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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 writes of a fire that destoryed Mr. Dow's blacksmith shop. He needed to borrow $1 in order to cover small expenses, has recieved visits from Mr. Bragg, Caroline and Olivia, and provides further updates on the tenants and other financial matters.
Date
Spring 4-1-1826
Keywords
Mr. Dow, Mr. Macon, Aunt Chase, Panama mission, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Pember, Mr. Waldo, John Weston Jr., Capt. Cotton, Bethel, Mr. Mixter, Bona, Northfield, Mr. Bragg, Caroline, Olivia, Almira, Judge Johnson, Pulaski, N.A. Review
Recommended Citation
Chase, George, "Letter to Dudley Chase" (1826). Philander Chase Letters. 605.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/605
Rights Statement
Transcript
Randolph April 1. 1826
My Dear Uncle
As old Mr. Macon prophesied, so it has come to pass. March came in like a lamb but has gone out like a lion. But April commences with a more smiling countenance and although it is pinched a little with the cold, yet it is quite placid and serene. A pleasant day has a great effect on our feelings, and it is therefore with very pleasant sensations that I sit down to write, or rather to scrabble off somethin to you. Aunt Chase and myself have neither of us received a line from you this some time. I hope that you are well—probably immersed in business since the Panama mission has been disposed of, which affords you no leisure to write.
Since writing my last, poor Mr. Dow has unfortunately lost his blacksmith's shop with all its contents, excepting what can be raked from the ashes. The neighbours have as is usual in such cases, subscribed very liberally to reinstate him. Mr. Murphy and Mr. Pember have gone up today to score [shew] the timber. There was some doubt created by the circumstance that you held a title to the place and that whatever they saw fit to give Mr. Dow might eventually become your property. After consulting with Aunt Chase I ventured to assure them on your behalf that whatever they bestowed on Mr. Dow, in the way of erecting a building should, whatever might occur, become bonafide his property.
Mr. Waldo has sent me his note for $145—together with the names of John Weston Jr. and Abuer Waldo—Mr. Weston who it seems is partner with Mr. Waldo said that in all probability he should wish to pay a part or the whole of the note the ensuing summer so as to stop interest. The late freshet has done Mr. Waldo considerable injury—Aunt Chase has no doubt in her letters given you the particulars of the late extraordinary flood.
As it regards the Leases etc., Capt. Cotton has those belonging to Bethel as I have I believe already informed you.
Mr. Mixter wishes to remain another year, taking a Lease of the whole house. Bona—what shall be done with him and how shall we rid ourselves of him? Mr. Weston has a $2 demand against him in your favour, if he quits peaceably forthwith, the demand is to remain in statu quo until you come home.
I am waiting for your directions about the Northfield farm when if necessary I will go there.
I have been to see Mr. Bragg—but was a day after the fair Ford has obtained every dollar of his pension—and as to boards there were but 2 small piles of about 500 ft each in the mill yard which he said belonged to customers. So much for Mr. Bragg’s word that the boards were ready, nor can I possibly see the reason why he should come up and tell Weston so, when he knew he had not a foot to spare.
Caroline and Olivia came here to see us a few days since. They had ridden horseback from Bethel through the mud—Caroline was all over the horse in less than ten minutes scrutinizing every thing—she is a “queer body” as she says herself and I have not seen her in as good health and spirits this many a day. All well at Bethel.
I have been obliged to borrow one dollar in money to pay several little affairs, such as school tax, comb—but the greatest share of it is on hand. I shall endeavour to be as prudent as possible—but what can not be avoided must be met somehow.
I hope that you will find leisure to write to me soon—I would write more but I see a large pile of wood which suffers sadly for the want of chopping.
Ever your affectionate Nephew and friend,
Geo. Chase
P.S.
I shall not carry this letter to the Post Office myself but send it by Almira who will carry it unsealed to Aunt Chase for her to make such additions as she may see fit.
I have received Judge Johnson’s remarks on Pulaski and reply to the N. A. Review—have sent it to Capt. Cotton as there is something in it which will gratify his military taste.
George has been so good as to send this to me that I might add a [poscript] if I please——I have nothing to say only that we are all well—the children are all engaged in April fooling each other——I hope you will not leave of writing to yours—
Olivia Chase