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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 been struck ill. Very anxious about the well-being of Mrs. Fay her husband died. Heard a rumor that his sons are to start college soon.
Date
9-2-1810
City
New Orleans, LA
Keywords
George Chase, Philander Chase Jr., Daniel Fay (dead), college
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Dudley Chase" (1810). Philander Chase Letters. 38.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/38
Rights Statement
Transcript
New Orleans Sept. 2nd 1810
My dear Brother,
I have again been very sick. The fever lasted longer, and has left me in a more weak and languid state, than is usual. I should not write to you now; on acc. of my debility, were it not for the great anxiety I have about two things: the first is, the condition in which my poor Mother-in-law is left, by the death of Mr. Fay my dear wife’s father - I fear her affairs are not the best - perhaps extremely indigent. As I am removed far from her - I pray you to have the good to take my place of duty and affection to this dear woman, and administer to her wants, in my [?] donation of any sums, that your good heart will suggest to you are for her convenient and comfort, and for the good education of her two young and lovely boys. All which expenditures shall be most faithfully remunerated to you by me, your loving brother.
The other circumstance, which calls forth my present anxiety, is that of not having heard from you for so long a time, especially on matters of business, of which I so earnestly address you. What ever be the matter? I must believe that my own or your letters must have miscarried - and fallen out by the way - perhaps both have shared this fate. As to myself, be assured I have written to you, till I was ashamed to trouble you any farther.
I sent you $300 by a course of exchange I think April 29th. Of the fate of this, I have, as yet, heard nothing: $100 of it was intended for Mr. Fay.
In a letter from some of our friends in your neighbourhood (you see that the letters of others reach us while yours remain behind) there seems to be a report that our dear Boys, George and Philander, are to enter College this fall! While I rejoice at their progress in Latin and Greek sufficient to excite even a conjecture as to their fitness for such a step in the way of Science, yet I do hope that the intention you have formed by no means would justify such a report. Their extreme youth forbids such a step, were there no other reasons, and my opinion, as well that of their mother, is most decidedly against it.
I have now much exhausted my strength and must conclude, with my sincere prayers that God may bless you, yours and the dear darling boys! When will God permit me to see you and them? On this subject, I would say something if the path of conjecture as to futurity had not, already, been strewn with bitter Disappointment.
My dear wife is better than usual and sends her love to you and your good spouse and blessings to her sons.
Farewell, dear, dear Brother!
Ever your affectionate,
Philander Chase