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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 is thinking of and devising plans to return to the Northern States, but he may have to stay in New Orleans for a while longer because of the building of a church.
Date
1-29-1810
City
New Orleans, LA
Keywords
Daniel Fay, Jedediah Fay, Addison Smith, Salmon Cotton, money, church
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Dudley Chase" (1810). Philander Chase Letters. 36.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/36
Rights Statement
Transcript
New Orleans Jan. 29 10.
My dearly beloved Brother,
You will be surprised to learn that your kind letter of Nov. 25th has lain by me almost two weeks unanswered; especially when I assure you that scarcely a day has elapsed without its being perused, either by Mrs. C. or myself. There is such candour, brotherly kindness, charity and genuine good sense, to be found in every line, that I peruse and re-peruse it, with never-ceasing delight.
I rejoice to find you were in the way to receive the little sums I sent you; though it causes me much redress to find [its] mode of conveyance has proved so tardy. I fondly hoped, long ere your letter was dated, that the cash would have been in your hands: but “better late than never.” That you will apply it as I deserve I never had any doubt; for, if I may judge from my own heart, the wishes of a brother at such a distance assume too much the nature of “dying requests” to be neglected. All that disturbs my mind on this subject is that my Remittances are so small and so little adequate to the purposes for which they are designed. Yes considering the limited nature of my living and employment I hope good wishes and intentions will be taken as “in part payment’ and so with Heaven’s blessing the thing may do. I allude now to the wants of my dear and hon’d Father-in-law and his worthy family. Happy shall [shall] I be to learn he has removed in the neighbourhood of your academy. Pray do urge it with all your might - so long as I remain alive and am doing well in this country he may rely on the annual sum mentioned. And sh’d I remove to the Northward and realize my reasonable expectations in having pupils confided by my charge, the same stipend shall be continued. Jedediah is doing well. His letters both in style accuracy and penmanship fully answer my expectations. Perhaps something [more] I shall transmit through your hands. Pray befriend him: for on him under Providence will not the support of his Parents in their declining days.
It was another subject of great delight to learn that Addison Smith and Salmon Cotton were with you. My love to the dear fellows; and may God speed and bless them. Dear Father [?]! How confident may we be that his was the death of the righteous! It was not sudden, for it was prepared for - he was read - God took him!
You see that I have mentioned my return to the Nor. as hypothetical...How shall I reconcile this with what you have seen in letters to others that we are to leave this in April or May next? … I believe the best way will be to tell the story. The Salary fell short and the Church was not built, as was stipulated when I settled. I could no longer bear it; and took my ground - to return in the Spring or stay here and see people doing as they ought to do making general and effectual exertions in the building a house to the honor and worship of the Great Being whom we serve. Nothing was done and I advertised my removal in the form of proposals for taking some pupils to the Northern States placing myself and them by the side of one of our best [?] and superintending their education. My plan was progressing and no doubt was entertained by me that I should go - till a few days ago the wardens called on me and told me that by means of the interference of the territorial Legislature, now in session, in granting a Lottery, they had little doubt of the fulfillment of the conditions on which I had promised to stay that a Church would be built. If they be not mistaken in their expectations - I am destined by my duty to remain here still longer: As to my own opinion relative to their final success I can say nothing positive; but can’t help thinking, [?] perhaps led on my by wishes, that I shall go - yes go in the spring and have the unspeakable felicity of throwing myself once more before my Parents knees for a blessing and of embracing my dear Brothers and Sisters.
My darling boys! And are ye neglected in this picture of my further joys of hope? [?]ness the constant prayers which we offer for your happiness...Witness the tears of joy which fell from our eyes on reading the flattering account which your honoured Uncle gives of your good conduct and progress in your studies. Go on lov[e]ly Lads! And never cease to deserve the character which you have obtained, by obedience diligence and more by deportment.
Forgive this apostrophy, dear Brother! Pardon a parent’s fondness!
The best love of my wife and self to your dear Olive and to all who enquire after
Your loving brother
Philander Chase