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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 discusses his affairs in Randolph and apologizes for not having more to say.
Date
1-2-1826
Keywords
Green Mountain Patriot, Maria Russel, Salmon Chase, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Weston, Mr. Adams, Deacon Wilber, Mr. Clapp, Albion, Aunt Chase
Recommended Citation
Chase, George, "Letter to Dudley Chase" (1826). Philander Chase Letters. 584.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/584
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Transcript
Randolph Feb 2. 1826
My Dear Uncle,
Yesterday I rec’d the Green Mountain Patriot with a few lines from yourself under date of the 25. Jan. Salmon also rec’d his letter of which he was not a little proud. Mrs Blodget, Olivia, & Olivia Chase of Bethel, with her little daughter & Maria Russel made us a visit yesterday escorted by Salmon. The day was serene tho’ exceedingly cold, but we made out to keep the house warm by brisk fires in the stove & in the parlour. The day preceding (Tuesday) was perhaps unequalled in severity by any day we have had this winter. The wind blew violently from the North West, & it was almost impossible for people to get to their barns to do the ordinary chores – Mr Murphy told me that he found it necessary to keep his cattle in motion lest they should suffer & freeze. You know nothing of this in Washington & for aught I know you may have been suffering on that day with oppressive heat.
I have no murders, suicides, deaths or epitaphs to record & send you this week. One reason of which perhaps may be that I have not been in a situation to hear of any. The acct. [vs] the Smiths has been adjusted. There was no Ledger balance agt. either of them, but on examining the Justice Docket I found 2 bills of cost amounting in the whole to $424 [unposted]. Mr Weston was therefore requested to retain that amount in his hands of the moneys collected for them.
Thus far I believe that I have been tolerably economical in my expenditures. 2 lbs Tea, 2 lbs Tobacco, some spice, molasses & salt [petre] have been the extent of purchases for myself. I have not rec’d nor made use of a farthing of money–altho’ I shall need probably about $1 for Post Office bills. I have rec’d a dunning letter from a friend whose a/c I hope to settle by some remittances from New York, – it will or may be nothing by hope – for I have put in my oar for a literary prize of $20. There are 100 chances – & mine may be the lucky one.
I saw a Mr Adams (son of Deac. Adams of Brookfield) from Warren who engaged to bring me out some pine plank for the [eve] troughs – cistern, sink &c & to take his pay in grain [?]. Whatever he brings more than sufficient for my use Deac. Wilber wishes to take. I hope he will not disappoint, as it will save considerable trouble & expense in obtaining it elsewhere.
What I have mentioned above concerning the $20 Prize is entirely “inter nos” & I deprecate your ridicule upon the occasion. Tomorrow my wife & little daughter goes to Bethel for a visit to her fathers family – She will not return until Tuesday next week. Mr Clapp preaches next Sunday. The first No. of the Episcopal Register printed at Middlebury has appeared – I am sorry to say it is not a very creditable specimen of either composition or typography. When the Editors get their ‘hands in’ I hope they will do better. The 32’d No. of the Albion is rec’d. The preceding No’s I have stitched together & they are now at Aunt Chase’s.
I think of nothing new to relate – positively nothing – I go out very little myself & then only to your house & the Post Office. One or two other migrations exclusive of these comprises the whole of my visiting. I am ashamed, notwithstanding the leisure I have had, at the very little I have effected in the literary way – I feel as if I should be glad when spring came, so that I could take hold of work. Deac. Wilber has not yet completed my plans.
Adieu – I hope that the next letter will be filled with something more to your satisfaction.
Ever your affect’e. Nephew,
Geo. Chase