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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 describes his activities in Washington and tells his wife he is very concerned about the success of his case in the House of Representatives.
Date
3-6-1828
Keywords
Mr. Sparrow, Mrs. Bulfinch, Thomas Smith, Leonard Kip, Aunt Cranch, Dudley Chase Jr., Philander Chase Jr.
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Sophia Chase" (1828). Philander Chase Letters. 763.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/763
Rights Statement
Transcript
Washington City 6 Mar. 1828
My dear Wife:
I am rejoiced to hear by your good letter of the 26 of Feb: that all things go on peaceably at Worthington. I think the departure of Gd. Sparrow is in favour of the good order of the school. I am glad it took place so quietly.
Yesterday I went to see Mrs Bulfinch that wife of the present most excellent Chief Architect to the United States. She is the Daughter of a Mr A[?] who married a Greenleaf the own cousin of your Mother. She looks very well and young for a Lady of 60, but old as she is she resembles you, as does her aunt in a picture well painted and hung up in the room more than any of your nearer Relations. She is very lively in conversation, has a number of sons and daughters: all of whom that I saw appear very well. She talked with me much about you: and I will assure you I gave no mean account of your qualities.
If Mr Thomas Smith do not come in Town during this week I shall be obliged to go and see him in King George County in the beginning of next week in order to see about the sub’n for Kenyon College. I have r’d one letter from him since in this City promising to be here: but the time is passed by and I fear he is sick or that something else is the matter. What a life do I lead! What a load on my shoulders! I fear, unless sustained by a divine power of uncommon mercy I shall sink under it! Mr. Sparrow will show you a letter of the same date of of this which will describe to you a part of my onerous woe. Other parts I could tell you but have not the heart to do it now. I desire you and [and] the children will pray for me: Indeed if it were not for some secret sustaining hand believed to be the effect of your pleading thro’ Jesus Christ for mercy on me I should have perished long ago. Don’t give over then ask and it shall be given seek and you shall find mercy & support ever for me.
Neither of the accounts which you sent me have been paid: but I expect they will be soon. Draw on Mr Leonard Kip for One Hundred Dollars and I will pay him. I am writing to him this day & will tell him to honour your draft to that amount.
All are well here at Aunt Cranches and send much love to you and Fanny.
My case will soon be decided in the Senate. Perhaps it may be in my favour there, but in the house, Mercy on us! The sectional & sectarian interests of our own Members present a most formidable obstacle: The controlling power of God alone can govern such a multitude & such as mass of selfish heterogenous motives.
I feel as if I could fly to see you: but here I am chained to the wheel of duty & till that shall turn round once more to see you I must be content. Content did I say? Resigned would be a better word. For I never can be content till I see you and live with you.
Do renew your embraces with the dear children. Tell Dudley to write me. I feel quite grieved at his neglect of me: What can I do to discharge my duty to my children?
Kiss Phil’r once again for his father
Your faithful Hus’d
Phi’r Chase