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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 is optimistic about his petition being accepted but wishes he could return to Knox County. He discusses the subscription of Arthur Tappan towards a professorship as well as Dr. Keith's nomination for the position. Chase regrets that the College cannot accept more students given its popularity at the moment.
Date
3-1-1828
Keywords
Knox County, Congress, John Quincy Adams, Worthington, Arthur Tappan, New York, Milnor Professorship, Dr. Keith, Dr. Ward, G.W. Marriott, Mr. Wilson, Margaret Kenyon
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Lord Kenyon" (1828). Philander Chase Letters. 756.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/756
Rights Statement
Transcript
Washington City 1. Mar. 1828
Very dear Lord Kenyon:
I am not without hope that my petition for aid in the erection of the great buildings of Kenyon College will be granted. But my absence from the busy scene in Knox County is very detrimental to our interests. – and I can truly say that did I not deem it my duty to be patient & exert myself to the last for so great an object I could not think of staying another day. The Committee in the Senate to whom my Petition was referred reported in my favour (viz: for the grant of 22,000 acres of land to Kenyon College) as in my last I think I mentioned to your Lordship. Since that time the subject has not been called up but has had its full share of private discussion. And from the general tenor of what comes to my knowledge I do not despair.
I am treated with much undeserved kindness by the President and Officers of State here in my own country; and in all my intercourse the reputation of dear Old England does not suffer.
I hear frequently from my dear Wife and family and the school at Worthington. All are well and doing well.
Your Lordship may recollect the subscription, last winter, of Mr Arthur Tappan of New York on the condition there were ten thousand Dollars subscribed within one year to constitute a professorship in Kenyon College he would give $1,000 of the said sum. This has been by the good providence of God most mercifully accomplished: and Dr. Keith of the Theological Seminary of the Prot. Episcopal Church in Virginia has been nominated & I trust will accept the appointment to fill this professorship. I need not tell your Lordship how grateful to Divine Providence I feel for this renewed instance of undeserved goodness. What have I done to deserve these blessings on my feeble endeavours? Nothing: and I see nothing in myself but that which needs pardon.
I shall go to Ohio by the way of New York & the Canals & had I room in the College I believe I could take with me one hundred students. How I mourn that this tide of popularity could not be taken at its flood! It would lead on to great prosperity.
I beg your Lordship to send the enclosed to our mutual and excellent Friend G.W.M. Must I alter my address since his new appointment? If so pray tell me.
The papers state that Dr Ward is now “Lord Bishop of Sodor & Mann.” Is this title correct? I rejoice to hear of the promotion of so good a man. May he tread in the steps of the heavenly minded Wilson!
I beg to be named most affectionately to dear Margaret, & all who think on your Lordship’s most faithful grateful and affectionate Friend and Servt.
Phil’r Chase