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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
Dudley thanks his nephew for his last letter which included a vivid description of the weather in Vermont. He tells George that he will be home as soon as next Sunday. Dudley also discusses affairs in the Senate.
Date
2-25-1827
Keywords
Mr. Eddy, New York, Philander Chase, Vermont, Mr. B., Philadelphia Paper, Andrew Jackson, Senate, John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren
Recommended Citation
Chase, Dudley, "Letter to George Chase" (1827). Philander Chase Letters. 684.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/684
Rights Statement
Transcript
Washington Feb’y 25. 1827
Dear George,
I have this day rec’d your letter date 17th inst for which I thank you cordially. The wonderful accounts, of the deep draws & cold blustering days and stormy nights and mountain drifts which reach me by every mail from the North and from various and almost ever past of the Northern section of our Country, are astonishing and at the same time highly amusing. There is nothing like it in the memory of Man – unless we except the writer of 1779-80 “When our army lay at Valley-forge” as the old soldiers say. How do all my affairs [wage], under such an accumulation of snow? How does Mr Eddy get along with his herds, in such parlous times? He must be dreadfully put to it for water and wood!! For, if I remember rightly, he had not supplied himself with a winter’s stock, at the time this terrible winter commenced. How does Rodney get alone with the stock at home? Which is not inconsiderable. How does he supply them with water? And how does the stock of fodder hold out? On these points I have some anxiety. But I presume all is well in regard to them at present, tho’ the [punch] is to come yet. I shall D.V. be at home as soon after next Sunday morning as the ordinary conveyances of the Country will permit. I shall see your Father in N. York – spend part of a day with him, and then on to the snow banks in Vermont.
You did not tell me, that the small sum in [?], I sent you as requested, had been received by you – perhaps it had not yet reached you at the time you wrote. If not you next will tell – unless it was one of the unlucky letters which were drenched in the upsetting of the Mail in the [8th] river – which happened about that time.
The adventure of Mr B when he was unmoored, having fallen “from the wall, from which, in some places, the snow had been [Blown]” presents to my imagination a curious picture. The wall all of 5 feet high – and in some places the snow was blown off! How deep was it then in those places where it was not blown off? In the name of [Ronshunts].
Well since my wife has come round in fervor of retrenchment, I will forbear subscribing for the Philadelphia Paper – And 10 [have] credit on her books for once on the score of economy.
I send you a Pittsburgh paper to show you how the land exclusively Jacksonian like the proceedings of the [opposition.] The paper near Jacksonian as long as it could hold out. But you see how others turned!! Indeed I cannot tell how it is that any section of the Country which is in favor of manufactures and internal improvements could be opposed to the present Admin’n.
By the way, I very much fear that our wool Bill will be lost in the Senate. We can number 25 to 23, but [?] those on our side are so, against the grain of their party feelings, and merely from a full belief that their states are of our way of thinking. If they can prevent the bill from being taken up they will do it. Thus far they have been successfull [sic]. It is a matter of curiosity to observe their management when our chairman calls for a consideration of the bill!! Of this class is Wood & Van Buren. Please give my love to your Wife & other inquiring friends, and believe me truly & affect’ly yours
Dudley Chase