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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 tells his wife of his plan to go to Washington to support a bill that would help the school. He also discusses their children's schooling and asks Sophia to take care of the books in the College's library.
Date
1-23-1826
Keywords
Washington, Mr. Sparrow, Mr. Morse, library, Mr. Royce, Dudley Chase Jr., Mr. Talbot, Mrs. Talbot, Dudley Chase, Mrs. Harper
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Sophia Chase" (1826). Philander Chase Letters. 577.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/577
Rights Statement
Transcript
Newark. Mon’y Morning ½ past 5
Jan. 23, 1826
My Dear Wife;
I think it is my duty to go immediately home to Washington City. My object is to be the instrument of benefit our infant College; now (by a bill which passed the 3’d reading in the Ohio Legislature the day I staid in Columbus) become appended to, & a part of, our Seminary.
In this hazardous undertaking I feel as I did upon going to England entire in the hands of Almighty God, who thro’ the merits of Jesus Christ has always been more merciful to me than man and hitherto has never failed most graciously to help me in time of need.
In leaving my home, however, at this inclement season of the year and with my [lameness] to travel so many hundred miles I can not but feel an unusual anxiety: And yet when I make inquisition for its real causes I find my anxiety arrises from the School, the family and especially the Little ones at home. O may God protect and bless you all!! Tell Dear Mr. Sparrow that I entreat him to defer his contemplated tour to the North until my return, and that as the care of the Seminary devolves now upon him he has my prayers for the faithful and successful discharge of his duty. Tell Mr. [McMillen] that much is also depending on him and that I pray God to give him the grace of patience with our Loved pupils.
As the Library is in your room I commit the charge of it to you my dear wife. Ask Mr. Sparrow to enquire for the books that are missing and let the going out and the coming in of every book be careful noted – also the damage if any done to the books be observed.
Mr. Royce engage to keep the family in wood. If he fail at any time to keep at least ten cord ahead let some one else be engaged. Tell him to prepare & bring to the door a few loads of dry wood immediately for kindling fires in the morning. Tell Dudley to prepare for making the fire the night before that you be not distressed in the morning for the want of an early fire.
What presses most on my anxious mind is the neglected condition of Dear Henry & Mary. The former ought now to be able to read; instead of that how backward he is! Your manifold cares forbid you attending to this. What can be done! It pains me beyond description tho think that amidst all our endeavours to benefit others our own children should suffer.
I have heard that Mr. Talbot Esq. is now with Mrs. Talbot residing in Washington City [?] us, I am desirous of having a copy of my acct. agt. him immediately transmitted to me. Pray get Mr. [Morse] to copy it, and someone else to copy my letter to Mrs. Talbot & put all under care to Dudley in the U.S. Senate for me at Wash. City. Thro’ the same channel don’t fail to write to me every mail and beg Mr. Sparrow to do the same and tell me all the news.
If you ask me whence I am to get money to bear the great and necessary expenses of the long journey? I’ll tell you “I don’t think it be agreeable to the divine will that I should go. God will provide.” Don’t be anxious about me that I did “not take [purse] nor scrip nor two coats” with me for God will Provide. This confidence in God’s goodness leads me to mention the subject of prayer without which our confidence is blind indeed.
I am now setting out on an errand of greater magnitude than any hitherto engaged in thro’ my whole life. I do therefore entreat that in praying for closest friends and the good of God’s Church my family and all the scholars would be earnestly requested to think on me their humble friend especially that God may bless me & send me now prosperity. Ever most faithfully and affectionately your loving, loving Husband,
Phi. Chase
P.S. Pray write a note to Mrs. Harper at Dr. Goodalls Columbus telling her good husband when I have gone (reason) they engaged to come to [Worthington] immediately after my return from Granville — I send you by Thomas Mr. Balache’s spectacles which by mistake I took thinking them to be my own when I left his room on Thursday night last in Columbus. He is the Printer, & some one may take them to him or he may send for them for I have written to him on the subject.
Once more Farewell. To God’s gracious [?] & protection I commit you; the Lord bless you & keep you: the Lord mercifully look upon you & be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you & give you peace both now and ever more!
[Side of first page]: Open all letters yourself; & if you think they are interesting to me send them under cover to Dudley, sealed up for me.