Dudley Chase

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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

Dudley has a problem with a debtor and scarcely has time to write. He recounts a marriage and wishes to apologize for his absence.

Date

2-13-1813

Keywords

Creditor, Dudley Chase, George Chase, Philander Chase Jr.

Transcript

Randolph Feby 13th 1813

Dear George, Dear Philander,

I scarcely know how to begin a letter to you after so long a silence on both sides, particularly on mine. You doubly have good reasons for not writing to me or any of us. As for me, I have no reasons for my negligence; it is the most unreasonable fault that I ever was guilty of. Not a day [haped] by that I have not tho’t of you and Philander, and tho’t of you, ‘till every [?] was brightened by the recollection, and every tender ve[?] awakened. Why then have I not often written you, and by that mean annihilate the space that distances us? For in this way I might have [conversed] with you and d[?] absence of half the cruelty it inflicts. I presume you would have replied to every line, every word; and communicated happenings to the heart that has so long loved you, and still cherishes your memory as its dearest image. My dear George, I will tell you some of the causes, tho I have no reason to tell. It is because, since you left me, I have been [borne] down with misfortunes of the most [perplexing] nature, such as, while they ruined my friend, threatened me also with [ruin]. You have heard of Mr. [Darhee]’s failures, and the consequent th[?] into which I was plunged. When Mr. D saw his difficulties gathering fast upon him he wrote me a letter (for he was then in Boston,) informing me of his danger, and advising me to secure myself for the large sums I was then holden for him. This [was] at the time Mr. [Darhee] was at C[?]. I examined into my [?]ments for him [affirmed] the sum much larger than I had ever dreamt of. I however waited ‘till his return from Boston. And ever since then, every moment I[ve] had to [spare] from my other concerns, has been applied to this [business]. I have now got it [?] to people [should] I hope not to lose anything, and also that I shall be able to help Mr. D. out of his difficulty in some measure. This affair has converted my [hours] of rest into hours of the most bitter anxiety and the pillow of repose into that of wakefulness and care, and has wrung from my heart more [clear] [?] agony, than I had tho’t I could [?] suffered. I am happy however to be able to state that this whole of this dreadful convolution, Mr D has [?] acted with honor and fidelity not only to me but to the rest of his creditors- This affair has caused me to [?] at the idea of writing to my friends I could not bid them good cheer for I had no cheer to give and to write a [true acct] of my doleful history would be compelling the generous bosom of friendship to an un[?] - any participation of sorrows they could not alleviate. In short my Dear George I could not give you pleasure and I wanted not to give you pain. But those [clouds] have [passed] away [and] more agreeable [scenes] appear in [?]. But I have said enough on this subject, and what is not excused must be forgiven and that’s in relation to it [dismissed].

And now Dear George and Philander how do you do? And how have you been for a long time? How do you progress in your studies? What do you think of your friends in Vermont? Do you remember them as much as they do you, think? Some changes have taken place since you were here but none which cause us to forget you or remember you [aught] the [less]- I think you left [?] here, when you left us; well, I have read [few] letters from him, the last dated 14th Jany last at Dayton in the Big Miami. He writes most excellent letters and gives me good account of his prosperity. He has remitted to me 200 dollars for the payment of all his debt which he left unpaid when he went away, tells me his profits are good and that Dayton is the pleasantest place he ever saw and that he means to settle there. I suppose you have heard of the marriage of A [?] to L[?] M. Flint, she has moved to her home and appears to be well settled. She desires to be remembered to you both, in all the love and affection possible. Your Aunt never remembers you without [peculiar] emotions of [?] affection [?] [your pictures] hang in our bedroom so that when we awaken, we bid you good morning and when we [retire] to rest your images [?] themselves in our [?] prayers for your prosperity and happiness.

Remember us, Dear Boys, with that affection of love that we have promised to ourselves, come and see us soon as possible, write me as you shall receive this, and they'll remembrances to your friend Grand Ma’am and Father and Mother and believe me to be ever your affectionate Uncle

Dudley Chase

M[?] George and Philander Chase

Letter to George and Philander Jr.

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No Copyright - United States