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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
George encourages Morse to enter the ministry and discusses the activities of people in town.
Date
12-30-1814
Keywords
Boston Spectator, Greenfield, Commander McDonough, Middleton, John Pack
Recommended Citation
Chase, George, "Letter to Intrepid Morse" (1814). Philander Chase Letters. 468.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/468
Rights Statement
Transcript
Mr. Intrepid Morse
Gibbons-ville, to be left at the
Post Office of Troy
New-York
Father in particular desires to be remembered.
Friday 30th
The accompanying figure although imperfectly drawn from memory is the seal of the Church at Greenfield Mass. It is the most ingenious thing to represent the triune Deity that ever I have seen. The outward circle represents the infinity of all the rest is easily deciphered.
I received you letter of the 8th instant. Was pleased with everything but your scruples about entering the ministry. “Right motives” cousin is that your excuse. I am sure you can have no mercenary consideration- for alas a priest is always dependant in this country upon the caprice of his parishioners who will severely afford him a miserable pittance sufficient to support himself- and much less a family. What can then be your reasons?
Your monitory gave me great pleasure- and I am sorry you entertain so poor an opinion of your own poetical abilities as should deter you from often visiting the hell of the Nine. “And oh if beautys radiant eye, One consecrated tear, thus wept--the vagrant drop has missed the road and causeless where it falls has fail’d to ease the mighty load” This passage was particularly pleasing and true.
For a long time I have secluded myself from the society of young people in town- and never visit except when absolutely necessary: Last night Huntington paid a visit to me- he is a worthy young man. His family are all Baptist, or Presbyterian and he alone is a churchman. And so firmly is he fiercer in his principles concerning our holy Church - that he nothing can move him. No temptation separates him from it.
The gallant Com. McDonough was confirmed with us two or three years hence- perhaps you do not remember him as his utmost exertions had procured him little celebrity on the lake. The Secretary of the navy is his bitterest enemy merely because he is a federalist. Such conduct ought at once to displace him from office but no -- Government know their interest better. The Commodore married a Miss Shaler in Middleton. He is a Communicant in our holy Church. His bravery is needless for me to mention- he has proved it by the most glorious of actions. Last night an express came in town announcing the arrival of between 10 & 1/4 sail of the line off new London, and that they had demanded the surrender of the place Giving them one day to prepare. They can never take the place till half the men are killed -- such enthusiasm prevails have and every where. A great many young men have gone from this place. Thus you see the effects of this hasty ill judged, and wicked war. When it will end Heaven knows only. I really wish you would take the Boston Spectator conductd[?] by Dir. John Pack at $300 per year. It is universally thought to be the best periodical paper in the union. You need not read the political part since you have so great an antipathy to converse upon politics from hearing the two negros what we call jawing, but l[?] turn over the leaf[?] to the Belles Letters, corner.
I find reading to be a good antidote to reflections that pain, to be employed is necessary to prevent hypochondrium. Before I loved solitude. Now I shun it. In ancient times when any communicant had committed a sin that forbade him the communion he was obliged to stand at the door of the church with ashes on his head and undergo publically a long trial before he could again be committed. Think- if I should die in this interval- where would I fly to. Debarred from this below could I ascend to that purer communion above. I hope will answer this soon -- and I remain your forever affectionate George