Files
Download Full Text (21.3 MB)
Content Warning
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 apologizes for his belated letter and updates Brooks on the proceedings of the Chillicothe Convention, in which the Seminary's charter was granted.
Date
1-13-1825
Keywords
London, Mr. Cockren, Liverpool, New York, Chillicothe, Chillicothe Convention, Seminary, Rev. Mr. Knight, Mr. Mitchel, Mr. & Mrs. Shaw
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Reverend J.W. Brooks" (1825). Philander Chase Letters. 511.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/511
Rights Statement
Transcript
To the Rev J. W. Brooks
Chaplain to Lord [Galvery] Retford Notts
Worthington, Ohio
Jan 13th 1825
Rev. & Dear Sir:
The best apology which I can make for my request of your most interesting letter of May last is to relate facts; and then throw myself on your mercy—
When, in London, I re’d your esteemed favour I was much pressed for time; having no secretary many of the letters I rec’d were of necessity unanswered much longer than I could wish. Yours however, it was my intention immediately to answer and that most gratefully, willing closing with all the proportions in relation to Mr. Cockren whose history & interesting character you so tenderly to him and so prudently to me; describe. But the letter was mislaid and actually packed up with books and parcels for America, so that it never met my eye again till in this my study in Ohio a few days ago. What my [?] & feelings of regret were I can not describe to you. Before I left England the subject was on my mind; & I [?] [?] to find the letter and after my determination to return in July & I sought for it among my papers but could not find it. Your address was not in my mind and even the name of Mr. Cockren was, amid the multitude of names which crowded on me, forgotten. Often did I hope that some circumstance would turn up by which I might remember your respective name and address so as to permit me to write you before I embarked; but this never happened.
And now what shall be done? What but thus to apologise and entreat you to forgive me— If Mr. Cockren is still disengaged, and can obtain means to reach me he may rely on my great satisfaction in seeing him, and on my doing all in my power to befriend him and thro’ him to benefit the Church of Christ. If he come the following memorada as to the rout he ought to take.
The Liverpool Packets to New York & thence up the North River to Albany; thence to Buffalo by the canal; thence in the steam boat on Lake Erie to Sanduskey; & thence to Worthington in the Stage Coach.
I cannot think of closing this letter without telling you something of the progress of the affairs of our infant Western church in which you have been so good as to take a most obliging interest. Blessed in my voyage and in the meeting of my family and in a very long & safe journey across the mountains I arrived in time at Chillicothe to hold the Convention of our Church on the day which by letter I had appointed [?] arrived on the shores of my country. Everything in this convention was conducted in great harmony. The Constitution of our Seminary was framed and adopted and measures taken to be [incorporated]. Founded on this the legislature has since given us a charter with a power to hold 20 thousand dollars or raising four thousand pounds starting income. If we can ever make the funds produce one quarter of that much we shall be most happy. Of this corporation the bishops of the American church are ex officio members and have a visitorial power. The Statutes are to be subject to the revision of the Gen’l Convention.
The place where the Seminary will be finally fixed is yet to be determined by the Convention next June. Many places have made very liberal offers in land and in buildings. I can hardly believe myself when I reflect on the great Blessings of God which have attended this at first conceived to be so hopeless an undertaking. God with fervent means hath made hard his arm and fought for us.
Do remember me to the Rev. Mr. Knight & family, Mr. Mitchel, Mr. & Mrs. Shaw and all who showed me kindness in Halifax.
And believe me most faithfully, your obliged friend and servant,
P.C.