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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
Reiteration of the plans for the $300. Mrs. Burk, widow of Andrew Burk, has died. She left a young orphan daughter named Louisa, whom Chase and his wife have adopted.
Date
7-27-1809
City
New Orleans, LA
Keywords
Dr. Gallup, Daniel Fay, Lyman Harding, Jedediah Fay, Phil Ruggles, Poughkeepsie NY, James Moore, Mr. Vose, Mrs. Burk, shipwreck, Cuba
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Dudley Chase" (1809). Philander Chase Letters. 35.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/35
Rights Statement
Transcript
New Orleans July 27th 1809
My dear Brother:
By the Gentleman who will take this to the States I send you Two Hundred Dollars which he promises to lodge in the U. P. Branch Bank at B[?] subject to your Order. I would repeat to you for fear of any miscarriage of my former letters that I sent $300 to be lodged and delivered in the same way some months ago which ere this I hope you have duly received. The disposition of the last mentioned but first transmitted sum (150 to D. G. 100 to Dear Mr. and Mrs. Fay and 50 to Brother Jedediah Fay) was unavoidable on our part, and wondering the benevolence of your heart, I hope not disagreeable on your’s. That I now send you shall not be subject to any more of my importunities - which great regret that I cannot make it more at present and that it has not before been in my power to send ever that, it is tendered to you by way of some small re[?]ation for the great expenses you have been at in the feeding clothing and educating my darling Boys. Pray write to me and let me know of the success of this business. Have you ever been able to go Poughkeepsie? Knowing that you are my sole plenipotentiary in the State, I feel an awkwardness in writing to Mr. Ruggles or anyone else in that place concerning my affairs.Pray do see about it and relieve me by telling me the Full state of things. I am as it were an exile and have relied on you my ever dear Brother to supply my place. Pray do not think it beneath you [?] up what I have said while things were fresh in my mind - to give any instructions [is] now out of my power; All will appear in writing except what was left with James Moore my former Sexton in that Village. With him were left a number of things which considering the fellow’s honesty I did not take any receipts for - The money with which he purchased my things (sent by sesa and shipwrecked on Cuba) I gave him over and above the things I left with him. A valuable [?] which he was to send or take himself to you I did think he would have honour enough to account for - $100 was his lowest price. Pray make inquiry and let me know.
If my dear sons begin to forget me, you must reprove and reform them; for I almost live on the pleasing hopes of being loved and respected by them in the decline of my life. I will not murmur at my lot for it is God’s providence, and, therefore, must be right. Yet the lack of my children maketh me sad - sad indeed. And did I not think I should starve and bring contempt on myself, family, and profession by a state of indigence I would return and spend my days in the bosom of my native Society, I therefore must submit, on your goodness I rely - you will bring them up in the nurture and admiration of the Lord and train them up in the way they should go. May God be with you to direct and prosper you in this goodly work - and may he bless my Children with a double share of his heavenly spirit to appreciate and improve by your favours.
August 18th. Thus far I had written when, my friend Mr. Vose being disappointed of a speedy passage to the states, I so far determined to alter my plan as to send the forementioned money in a bill of exchange - one going by the mail of next monday the other by Mr. Vose and the remaining one at some subsequent period. The one going by Mr. Vose I shall put into a letter unsealed that he may get it accepted and close it to you when it will be the same as hard money. Little as it is I choose to be thus circumspect for fear of accidents - So that after waiting a few days after the receipt of this you can act your pleasure. Mr. V will, it is probable sail in about a weekend a passage of 30 or 40 days is not unusual [?] this to Boston.
[Thou]gh we have as yet been not unusually sickly in our City this summer we have been greatly afflicted in the loss of one of the best friends we had. The good amiable and pious Mrs. Burk, widow to the late Andrew Burk who treated us so well when we came to this Country, is no more - She has left an orphan Daughter as interesting as infantile excellence can make her; whom we have adopted as our own child. Her name is Louisa, and is now about 7 years old.
My Health as yet continues good, and my affairs to flourish. My school is in great reputation and many continue to apply whom I cannot take for want of room. I hope you all continue well in my native neighbourhood. May God have you all in his holy keeping. We think of you and talk of you and dream of you and pray for you. Do write us often - very often. It will relieve the great anxiety of your loving brother,
Philander Chase