Files
Download Full Text (3.7 MB)
Content Warning
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
Mrs. Tyndale recalls the day she met Chase, and asks for his input on how to help her "peculiar" son reach his potential. She is trying to prepare a way for him to become a settler in Canada.
Date
12-24-1833
Keywords
Lord Bexley, Lord Gambier, Sullivan, Iver Church, Mrs. Ward, G.W. Marriott, Bishop of Sodor and Mann, Rev. W. Ward, Rector of Holton, Oxford, Lady Ripon, Lord Ripon, Canada, Lake Michigan, Blandford, Township of Blandford, Captian Drew, Admiral Vansittart, Mr. Tyndale, Holton Park, Mr. Pusey, Mrs. Pusey, Oriel, William Ward
Recommended Citation
Tyndale, Anne, "Letter to Philander Chase" (1833). Philander Chase Letters. 948.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/948
Rights Statement
Transcript
K.Ch.331224
Holton Rectory
Wheatley, [Oxon.]
Decr. 24th 1833
Revd. & dar sir
I have just heard with great interest that you are now established near Lake Michigan and have resumed your work in the vineyard of our Divine Masters. You have probably forgotten (tho’ I distinctly remember,) that the only time I had the pleasure of seeing you in England was at Lord Bexleys in Great George Street, but the interest that was excited in my mind by your visit to this country has left an abiding impression and I have much wished to hear tidings of your well doing, and that a blessing is descending upon your exertions. My name (at the time I had the pleasure of meeting you) was Sullivan, and you may perhaps remember when you were at Lord Gambier’s, and attended Iver Church, a large pew in the Chancel occupied by my dear Father’s family - I was not at home at the time you visited our parish, but I heard of you from Lord Gambier (now numbered among the blessed & above) and from Mrs. Ward, and also from Mr. Marriott (since departed) and from the good bishop of Sodor & Man, who I regret today is suffering from his eyes. his son William has just taken his degree at Oxford, and as it is my happy lot to be the partner of the Rector of Holton about five miles from Oxford I have had frequent opportunities of seeing him. his sister is now on a visit to Lady Ripon, who, you remember (or if not her, Lord Ripon) by the title of [Goderich], he was I remember a contributor to your interesting undertaking at Ohio, and I have never actually understood, why you gave that up.
My dear husband’s family consisted of five children when I first took up my abode here about four years ago, all growing up towards maturity. The two eldest are Daughters and their hearts are fully set to do the Lord’s work wherever they may be called. The three youngest are sons, and tho’ not yet advanced as their sisters are, will I hope eventually do credit to the principles in which they have been brought up. The eldest is my peculiar case, and having watched the [twin] of his character and being fully convinced that he never will excel in any thing that requires application to books or pen ink & paper, I have endeavoured to use all my influence to prepare the way for his becoming a settler in Canada. Before that place was fixed upon and whilst I thought you were at Ohio I had wished to send him there, and since I have heard heard [sic] of your being on Lake Michigan, I have wished at least to secure for him your kind feelings & prayers even if he should never get so far as to your abode. If you should see him you would perhaps say that he appears to have been brought up too delicately and to be too quiet a disposition for an undertaking that must subject him to great bodily exertion, but I have always thought, there was under this quiet appearance a latent energy which would shew itself conspicuously if the proper stimulus were applied, and the necessity of being almost always out of doors would strengthen his constitution besides which he is naturally ingenious & has a turn for various works that require contrivance. some trees thrive better by transplantation, and as I have looked up to God very much for direction in this matter, and am writing to you now in faith trusting that the measure may work for the good of his sons as well as his body, & that when far from home the religious principles that have been continually distilling upon him from his dear Father, will spring up & bear fruit to the glory of God & the good of those with whom he may have intercourse, I venture by anticipation to interest your thoughts for him, & to request you to have the kindness to express to me any observations that may occur to your mind - he will be of age next march, & unless any thing should occur to enable him to stay in England without an employment (a possible tho’ I think a most dangerous thing for a young creature) he will probably go out in April. The there. I have wished very much to form a little society at home for communicating intelligence to this new settlement, & as I hope this letter will go free to you I have enclosed a copy of the plan, & as I now draw up & circulate in a private circle a little sheet of paper with such extracts from the contributing I receive as I think can be of use to the members, I shall be very much obliged to you for any religious intelligence from your quarter that you my think it useful to communicate.
The Township of Blandford in upper Canada is the spot to which our thoughts are directed, Capt. Drew went out last year & began immediately building a Church there, Admiral Vansittart & his whole family intend to go out net June, 2 young men of the name of [Dules] have just purchased an allotment, & there are about ten other families established
Though unknown to you Mr. Tyndale begs to express his cordial esteem & sincere prayers for a blessing on your exertions.
You remember Mr. Pusey in your visits to Oxford his Mother & sister now live close to us at Holton Park & he & Mrs. Pusey often visit them. Oxford is now very much on the [?] [?] in maintaining Episcopacy & the importance of a ministerial succession some interesting traits are issuing from Oriel and if William goes out I shall hope to send you some.
believe me Revd. Dear Sir faithfully yours
Anne Tyndale.
Mr. Tyndale reckons the martyr amongst his ancestors.