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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 wishes his uncle a happy New Year, discusses an upcoming ball, and provides updates on his daughter's growth. He also asks Dudley about how he "understood the Terms of Barker and Miller Partnership," about the appointment for Rufus King and son, and for a "little dash of political news" regarding ministers to the Congress of Panama.
Date
Winter 1-1-1826
Keywords
Washington, Vermont, Ball, Doct. Burnham, Betsey, Geo. W. Barker, Maj. Miller, Capt. Cotton, Bethel, Mrs Batchelder, Emily Alvord, Doct. Paige, Gen. E., Rufus King, Ministers to the Congress of Panama, S. A. Govts., Canal, Atlantic, Pacific, Brattleboro, Aunt Chase, Robert
Recommended Citation
Chase, George, "Letter to Uncle Dudley" (1826). Philander Chase Letters. 579.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/579
Rights Statement
Transcript
Randolph. January 1. 1826
Thursday Evening
My Dear Uncle
A week since I had the [pleasure] of wishing you a merry Christmas--I have now also the pleasure of wishing you a happy New Year. I hope you have passed both Anniversaries in the City of Washington as pleasantly as possible when separated so far from your family and friends in Vermont. My wife is hanging over my shoulder and desires me to add her ardent wishes for your continued health and happiness.
I have commenced this letter in accordance with my determination of writing to you once a week but I assure you I have nothing worthy of your attention to communicate. It is a sad predicament to be in--for write I must, however insipid and uninteresting my letter must necessarily be--you do not wish me to write ‘notes critical’ upon what I have been reading, as that would appear rather too bookish and what else to say is part my perpetuation to discover. I can assure you that we are all well and begin to confine ourselves more than ever to our dens as the cold of winter increased upon us. The young people are however making preparations for a great Ball on Tuesday the 3rd [inst] Doct. Burnham, who is Betsey’s gallant, and Geo W. [Barker] are the chief managers. Doct. B. very politely offered me a ticket--but a ball room is now the last place where I could enjoy myself--[Maj. Miller] has requested me to look over his accounts, which I have promised to do. I wish you would let me know how you understood the Terms of Barker and Miller Partnership--not that there is the least difficulty or expectation of one, but merely for my own satisfaction. Do not forget it.
Capt. Cotton has killed his hogs and is hesitating how to dispose of them. He has I understand written to you and no doubt given you all the information desirable. After all that is part and gone, I sincerely love Capt. C. for the sake of auld lang syne, and if he did but know it, there is nothing but what I would do to promote his happiness. At Bethel all are well so far as I have heard excepting [Mrs Batchelder] who is convalescent and poor Emily Alvord for whom I have understood Doct Paige to say that medicine can afford no relief.
In the Chapter the difficulty that existed before your departure has resulted as anticipated--very much to Gen. E. credit. A reconciliation honourable to him has been effected.
My little daughter grows everyday in the favour and good graces of her father--not however I hope to such a degree as to endanger her proper management. I have thought that whipping was unnecessary except in extreme cases--that authority should be exercised but seldom and then only when the child must see that she [has] been doing wrong--but when this authority is exercised, the child must be made to submit and in no half way manner. As yet I have found no difficulty whatever--the little [pup] has never yet rebelled against my commands. You have confirmed the appointment of Rufus King and son. Was it wisely done? You no doubt know the feelings of the community better than I do--but I expected at least there would have been greater opposition--many people grumble--and these grumbles are sometimes dangerous when they have so good an opportunity to find fault as in the present instance. Who are our Ministers to the Congress of Panama - Have they instructions to engage the S. A. Govts to give us leave to assist in the great work of cutting the Canal from the Atlantic to the Pacific? A little dash of political news--something of what is going on behind the curtain would be very acceptable.
Tuesday. Jan 3rd. Since writing the above snow has fallen about a foot deep and we hear the sleigh bells flying around merrily. I have not been up to your house since Sunday morning, when to our great disappointment we had no mail from Brattleboro. The remainder of this page I shall leave to be filled as Aunt Chase shall direct.
I am now at your house--the family are all well--everything remains in status quo. Aunt Chase says she wants to write very much but thought she would not trouble you with a letter today--besides she has to fix off her girls for the ball and it would be impossible to scribble amidst ribands and [furbe bows] with “Aunt Chase” this and “Aunt Chase that” resounding from every quarter. Horace is flying around wanting amazingly to do as Robert used to do. He has procured an overall coat, white, just like Robert’s--he wears it at all times--meal times--and I expected less than that he will go to bed in it.
Adieu Yours Respectfully,
Geo. Chase