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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
The petition for the college is pending. Their house is quite small and the property needs lots of work. The people in the West are not like the people in New England.
Date
1-19-1818
Keywords
(fragment); Mary Chase; college; Masons; farm; Worthington Academy
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Philander Chase, Jr." (1818). Philander Chase Letters. 61.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/61
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Transcript
[beginning lost]
We have petitioned for a College in this place - and leave has been granted by the Legislation to bring in a bill. What success it will meet with, I know not. It is now pending - One thing is certain I have done all in my power to aid the project. Nearly one fortnight, I spent [?] the great ones from little towns, in [in] explaining and pleading for that which it is so much for their own benefit to grant. Before I close this you’ll know our fate.
I have preached before the masses of this state and have been treated with great kindness. The Sermon is printed by both the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter; perhaps I may send you a copy. The title of The Discourse is “Christianity and Masonry Reconciled.” It was well received.
And now as to things nearer home; tho’ nothing can be nearer my heart than your Mother’s health The Church of God and the interests of Literature. I mean then, my own domestic concerns. I suppose you’ve [?] this, re’d your mother’s letter written since we moved into our near shell of a house. Well, I did not see it, and may tire you with repetitions. Nevertheless I’ll go on. I am happier in my d[?] than I ever was before. Why? Because I have so much to do and so many fond things in anticipation - and you know that this is all that man has to make him happy in this world of shadows. Born to be immortal in his being man must never see the end of things - he must look forward and - as a wise man said, after he has stretched his thoughts and capacities as far as he can into futurity - he must stretch them a little farther.
But what has this to do with my farm and garden - and apple trees? - Much every way. In the first place - there are so many old log trees and brush on the premises that I can see no end in getting rid of them - so much want of fence that I can see no end to making rails and paying money for them; and so much to do in breaking up the sod to make my garden that I know not when it will be finished. Therefore if never ending pursuits make man happy, sure I must be a happy fellow - But dear Phi’! Tho’ talk thus, I know all these things will soon be at an end with me; Therefore I set root my heart upon them: They fill up my time, they [?] to the comfort of my growing family - and I hope they had my mind and heart to Him, who is the Giver all good things. This last pious reflection which I feel to the bottom of my soul, bade me to reflect on your last most excellent letters. O how blessed I am in reading the reflections which you make on the uncertainty of human life! Your dear friends dropping into the grave around you; and you thinking of the God who has called them; and consoling the afflicted [?] friends. In this angelic work of mercy, may you find the comfort which you so kindly and liberally impart to others! May God’s blessing be with you my Son - my son!!
It is now late - my feet are wet and cold. I’ll write you more another time - Good night. 19th of Jan 1818.
Jan 20th
I have been hard at work today as need requires; for day after tomorrow I am to go away and be absent from home two sundays in visiting some [?] parishes to the north and east about 15 or 30 miles. How glad I shall be when thro’ our [?] Seminary we can obtain some young ones to zeal caring and prudence to help us in the work of the ministry. Your mother tells me that, I was mistaken in stating, as I have done, in this letter, that her letter was written after we moved into our new house. If she be correct in this, what a tale I have to tell you - How can I describe to you the toil and the care in the [Touring] and [Traveling] - The rising early and the late taking of rest, in order to eat our Christmas Dinner in our own house! Never was I so much and so pressingly employed. For, it is not here as in N. Eng’d - in regard to facility of building. Everything comes by the hardest. Our population nearly doubled since I came all calling for a house to cover them from the inclemency of the winter - board, [?], work, and something to eat. What scrambling for the first time in the use of Mills!!! What pulling and [?] for [?] for joiners and masons. What want of nails and glass, or [?]. But I [?] you - Well, our house was so far forth as to make us comfortable: And on Christmas Dinner, thro’ great mercy, we were permitted to eat in it. When with Capt. Gardiner (whom I have before mentioned to you) we drank our abject friends, we thought of your. Dear Philander and with the same breath prayed for blessings on George and you!