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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
George Chase is updating Intrepid on George's fathers actions and successes in gathering support for Bp. Chase
Date
3-24-1824
City
Kingston, NY
Keywords
Christian Missionary Society London, Lord Gambier, The Christian Missionary Society, Wilks, Pratt, Intrepid Morse, Philander Chase
Recommended Citation
Chase, George, "Letter to Intrepid Morse" (1824). Philander Chase Letters. 293.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/293
Rights Statement
Transcript
Kingston (N.Y) March 24 - 1824
My Dear Friend—It is so long since you and I have corresponded, that I feel some embarrassment in commencing anew. The fault of neglect has been wholly on my part—I felt ashamed to meet your reproof, which I knew you would faithfully give whenever I was unworthy. Alas, my dear friend, I have been much more so, than you would ever even have imagined, but thankful I am that repentance never comes too late. Would that I could imitate you in self-denial and in purity of life! We have met, as you have no doubt heard long ere this, an afflicting doubly afflicting loss—the Church as well as ourselves has cause deeply to mourn. Where shall we find another who can compare with him! May we meet, all of us, together, again, in that happy region where I almost know he has gone.
My Father has written to Mrs Chase my respected stepmother and sent us a very long Journal of his proceedings. In the last package there were 27 sheets, although many are evidently missing, which I hope will be received ere long to fill up the blanks in his exceedingly interesting correspondence. I hasten to give you a short and very imperfect abstract, in compliance with the wishes of my Parents. Under date of Nov. 28 he writes that he had visited the sister of Mrs Crosby at London and found her well and rejoiced to see him. Mr and Mrs Hayden of Hd. were also in London and afforded my father great consolation when he stood particularly in need of it. Bishop [Hobart] had published his Notice there with additions, but my Father even at that time had come to the resolution to enter into no controversy, but to consider him with all Christian charity. My father was cheered at this gloomy period by letters from his friends particularly Mr Sigourney and Mr Wiggin of Manchester. Could you read his pious ejaculations for patience and forbearance as conveyed warm from the heart to the paper, you must be convinced that God’s Mercy would not “leave so good a heart to break.” I will pass over minor things, which are nevertheless exceedingly interesting, and proceed to those of more importance. Mr Wheaton, met with the like opposition and seemed resolved, in despondency to return home. The prejudice excited by Bishop H. against both him and my father had letters of Introduction from Henry Clay of Kentucky to Lord Gambier, which Mr Wiggin strongly advised him to make use of at a proper season. A very virulent article had appeared in the British Critic evidently written by Bishop H. himself, in which my father was termed schismatic and which was expected to be noticed in the daily papers—This no doubt, combined with Bishop H.’s representations personally had influenced his Lordship’s mind. Before calling upon Lord G., however, my father was not idle and had upon stating the plain unvarnished facts made friends of the Rev. Mr Crosby and others. At length he met Lord G. at the meeting of the Bible Society at London, and was invited by him to his country seat Iver Grove. He too had read the notices, and tho’ very respectful to my father while riding in his carriage, was on this guard and rather cool. But Lord G. is a very religious and candid man, (thanks to the Good God my dear cousin) and after hearing my father’s statements, entered warmly into his interests. At that delightful country place he became acquainted with several persons of select society, among them Capt. Boyer of the Navy, Lord G’s Nephew, etc.—These he highly amused with his descriptions of the Western World, no doubt told with his peculiarly characteristic interest. They parted with regret—my father being supplied with a letter to Rev. Mr. Pratt [Secretary] to Ch. Miss. Society London a gentleman of influence, from the good Lord Gambier. Here too Bishop H. had forestalled him by representing the whole American Ch. as opposed to my father’s mission. But Mr P. after attentively examining my father’s documents, said that he was convinced of the error in which he had indulged and would use all his endeavours to assist him and would call a meeting of a few influential characters, to see what could be done. In the meantime Lord G. kindly wrote to my father—Mr Pratt examined the map of Ohio and took great interest in the state of the Church, particularly in that of St [James]’ and in the history of the Finley family which was read to him. “The editors of the Christian Observer would be glad” he said “to lay their hands on an article so highly affecting and useful.” He approved of the plan of not retaliating in the least. Christmas was spent at Mr P’s house—
Rev. Mr Wilks the Ed-Christian-Observer called on my father at his humble lodgings and introduced himself. He stated the impression that Bishop Hobart had made on his mind, but concluded “I must confess that on reflection and the putting together of a few facts and the holding of a little conversation with others, the tide of opinion begins to ebb not only in my own mind, but in that of others. The [prima facie] appearance of Bishop Hobart’s cause was very plausible: but is not borne out by facts.” What do you think of that my dear cousin, coming from a man of such acknowledged abilities? This sam Mr Wilks attended the meeting before mentioned at Mr Pratt’s where about a dozen clergymen were assembled who saluted my father with great kindness. They unanimously remarked that they were inclined to take a deep interest in his cause and case, but above all he occupied the enviable ground from which none could drive him, that of a Peace Maker. Thus as he expresses it, God seemed almost by a miracle to interfere in his behalf, through means, apparently the least likely to succeed. From this time, prospects brightened—The Christian Missionary Society Committee, composed of Miss Wilks, Mr Pratt (Ed. Christian Miss. Register) Webster (Editor Christian Guardian) Horne (a writer in the British Critic) entered warmly into my Father’s interest. “Will you believe it” says the Journal “this last is the man who furnished the article in that work which we saw in New-York, just before my [embarcation] for this country. Mr P. told me that when he came to reflect on the difference between the late article and that which he had furnished for this work he was struck with horror. He will be an active a efficient friend.”—[They] said they would shield and defend him, but the most gentle methods would be first tried. All this my father calls but the Entering Wedge to the Public.—As the Journal continues prospects brighten—Through the instrumentality of Mr Wilks he was introduced to the venerated Bishop of St. David’s who received him with kindness and hospitality. This good man has promised if possible to send out a [Welch] clergyman to his poor countrymen at Radnor. Here too had my father’s errand been misrepresented. But thanks to the Author all things the very opposition he has experienced has resulted to his benefit. Here many letters are wanting in the Journal. We next find my Father in Liverpool, Chesterfield, Sheffield Leeds where he was received with open arms. Under the date of Leeds is “When I arrived at Mrs Child’s dwelling house, she was out but her daughter, Mrs Hemmingway and her husband were at the next door under the same roof, and on my telling them who I was, gave me a cordial reception. Mrs Child being sent for soon arrived and as much affect at Mr Morre’s letter. The whole evening was spent in most endearing conversation, and this morning I left them with mutual assurances of good wishes and prayers.”
Dear Cousin. I have but a word to say as it regards my own affairs. They are “poor indeed” and I feel desponding and unhappy. But all may be for the best. The reflection on my critical situation has almost wholly occupied my mind to the exclusion of religious reflection. I am not good, neither am I very bad, but I feel deeply the want of that revivifying Grace, so necessary to a true Christian.
Farewell—May God bless and protect you—Geo. Chase
Mrs Chase desires to be respectfully remembered and thanks you for your very kind letter.
If you wish to write to my Father address him, to the care of Rev. Mr Pratt No. 22 Doughty Street London.
My Father called upon your favourite Poet Montgomery but though pleased with him, was not struck with the expression of his countenance, perhaps from preconceived ideas.