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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
Chase has to work as a farmer on his land because he cannot afford another hired man. His wife is contented serving his family.
Date
12-21-1821
City
Worthington, OH
Keywords
Salmon P. Chase, Worthington College, George Chase, Philander Chase Jr., Sophia Chase, Worthington, OH
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Dudley Chase" (1821). Philander Chase Letters. 299.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/299
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Transcript
Dear Brother:
I can not think of letting Mr. [Sealey] go into your neighbourhood without sending you a short letter, if it be no more than to assure you of our good health and of our tender remembrances.
Since Philander left us, I have been hard at work. You will be surprised to learn that I do the duty of so many characters. Besides those of Bishop priest deacon Missionary the duties of Farmer (alias Husbandman) have of late fallen on me with peculiar preshure. Mr. Crocker whom you know, served me, in the capacity of hired man and manager for about two years. He has since last spring left me; and my finances will not admit of hiring another. The consequence is I must work myself or starve. My Farm is good the best as to soil in the world: and I have it in excellent and neat repair. But such is the low price of produce that all I can raise will not satisfy for the labour if turned into money.
Wheat has lately risen to 50 cents per bushel owing I suppose to the bad crops last summer. Mine cost me nearly one half to harvest it: and I have to thresh it myself in order to secure to my own use the other half. I shall have somewhat more than will serve my own family. Salmon goes to school and helps me some morning and night. I get and cut my own wood and thresh 150 sheaves per day for my stint. This together with my other nameless and [?] cares keeps me out of idleness; and of course as happy as good health and a good conscience can make me.
If my present family especially of her who constitutes so essential a part of it my dear Wife, I suppose the Boys (by whom I mean the now married George and the soon to be married Philander) have told you all you wish to know: and with more propriety than I can speak of her. One among a host of excellencies I will mention and that you’ll think no mean one situated as I am. -- She is contented. She does her duty in the bosom of her own family and to the poor and is happy and always cheerful. If this do not make me so I know not what will. She begs me to mention her kindly to all my relations in your vicinity. You see I have done as she desires.
With most affectionate remembrances to all our dear Relations and friends I am your Brother
Philander Chase