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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
Detailing Chase's trip to New York, especially his return to Poughkeepsie.
Date
8-17-1816
Keywords
William Davies; Poughkeepsie, NY; James Moore; Albany, NY; Ballston; Mr. Bartholomew
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Philander Chase, Jr." (1816). Philander Chase Letters. 53.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/53
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Transcript
Saratoga Springs Augt. 17th, 1816
My dear Son:
I drop’t you an unfinished letter, when at Albany: I think however it brought my very important history to the important event of my arriving at that very important place Poughkeepsie.
Mr. W. Davies rec’d one kindly and furnished a carriage to ride all about town. I found the place much improved, having in point of number increased more than one half since I left.
James Moore and his wife were both well and still remember you with much tenderness. The old man has thirteen houses in the Village, twelve of which he rents. Were it not he also owes much money for them he would be a very rich man. As it is I fear he will have much trouble to extricate himself; though the real value of his estate is much above the am’t of his debts. The money due on the land and mortgage had not been collected: I was fortunate enough to receive it myself; which alone, you very well know, enabled me to pursue my journey to this place.
After visiting the [?] of my particular friends I started in the next steam boat for Albany. The weather was fine and the Sun just rising as I went on board: and with out romance I tell you, few things of the kind ever delighted me more than the beautiful scenery before me all the way.
At Albany Mr. Bartholomew’s Brother the Cap. of the Richmond Steamboat, insisted on my accompanying him to his house and staying all night. Who could resist such disinterested politeness? His daughter whom you may recollect to have seen at Mrs. Wheeler’s was our hostess, her mother having gone to Kingston to see a sick sister.
Ba[rely] in the morning (yesterday) I started in the stage for Ballston. When riding about that city for passengers and on the road for about 8 miles I suffered very much: so that I had serious fears of giving out and trying another mode of conveyance. But the roads growing better I stood it out and arrived safe at Ballston. Here we dined and found everything well and our company pleasant; and our landlords and waiting more than [?] only civil. The reason of which latter items I find to be [?]. All the [?] is for Saratoga Springs and those of Ballston going down very fast.
Throwing the waters of Saratoga to be better it was my original design you recollect to drink of those in preference to those of Ballston. I therefore found no disinclination to our company my shipmates to this p[?] we arrived safe last evening and drank of the waters. Their effect was almost immediate, and I think salutary. To me however must decide more particularly.
The Rev. [?] of St. Stephen’s N.Y. is with me at the same boarding house. I find him more sensible and agreeable than I expected. Were it not that the [?] is too prominent I should like him better.
Dear Philander [...] fill with tears when I remem[ber …] what situation I left my dear wife [...] hon’d beloved Mother! Write to [me imm]ediately after rec. this and tell [...] you know or have heard from [...] how all [...] dear family [...] little [...] how is he [...] and be particular. Write [...] short and comprehensive refle[ction].
I enjoyed, when in [...] the Rev. Mr. [?] of Zion Ch. to s[pe]nd one Sunday at Hartford. I hope he has been as good as his word and that he has been treated well.
My best love and duty to my hon’d [?] that and affectionate regards to sister Almira and to Sheldon.
My God in his mercy have you all in his holy keeping.
Your loving father