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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 discusses homesickness and his meetings with various people in New York.
Date
1-20-1827
Keywords
Fanny Chase, Hoboken, White Hall, Philander Chase Jr., Dr. Milnor, Dr. Weinright, Capt. Finkham, Lord Kenyon, Peel Hall, Mr. & Mrs. Frinder, Dr. Hosack, illness
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Sophia Chase" (1827). Philander Chase Letters. 675.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/675
Rights Statement
Transcript
N. York Jan 20. 1827.
My dear Wife
Your letter of the 8th was received this afternoon: and it has made me quite homesick. Fanny’s delicate health and Sarah sore foot, and your destitute situation as to Help overwhelmed as you are with the cares of a family of 40, all all these things joined with your own tender wishes for my return to teach and even to keep up an acquaintance with my dear Children quite craze me. I feel as if I could fly and be with you in spite of all impediments. Dear Dear Wife dear dear Children! My whole heart is with you: – But duty compels me thus to estrange my self; and may God give me grace to resign myself to that without a murmur! What are my deprivations and trials compared with what my Master endured for my sake?
I wrote you yesterday morning dated at Hoboken. Soon after sealing my letter the Steam Ferry Boat took us and literally bruised her way thro’ the ice first down towards the Narrows and then up again towards White Hall, where we landed at last. It was the very spot on which I embraced you and Dear Philander when I went to Europe; and where I landed on my return. How many contending emotions came to my heart!
I made out lame as I was to get up to Brother Kip’s where I have remained ever since. I found all the Family well and happy to see me.
Dr. Milnor came to see me & then Dr Weinright and an Englishman came to see me.
Your letter was handed me with me from Lord Kenyon written in answer to one which I gave to Capt Finkham when last in New York. It is filled with kindness and expressions of regard from all my friends. His Aunt at Peel hall 82 years of age sends her best love to me.
I had written thus far when Mr. & Mrs. [Frinder] came in: and you may well guess how many things were said of you whom that Lady so tenderly loves.
While we were in full talk those [came] in a note from Dr. Hosack to come to his house and talk about our affairs and see some friends.
Mr. & Mrs. Frinder insisted that I should go – so at about 9 I went and found a Brilliant Assembly to whom & especially to Mrs Hosack (a rich wife whom the Dr. has just called his own) I was in due form introduced. The Dr said he wd. do all in his power to assist me & himself contribute to his College.
I came away about ten having staid about an hour & seen the Dr’s Library and many fine pictures.
And now it is nearly 12 I must attend to my poor self and go to bed. [?] my great toe & both my legs are very sore. They however are better than when I left Phil. Whatever is the state of my body, my heart is always yours P.C