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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
Hedges asks if Chase thinks he might be able to move to Illinois and become a minister in Springfield.
Date
7-1-1835
Keywords
Alexandria, Kenyon College, Sharpsburg, Harper's Ferry, Shepherdstown, Diocese of Illinois, Springfield
Recommended Citation
Hedges, Rev. S., "Letter to Philander Chase" (1835). Philander Chase Letters. 978.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/978
Rights Statement
Transcript
Shepherdstown, Jefferson County, Va. July 1st 1835.
Rt. Rev. and Dear Sir:
I once had the pleasure of meeting you at Alexandria, while I was a student of Divinity in the seminary of that place, and afterwards I had occasion once of writing to you while you were President of Kenyon College, but I suppose, by this time, you have altogether forgotten me. I am the minister of the Episcopal congregations of Sharpsburg and Harpersferry, and the place of my residence is in Shepherdstown. The object of my present communication is to make some enquiries respecting the prospect of raising up a congregation in some one of the destitute parts of your Diocese. It has long been my desire to remove to the West, and from all I can ascertain, I am of the opinion that my labours would be more useful in Illinoiz [sic], than perhaps in any other of the western States. I have heard that Springfield in your Diocese affords a promising field of labour to a minister of our Church, and I have the pleasure of knowing a family of pious Episcopalians who reside near that place. If that place is still vacant, will you be so kind as to tell me of the prospects there. I have some private means of support, nevertheless I would require some other aid towards my support from the congregation where I may off[?]. Be so kind as to write to me as soon as [you] recieve [sic] this letter, that I may know what to depend upon, and if necessary, have time to make the proper preparations for a removal.
I am truly delighted to hear that you have become the Bishop of Illinois; my most ardent prayers are for your success, and that you may still be the favoured instrument of building up another Diocese, and may Heaven grant that the glory of the latter house may be greater than that of the former.
Your obt. humble servt.
Chaplin S. Hed[ges]
Bp. Chase.