The Rt. Rev. Philander Chase, D.D. was the founder and first President of Kenyon College serving from 1824 to 1831. Chase was also the first Episcopal Bishop of Ohio. This collection of his letters is kept in the College Archives and is available to researchers.
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.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Charlotte Ward and Mary Ward
6-28-1824Charlotte and Mary thank Chase for his kindness and hope that he will accept the gift of a pocketbook to take back to America with him.
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Letter to Reverend Wheaton
Philander Chase
6-29-1824Chase is disappointed in Rev. Wheaton's response and will not publish any kind of self-defensive article but is "very sorry" that the Rev. has "refused" to do him the kindness of publishing an article himself.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Robert Dow
6-29-1824Dow has set out for Beaumaris and regrets that he will not be able to accompany Chase to Ireland but hopes that he may instead see him near Holihead.
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Letter to Philander Chase
John Harford
6-29-1824Harford asks Chase for confirmation that he will come to dinner and stay with him at Blaise Castle.
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Letter to Lord Kenyon
Philander Chase
6-29-1824Chase tells of his enjoyment of his time in Colchester and all the people there. He demands a meeting with Lord Kenyon before Chase's departure for America on July 10, explaining that he has a favor to ask.
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Letter to Henry Clay
Lord Gambier
6-29-1824Lord Gambier reports his fond feelings towards Bp. Chase and regrets that the Bishop must leave England so soon.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Rev. N.S.T Biddulph
6-30-1824Biddulph has never met Bp. Chase but sends a parcel of books for his library and hopes that Chase will come to stay with him at some point
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Letter to Philander Chase
Rev. W. Ward
6-30-1824Ward updates Chase on the subscriptions and the efforts of his friends and wishes him well.
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Letter to Philander Chase
John Harford
7-1-1824Harford looks forward to meeting with Chase and will carry him in his own carriage.
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Letter to G.W. Marriott
Dr. Charles Burney
7-1-1824Dr. Burney apologizes for his delay in answering Marriott's letter as he has been very busy.
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Letter to Lord Kenyon
Philander Chase
7-1-1824Bp. Chase recounts meeting with various clergy members in Bristol and tells of his plans to travel to Birmingham.
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Letter to Lord Kenyon
Philander Chase
7-2-1824Bp. Chase is on his way to Devonshire and is traveling with Sir Thomas and Lady Acland
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Letter to Philander Chase
Miss Duff Macfarlane
7-3-1824Miss Duff MacFarlane expresses her regret at Bp. Chase's departure from England. She has spoken with Lad Rosse and made some recommendations of books to include in Lady Rosse's donation of books to Philander Chase on behalf of the society for promoting Christian knowledge.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Lord Kenyon
7-4-1824Kenyon writes to Chase at Lady Rosse's house and updates him on matters relating to the Appeal, the land in Ohio, and a letter published in the British Critic
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Letter to Philander Chase
Sam Johnston
7-7-1824Johnston offers condolences for the death of Philander Chase Jr. and tells Bp. Chase that his friends in Cincinnati are eager to see him.
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Letter to G.W. Marriott
Rev. W. Ward
7-7-1824Fragment. Rev. Ward condemns Bp. Hobart and worries about the growing "schism" between Eastern and Western churches. He claims that Bp. Chase's name and cause would be better known in Colchester had he begun his career earlier, and asks for updates on Chase's journey.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Rev. W. Ward
7-7-1824Rev. Ward tells Bp. Chase that he has created a "strange new schism" and advises him that Mr. Marsh would be willing to support his cause, but that this should remain between them. Ward himself disapproves of the infighting and believes both sides are wrong.
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Post Coach Bill from Bristol to Birmingham
No Author
7-7-1824Post coach bill from Bristol to Birmingham
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Letter to Philander Chase
Adam Hodgson
7-7-1824Hodgson writes Chase to arrange his passage to America
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Letter to Lord Kenyon
Philander Chase
7-7-1824Chase sends his affection to Lord Kenyon. He asks Lord Kenyon to tell his daughter that he cherishes her letters, and recounts his conversation with Mr. Magendre about the Bishop of Bangor.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Mary Ward
7-8-1824Mary Ward thanks Bp. Chase for his "kindness and instruction" and states that she will always remember the values he imparted on her
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Letter to Rev. Edward Burn
Philander Chase
7-8-1824Bp. Chase asks when it will be convenient for him to call on Rev. Burn
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Letter to Philander Chase
Anne Hutton
7-8-1824Anne Hutton thanks Bp. Chase his brief stay with her and wishes him luck on his voyage back to Ohio on the 16th.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Rev. W. Ward
7-8-1824Rev. Ward encourages Bp. Chase to found a Bible Society in Ohio, describing how successful they have been in England. Ward denounces partisanship in the church but does clarify his support for Chase over Bp. Hobart and agrees that the Western provinces in the U.S. require help from the Church before those in the East. He assures Chase that he has many friends in Colchester and that his visit will be remembered for a long time.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Dr. Macbride
7-8-1824Dr. Macbride tells Bp. Chase that he is sending a parcel of books as a donation, including a volume of his own which he hopes will be helpful to Chase's seminary.