Authors

Timothy Wiggin

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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

Wiggin discusses the possibility of Chase's return to America and advises Chase that he cannot hope to receive many subscriptions from people of much significance without his personal visit. Wiggin writes that he plans to invite Lord Kenyon to Platt Hall and adds that he looks forward to Chase's arrival there.

Date

6-28-1824

City

Manchester

Keywords

Timothy Wiggin, Lord Kenyon, England Voyage, Philander Chase, Platt Hall, Bishop of Salisbury

Transcript

Manchester June 28 1824

My Dear friend

Yesterday, being Sunday, I did not receive your [favor] of the 28th till this morning. I regret your disappointment in not receiving a letter from me sooner, but the fact is, I did not receive any letter from you, after you left Oxford, till the 24th, and I replied to that the day I received it and I hope it reached town on Saturday. In that letter I expressed my desire that you would decide, whether the cause, which influenced you to visit this country, would be best promoted, or not, by your early return to America, believing, as [I now do], that you are the most competent to make this decision. In regard to subscriptions I hope something will be done, after you leave the country, but much [cannot] be expected, out of the higher circles, without a visit from you. The arrival of a distinguished [stranger] in a small town causes a considerable sensation which may be easily trusted to a good purpose.

I notice that you have changed your route, and shall direct my next letter to you Post Office Birmingham, if I should hear from you again, or have any thing to communicate I should be most happy to see Lord Kenyon at Platt Hall, where a bed and such accommodations as we have, are much at his service. I do not know that I should not be taking a liberty were I to write to him and request the honor of his Lordship’s company, but I think I shall do this in a modest way although, I do not think he will accept the invitation. He will probably meet you at Peel Hall, where it will be important for you to go. It will be a good introduction at Bolton where I can probably be of some service. I will make the plan known to some friends there, and whether my Lord Kenyon comes to Platt or not it is probable I may accompany you in my own carriage to Bolton. I am sorry to say that I have not yet received any of the letters, addressed to Lord Kenyon, and cannot account for it. I trust a parcel has been sent from town and that I shall not be long without some. When they came Lord Kenyon’s request shall be complied with. As your time is limited could you not desire your Brothers and listen to meet you at Boston or Hartford, instead of your going to there. It would save much time but you [know] best. The plan you suggested in your [?] of the 24th will be duly considered and when we meet we will have some conversation about it. I was glad to hear the Bishop of Salisbury had become a subscriber, and that the Ward family were particularly friendly to you. You intend to inform me of all the good things that happen to you, but you have not time. I never heard of this family before--I will only add that we shall expect to see you at Platt on the 10th [July] and that you will be most welcome at that or any other time. All [write] in kind regards with your friend

T. Wiggin

Eliza Ben and Catherine are at [?] near Huddersfield

Letter to Philander Chase

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