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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 writes to his brother to update him on the health of their family and discusses the difficulty he is having making money for himself and his family. He asks Dudley to send money and promises it will be repaid as soon as possible.
Date
3-31-1826
Keywords
Philander Jr., Brother Baruch, Mrs. Russel, Secretary of War, Indian students, Mr. Sparrow, Mr. McMiller, Mr. Wiggin, Mr. Kip
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Dudley Chase" (1826). Philander Chase Letters. 604.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/604
Rights Statement
Transcript
Worthington Ohio
31. Mar. 1826
My Dear Brother
I got home yesterday a little before night. My Dear Little Philander had recovered from his late dangerous illness so far as to walk about the room a little: he knows me and insists on my constant attendance. Sarah Russel also has grown better though it is dangerous for her as yet to breath the cold air. My [?] Mr. [Moorse] is convalescent tho’ very pale. The whole family, it seems were sick during my absence with this dreadful influenza and how they get on with so poor assistance for so many in family I know not. Blessed be the Lord God who hath smiled on them & afforded them strength and patience.
All of your excellent letters down to the 19 of Mar. are now before me: & for them I most heartily thank you. I had written to your good Wife and I think to Brother [Baruch] on my way home. When you write them again, pray in return for their goodness in remembering me in their letters and prayers, say everything of a kind and affectionate nature which your good mind can suggest. Tell George that his loving Father prays God to bless him.
Mrs. [Russel] re’d your good letter containing the pleasing intelligence of Sister Smith’s recovery, this day: and were it not for her incessant cares would answer it immediately. None of your friends or relations loves you better than does this most pious and excellent Lady.
And now Dear Brother let me change the subject. How think you that I live? Whence get I my daily bread? You know that I have no income neither from the Diocese for my services as Bishop; nor from any Parish as a Parochial Clergyman – nor yet from the Seminary as president thereof – nor yet from the farm for I can pay no attention to it: and the [produce] does not pay for labourers as in my absence no one can set them advantageously to work. Whence then do I—can I—get my living? From boarding the Boys? The price you know is so low that if I can save myself if will be more than you and many others expect. The pay from the Sec’y of War for the Indians may do something; but not enough besides their actual expenses to pay one [?] & this you’d believe if you could see how well they are clad. Whence then get I my living I will answer as the Frenchman did when recording his vote in answer to the question “Shall Bonaparte by Emperor for life?” “Je non sai pas” “I don’t know”
Mr Sparrow our excellent Professor is retained under the expected Salary of $500 a year & his board lodging &c. Mr. McMiller the [Usher] has besides his board & other lodging expenses $200. Should the money not be drawn for from England whence am I to get cash to go on with this load of expense?
If God had not almost wrought miracles to extricate me from difficulties I should sink here.
With Mr. Wiggin I think it would not be advisable to sell the English stock at the present low rate. You thought confidence would soon be restored but I see by the papers that time is necessary to wear off the impression of the late shock on the public market.
Will you not help me? Have I ever asked a favour of my relations before? And even now I pledge my word they shall not be the [losers] if I can get from them the loan of $500 now and if I should want it of $500 at the end of six month from June?
If you will help me, send $100 immediately to Mr L. Kip of N. York & advise me that I may draw on to pay some pressing demands. Pray consult with Brother Baruch, and do me all the good you can. Tell me what you mean to give & what you lend. The latter I will have secured as if a Miser looked to it in the best manner possible. Have I ever deceived you? I will not begin to do so now. I wait an answer to this with great anxiety. Faithfully & affectionately
P.Chase