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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 discusses a student he hopes to take on, the "wicked conduct" of a man named James Kilbourne, and the project of the Ohio Canal.
Date
4-29-1825
Keywords
Smith & Jenkins, Alum Creek, James Kilbourne, Chillicothe, Ohio Canal, Lord Kenyon, Mr. Wiggin
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Leonard Kip" (1825). Philander Chase Letters. 525.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/525
Rights Statement
Transcript
To Leonard Kp [Esq.]
Wor. Ap. 29. 1825
Dr. Br.
Your Pav’r. p.mark ¢5 init. came today; & as you request I write immediately about Walter. Were I not a beggar in my world by circumstances I should not charge anything for the expenses of this dear Boy. The son of an absent and most esteemed Brother. As it is if I receive anything for his board and education let it be $100 per ann: his clothes and books to be furnished by you. Should it be inconvenient for his Bror. Duncan to advance this let the lad stay with us and take his chance with my poor Children I shall not draw for our funds from Eng. till I know where the Sem’y will be placed.
Tell Smith and Jenkins that I am & for many years have been as much disgusted with the wicked conduct of James Kilbourne as they can be and wonder at their folly in playing into the hands of the man as if they were his best friends. If you or they ask how this is done I will tell you – Shuddering at the thought of having our Seminary under the blighting influence of that man’s example in sought in conjunction with the best interests of the institution to create motives for removing the public attention of the middle part of the State from Worthington to Alum Creek: and in doing so proposed to Smith & Jenkins and others a plan which would have essentially benefited them. They refuse. Kilbourne laughs & hopes to triumph. To prevent this I shall throw my whole influence into that scale already very weighty for having the Seminary at Chillicothe & perhaps at Cin.
If another [opportunity] of this nature happen, to raise the value of these Gentlemen’s lands till the Canal taxes drain their pockets of all their value I am much deceived in my calculation.
I am happy to learn that the Commission of the Ohio Canal fund have succeeded so well. Your judgement of Mr. Wiggin’s letter I suppose was right: mention incidentally to him at what rate the Com’n have obtained the loan: and this will satisfy him as to any arrangements he might have made for that purpose.
Pray send the letters on as soon as you can if no private opp’y by mail.
If God’s blessing be in proportion to the gratitude which glows in my heart towards the donors of the 100£ I mentioned in the front of your letter. Lord Kenyon & Mr. Wiggin are blessed indeed.
I am ever your loving & faithful brother,
Phil. Chase
Leonard Kip Esq.
Copy 1
P.S. write soon the items of your acct.