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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
Dudley thanks George for his friend's letter. Dudley is worried about the upcoming election, and is trying to avoid being too confident. Dudley congratulates George on his news (the birth of his son) and expresses his concern for George's mother's health.
Date
3-31-1816
City
Washington D.C.
Keywords
Dudley Chase, George Chase, Washington D.C, birth, illness, Mary Fay, Philander Chase
Recommended Citation
Chase, Dudley, "Letter to George Chase" (1816). Philander Chase Letters. 98.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/98
Rights Statement
Transcript
Washington March 31st — 16
My dear George,
Although very much occupied at the present with matter of business, [?], I cannot deny myself the pleasure of just writing you line or two in acknowledgement for your favor of 11th and 23rd -int. The letter from your friend included to me I return with: my thanks for your attention, and with appreciation for your friend and correspondent. I think he gives evidence of good ground work, and he of an [?]dentry that will enable him to erect a greedy [?] thereon.
The haste in which the letter I am now writing must be concluded among more than 20 others that are to be dispatched to day, will not permit me continue the argument in which our correspondence is unvalued, this I should think your last position might be easily blown up. I am not is seems to commend now that which is praiseworthy, for fear of vanity and self opinionated importance. Well then, for the future I will look out for something to blame, and as a [Senior] I must be an electable character. I have [undue] notions with much intent the brightening prospect this land of Shady Habits, I have heard the joyous sound of victory from N. Hampshire, and the re echoing shouts of promise from May ter. But the result erases all, and it requires more skill and courage to improve than to gain a victory.
Yes I have heard of the joyful news from [Hartford] and have [?] forth the effusion of a glad heart in grateful offering to the Giver of every good, for the [undeniable] blessing.
Your father has written me several letters, of a similar [?] with those you have eliminated. His last however was different; it gave me information of the [illness] of your mother, of her suffering and danger but that her health was, at the time of writing, meanding fast, and the prospects were bright again.
Philander also wrote me in answer to [all] which I wrote him.
Farewell Dear George, I hope to see in [?] perhaps the 28th.
Yours most affectionately,
D. Chase