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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
The loan Chase asked for from Dudley is unable to be paid, so he will have to make some sacrifices for his sons' education. Updates on the wellbeing of his family, including a new servant boy he will be educating.
Date
10-19-1816
Keywords
George Chase; Bp. Hobart; Dudley Chase; Almira; Catherine Jane; Janette; Reverend Cranston; Mr. Noble; Phoenix Stock
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Philander Chase, Jr." (1816). Philander Chase Letters. 55.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/55
Rights Statement
Transcript
Hartford Oct. 19th 1816
My dear Son:
Your two letters detailing the success which attended you in your journey to Boston and efforts to enter the first class, Cambridge, were duly received, and you may be assured, afforded no small satisfaction to your parents and all who know you. We all join you in grateful expressions to the Divine Being that he hath thus disposed all things for your benefit. May you continue to be sensible of his mercy, and improve all his blessings to your eternal benefit!
Yesterday, I returned from attending the Convention at New Haven. Bishop Hobart is acknowledged as our Diocesan and this state annexed to the Diocese of New York.
We have rec’d one letter from your Brother George, stating that all were well and glad to see him. The money, which I wished to borrow of your Uncle Dudley can not be had: So we must do without it. Accordingly I have ordered my stock to be sold to pay my notes at the bank, amounting, as they now do, to 2000 Dollars. This will be a great sacrifice as Phoenix Stock is 10 percent below par. I should be and I hope I am, thankful for what is left: and if I can but get George and you thro. college the dearest object of my heart will be accomplished: but to do this the prudence of you both must be relied on now more than ever.
Your Dear Mother I think is better than when you left us. She certainly exercises more and has a better countenance. Little Dudley has had a few sick days in [cutting] his teeth (especially the two come lately on the upper jaw) which have pulled him down somewhat. But he is now much better and grows every day more interesting. His mother has taught him to hold up his hands and to look inexpressibly woe-begone when she asks “where’s Brother Philander and Brother George” - and says “they are gone, away - away [?]” May the good God continue to bless him and make him an ornament to our family!
Your hon’d Grand Mother is well and often speaks of you with much affection: Aunt Almira is not yet married I’ll assure you: certainly she increases in her amiable qualities. Catharine Jane is progressing in her musick and her knowledge of the world - so far as [Bigland] can make her do so. Sheldon is deeply engaged in learning Book-keeping and a neater writer I know not. Janette, tho. a rough jewel, is growing every day more and more polished. Mary is still looking up and as docile as ever.
We have a new boy by way of “Help” about 13 years of age: if I mistake not will be very useful to us. I am to board and school him for his services.
Ann’s Mother Mrs. Crittenden has left one of her daughters about 5 years of age by the spotted fever and another of the children lays now at the point of death. Ann of course has been much with her mother to help nurse the sick - and we obliged to take care of ourselves.
The Rev. Mr. Cranston, who was educated at C[?] and knows Dr. Ware and all the learned in that seminary, was put into the H. O. of [...] the Conven. New Haven by Bp. Hobart. Last week he and Mr. Noble dined with me here in Hartford. I am much prepossessed in his favour. Now, Dear Philander, I commend you to God’s holy keeping. May He bless you in mind and person keep you from all things hurtful to either by his gracious Spirit.
When you see Mr. Brinley or his Lady don’t forget to make my most respectful compliment to them. Mention me also kindly to the Miss Burroughs. Thank Doctors Harris and Ware for the kind attention they have shewn you for your loving Father
Philander Chase