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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 the poor performance of Mr. [Morse] and tells his wife that if he does not improve she should encourage him to find other lodgings. Chase also discusses his affairs in Salem and includes a message to be passed along to his children. He again asks why his wife has sent so few letters.
Date
4-16-1827
Keywords
Mr. Burrough, Rev. Charles B., Portsmouth, Dr. Gardiner, Rev. Mr. Blake, Rev. Mr. Eaton, Mr. Powden, Mr. Wilson, Henry Clay, Lord Kenyon, Duff Macfarlane, Mr. Morse, Lady Rosse, Mr. Sparrow, Salem, Mr. Lowden, Kenyon College Committee, Miss Farnum, Mr. Coit, Mr. Wing, Fanny Chase, Lucia Chase, Mrs. Carlisle
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Sophia Chase" (1827). Philander Chase Letters. 700.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/700
Rights Statement
Transcript
Boston 16 Apl. 1827.
My Dear Wife
I think it was on saturday that I dispatched my last letter to you. I dined that day with the Burroughes in Hollis Street. The Girls are the Sisters of the Rev. Charles B. of Portsmouth. I drank tea with [Greenes] in Elle’s Street yesterday. Sunday I preached for Dr Gardiner in the morning – for the Rev. Mr. Blake in the afternoon: and for the Rev Mr Eaton in the evening. [Supped] according to astounding agreement with Dr G. Saw there the family & Mr Parkins who gave me $100 (in N.Y.)
This day Easter Monday. Mr Powden & Mr Wilson called & brought from the P.O. a packet under Mr Clay’s [?] containing letters from Lord Kenyon Miss Macfarlane & Dr Ward. One of the letters from Miss Macfarlane inclosed one for Mr [Morse] which I shall inclose in this & which I beg you to give to him. If this young man cannot content himself & by making himself useful to the family as was expressly stipulated fulfill the designs of his benefactresses Lady Rosse & Miss Macfarlane he had better leave us and seek some other way & means of a living. It is my wish, then, that he be asked what are his views and feelings and intentions: and, (when these are expressed and, should they prove satisfactory to you and Mr. Sparrow,) that his course be laid accordingly. Should you not be satisfied that his remaining at our house will be of mutual benefit it is my wish that Mr [Morse] be requested to find some place where he can be more happy; – perhaps some situation where he can learn a trade for his livelihood. He has done that which is calculated greatly to injure us, but I trust we all feel a forgiving spirit towards him. Let him but conduct himself well & faithfully hereafter wherever he is, and his friends will not forsake him. This however does not imply that he is to remain at my house if he is not likely to be mutually beneficial – if he prove a trial to you, Dear Wife, who already have more than one in a million could bear, I cannot think of having him any longer with us. Is he his own master – gentleman at large thinking because you can not bear to speak to so ungrateful a person that he is at liberty to enjoy himself as he pleases without work without care? If so tell him that he is very wicked and will be made to feel & see the error of his ways.
18th of April. Do you believe that I am now in Salem? It is even so! On the morning of the 17th I awoke with a dreadful headache. And yet I was obliged to quit my room in the Hancock House having hired it only till then: when the Governour was expected in town and to take possession of his accustomed quarters. I packed up all my things paid my bill and went to Mr [Lowdens] the good Friend’s at whose house I staid when in Boston last fall. My head ached almost to distraction: still the meeting of the Kenyon College Committee must be attended. That took place at 5. P.M. & I made out to be there. All things went on well – The gentlemen were very zealous and agreed to take the business of solicitation off my hands and by their own application and that of a judicious person whom they would appoint to finish the whole business. This was most agreeable news to me especially as it left me at liberty to go on my journey east. I came back to Mr Lowden’s who subscribed last evening 100. Mr Wilson, who was present 100 – and Miss Farnum 10! This is a good beginning – some where about $100 is now down in all. This day (18th) the Committee are to begin. What will [will] be done by the time I get back I can not say. At 8. o’clock I set off for this place; and tho’ the Rev. Mr Coit the Minister of the parish is gone to Boston! (We passed each other on the way) yet I have contrived to see some of the parish who are to meet this afternoon at 4. – and I am to speak to them about Ohio & Kenyon College. What think you of this movement? I feel more and more as if I were not mine own: but bought with a price, through the merit of which mercies of direction, & support, were given me far beyond my expectation. In short I feel as if God was always with me. Pardoning my sins, helping mine in [?] and supporting me under temptations. That He may continue to do so – & never leave nor forsake me I beg the unceasing offering up of your [prayers]. Yours, Mr Sparrows, Mr Wings and [Fanny] & Lucia’s and all. If you & they think of me half as often as their and your dear image passes in my mind, and as often say your prayers for me I should be blessed indeed.
The Weather is colder than it has been for a fortnight past. The Apricots had been in full bloom, but I fear they are all destroyed.
Do give my love to the Children: one and all – call them up one by one and, to them, say – “Your Father does not stay from home because he does not love you: but because he wishes to please his Heavenly Father: and should you not most earnestly desire to please your Father? This you can do only by behaving well: by constantly & sincerely saying your prayers, by obeying your Mother & your Teachers by studying your book & learning well your lessons, by being kind & gentle in your manners: by restraining your passions & keeping your tongue from every evil word, and your hands from every wicked deed. Do this my Child and you will please both your Heavenly & earthly Parent. And may God give you his grace so to do thro’ Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Your faithful & loving Hus:
Philander Chase
My own health continues pretty good. I am grieved at not hearing from you. What can be the matter?
Salem. 19th Apl.
After writing this letter Divine Service was performed: and preached a sermon on the duty of extending the means of Religion and learning wherever the human family go. For the shortness of the notice the audience was very considerable. I then went to draw [?] with Mrs. Carlisle widow of the late Rector then attended a meeting at the present minister’s study. Measures were taken for circulating a subscription in favour of Kenyon College in Salem. Came to Mrs Carlisle’s where I was invited to spend the evening most kindly entertained & lodged.
I shall set off at 10. this day (19th of Apl) for Newbury Port. Thence to Portsmouth as soon as may be.