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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 tells his uncle of his family's happiness and updates him on various acts of "villanry" within town. He also says the family was disappointed not to have heard from him in New York.
Date
12-10-1825
Keywords
Eliza Chase, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Wilber, Horace Chase, Mr. Robinson, Mrs. Russell Morris, Miss Ann Dexter, Capt. Tiffany, Deacon [Washburn], Dr. Smith, Aunt Chase
Recommended Citation
Chase, George, "Letter to Dudley Chase" (1825). Philander Chase Letters. 547.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/547
Rights Statement
Transcript
Randolph Dec. 10. 1825.
My Dear Uncle
The long letter which I had promised myself to write to you will probably be a very short, as I have but a few moments to write before I go up to town. Could you at this moment contemplate the happiness you have been the means of creating, you could perhaps enjoy one of the most pleasant moments of your life. My little daughter, altho’ a little refractory now & then, improves daily, at least in my eyes. She says “she is going to be her dear papa’s clever daughter.” My wife says she enjoys at present so much felicity unmingled with bitter, that she fears some calamity is impending for that very reason. But for myself I am persuaded no calamity, poverty, or disappointment can make me wretched, so long as I am not deprived of the company of my wife and child. The neighbours here have not yet made us a visit, nor do I feel very anxious for the time when they may think it necessary. Mr. Wright has obtained him a place in the south part of the town. I have requested him to bring me his bill for all the work he has done for you, and I would pay him in grain, which Mr. Thomas, Horace’s hired man, is now thrashing out. He said he would do so. Mr. Weston told me yesterday that [Mr.] Robinson of Reading to whom he wrote in compliance with your directions did not appear at Woodstock and upon inquiry he could not find there was any such individual in that place. He wished to know what was best to be done and I have thus written to you for your further directions. Mr. Wilber has done here for the present. He has made us a nice pantry do. sink room do [settle] finished the chamber, as you desired to have it done, excepting the lathing and plastering, which cannot be done until Horace can find leisure to draw the ½ in. from [Waldos], which will not be immediately as he is very much hurried at present. This winter the boards necessary for the floor over woodshed, for fence and can be drawn from [Simcons] at our leisure.
Randolph seems to abound in villainous anecdotes. Mrs. Russell Morris has absconded alone and on foot leaving her child. Miss Ann Dexter has been prosecuted for theft of property to the value of almost nothing at all. I told our lawyers that she might have been cleared with care. There are some points, you know so small that there is no room for foundation.
But I have not yet done with Randolph villainy. Capt. Tiffany of the N. Branch has been cruelly punishing a boy that lives with him, and it is seriously proposed to have him prosecuted. I do not know what I may hear when I get up to town, but if there is any new precious [piece] of villainy you shall have early notice.
The weather since your departure has been very variable – snow, rain and wind, mud, and frozen ground. Probably where you are the weather is similar to our summer.
P.S. At your house. – Deacon [Washburn]’s father came here a short time since for Doct. Smith to visit his son. He found him suffering excruciating pain, and in all probability he will never be a well man again. But Dr. S. thinks he may be made more comfortable. His father says that the affairs there are in order or in as good a [train] as can be expected, (perhaps better than when the Deacon had sole care. This is a note of my own.)
The hogs are to be slaughtered next Monday, having consumed about all the provender. The old gentleman says they are excellent [pork].
The old gentleman says he himself shall stay at [Northfield] this winter & take care of things – with this arrangement I presume you will not be displeased. I am writing in the midst of the [Taylorisses] (Misses McIntyres) paraphernalia, with one elbow just crooked up onto the Desk.
Aunt Chase says she shall write you next mail. We were very much disappointed at not hearing from you at New York. The family, every individual, are well.
Affectionately and Respectfully Yours,
Geo. Chase
Hon. D. Chase
City Washington