our most excellent friends. She was full of hopes and evidences that my cause would have a successful issue at Manchester and in the neighbourhood. What may be its encouragement here I can not tell any further than to say that Mr. Evans in his note inviting me to visit at his house mentions as in a P.S. note at the bottom that he wishes to be a subscriber from 10 pounds ($44,44) - But more of this by and bye when I shall have been personally acquainted with Mr. E.

At present I am lonely enough; yet never forsaken. My dear Sav. the Angel of God’s presence who hath hitherto redeemed me from all evil still supports me: and in him I will put my trust forevermore.

Before leaving Manchester i wrote to you - to Lord Gambier and to Mr. Pratt and what I said to each I forget this most apologize for any repetition in this.

I wish you would write to Dr. Wetmore and to Mr. Douglass in Ohio 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 exceedingly glad hereafter.

I expect letters from London to be directed me to this place which will inform me whether i must go to the City or to the Universities to further my cause.

Wherever I go, however, I can not turn my thoughts from you and the dear Children at -- to say “home” I can not for I have none now but my ear Country and the bosom of my Saviour.

11 o’clock at night the last day of Jan. 1824

Mr. Evans came into my room; and in the most affectionate manner introduced himself; and after a few words led me down to the drawing room and introduced me to two Clergy and one Lay Gentleman [?] Rev. Thomas Sanders (the Curate of Darby Church which was built and endowed by the Father of Mr. Evans) the Rev. Mr. Howard Vicar of one of the Churches in Derby (town) and Mr. Newton a Banker. There was also a clergyman’s Lady connexion sister of Mr. Evans. These with Mr. and Mrs. E. and myself formed the party at Dinner and everything was conducted with that dignity, care, urbanity and good sense so very conspicuous in the characters of the genuine Englishman.

At 9 the family assembled for prayers as in the Family of Lord Gambier. About ten Servants dressed with neatness and propriety attended and seemed to enjoy this most interesting means of Grace. Mr. Sanders performed the duty of Chaplain.

Thus the day closes and I am again in my room. O may the good God bless and keep you that we may again meet in this world and mutually assist each other in preparing for a better, thro’ Christ our Lord. What would I give to see my dear Children one hour? God’s will be done.

Sunday 1st of Feb: 1824. With Mr. Evans I walked to Church. The Rev. Mr. Sanders performed Divine Service and preached. Intermission spent in visiting with Mr. E. the Sunday Schools, which are conducted in great order. The sermon in the morning was on the goodness; and that in the afternoon on the Mercy of God.

The Rev. Mr. Sannders accompanied the family home and the dinner and the tea were given and rec. in the midst of much Christian conversation.

At Eleven Mr. E set off for London to attend Parliament being a member from this Country. Twice he shook hands with me before he parted; and left at last hoping to meet in London. I trust he will prove a valuable friend.

Tomorrow I breakfast with the Rev. Mr. Howard; and thence shall go with Mr. Evans servants and Carriage accompanied by the Rev. Mr. Sanders to Ockbrook about 6 miles from Derby. My errand is to see the Rev. Sam Connor of the Moravian establishment. He knows Mrs. Morse. The particulars you shall know in time.

Monday morning 8 o’clock

I am, after a very good night sleep and the enjoyment of a thankful heart, ready to [jump] into the carriage; and in company with Mr. Sanders to visit and breakfast with the Rev. Mr. Howard.

As I do not expect to return hither and Mrs. Evans has correspondence with Liverpool I will inclose another no. of the Shepherd's voice and bid you adieu.

P. Chase

Letter to Sophia Chase

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