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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 tells his uncle of his family's poor health and shares that his Aunt Chase recently gave him money to pay Mr. Jonas Eddy, who had threatened to sue him.
Date
2-21-1826
City
Randolph, VT
Keywords
Jonas Eddy, Justin Morgan, Aunt Chase, influenza, church
Recommended Citation
Chase, George, "Letter to Uncle Dudley" (1826). Philander Chase Letters. 452.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/452
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Transcript
Randolph Feb. 21. 1826
My Dear Uncle,
I am now at your house, having made my way hither thro’ a terrible South East snow storm. Aunt Chase has directed me to write to you a few lines--she is so busy herself about house that she can not find leisure to write you a word, every one of the girls has the prevailing complaint the Influenza, and they are unable and it would be imprudent for them to attempt doing much at the present time. They are all now sitting perched up in the kitchen like hooded crows coughing and cawing in such a manner that you would think yourself in a rookery. Mrs. Blodget still retains her health and spirits--her boys are both very well. Last night I attended the Lodge and there was such a noise--such coughing and spitting that it was almost impossible to attend to business. My wife is also unwell but hope she will be better soon. As for myself I have had a touch of the same distemper, but have never taken any medicine and am now well.
Mr. Jonas Eddy came again yesterday in company with that ass Gen. Lillie and called me out of the Lodge to settle his demand. He threatened to sue me forthwith and used pretty strong language. There were I knew hundreds to whom if I applied they would willingly assist me, but I chose rather to keep the matter private and only informed Aunt Chase of the dilemma I was in--she sympathized with me and loaned me $4--which settled the demand. When I got home last night--my wife asked me what made me look so pale. I could only return the question for she herself looked like death--I told that all was settled. Now this is the same Mr. Eddy who Mr. Justin Morgan says swore falsely and obtained judgment against him. Mr. Morgan himself is now in poverty and I heard Mr. Eddy say that he “thanked God and was heartily glad of it.” I have no doubt that he is a vindictive and revengeful poor mean creature, but I am heartily glad that I am rid of him, and I forgive him from the bottom of my heart. I took myself to task for indulging other feelings--but believe I am right now.
I am sorry, in addition to your own, to trouble you with my afflictions--but I can assure you that I feel far happier than one would suppose it possible for me to feel in my present situation. I have enough of the comforts and necessaries of life--my family are with me--and when I reflect on the great miseries that I have experienced, I can only thank God that they are no worse.
I have not time to write much at present. We have received your letters giving an account of my father’s success--which I hope may continue.
We (i.e. Aunt Chase, my wife, William, and myself) attended Church last Sunday to hear Mr. Clapp. We stopped into Mr. Smith, and I read Addison’s letter aloud. The great joy that it gave them all, especially my poor Aunt can not be expressed in suitable language. We did not stay but a short time and came home directly from Church bringing Mary along with us, who had returned from visiting her friends at Sharon and Norwick.
Adieu My Dear Uncle
Ever your affectionate Nephew
Geo. Chase