Philander Chase Letters

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.

Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.

Switch View to Grid View Slideshow

Letter to Dudley Chase

Philander Chase
9-2-1810

Chase has been struck ill. Very anxious about the well-being of Mrs. Fay her husband died. Heard a rumor that his sons are to start college soon.
Letter to Dudley Chase

Philander Chase
9-10-1810

Does not agree that his sons should start college so young; more complaints about money issues; Chase has still been sick but his wife is feeling better, and she wants to go home next summer.
Letter to Dudley Chase

Philander Chase
1-3-1811

The church in New Orleans is still unbuilt, and Chase will not become president of the new college there unless there is a church. Glad to hear that Mrs. Fay is doing well.
Letter to Dudley Chase

Philander Chase
4-22-1811

Chase and wife are sailing to New York; in case they get lost at sea he has his will written and a new agent appointed. He left the church in New Orleans with no bad feelings against him.
Letter to Dudley Chase

Philander Chase
8-19-1811

Chase, his wife, and sons are touring New Hampshire. There is an opportunity for starting an Episcopal Academy in Cornish, but the plan has not matured yet.
Letter to Dr. Joseph Dennison

Philander Chase
2-10-1812

Subscription to the Church-man's magazine and potential for new subscribers. The two boys are studying in Cheshire.
Letter to Intrepid Morse

George Chase
11-12-1812

An update on his affairs written from Esquire Beaches, Chesire.
Letter to George and Philander Jr.

Philander Chase
12-13-1812

Chase is beginning to feel more and more weak. Concerned that Cyrus may be joining the Army. Samuel Lloyd desires to go to Cheshire.
Letter to George and Philander Jr.

Dudley Chase
2-13-1813

Dudley has a problem with a debtor and scarcely has time to write. He recounts a marriage and wishes to apologize for his absence.
Letter to Intrepid Morse

George Chase
6-12-1813

Wondering if Intrepid has been receiving his letters. Distaste for the country's army. His father scarcely has time to write.
Letter to Intrepid Morse

George Chase
7-13-1813

Has forgiven Intrepid for only writing him two letters, and does not want him to travel South like he plans to. Many members of his family are in ill health. Has spent much of his time reading. Still holds contempt for those serving in the army.
Letter to Olivia Chase

Philander Chase
1-26-1814

Has been enjoying the "sameness" of life in Hartford. Is upset that public distress on Salary men is not allowing him to advance his sons' educations like he wants to.
Letter to Bishop White

Philander Chase
2-21-1814

Philander asks Bishop White to answer a question about the election of a new Episcopate of the Diocese of Connecticut. Letter includes Bishop White's drafted response in which he tells Chase that he is unable to answer all the questions, but offers some advice for the governing of the Diocese.
Letter to Intrepid Morse

George Chase
4-30-1814

George Chase has returned home after an illness in Cheshire. He shares poetry written by Philander Chase, his family, and himself.
Letter to Intrepid Morse

George Chase
7-8-1814

George Chase tells Morse about girls he knows, what he and his siblings are studying in school, and who is staying with his family.
Letter to George Chase

Dudley Chase
8-7-1814

Dudley tells George that he wishes his cousin could join him but that there are a number of reasons why that probably won't be possible. He then discusses the achievements of their friend Salmon Cotton in the military.
Letter to Intrepid Morse

George Chase
12-30-1814

George encourages Morse to enter the ministry and discusses the activities of people in town.
Letter to Intrepid Morse

George Chase
1-1-1815

George Chase fell in love with one of the scholars in the school but decides to let it go. He talks about the Convention in Hartford and shares poetry about avoiding the women of East Windsor
Letter to Intrepid Morse

George Chase
3-8-1815

George speaks about how poorly his school is doing. He decides to go to Yale College to become a lawyer. George is just recovering from a near-fatal illness. He shares poetry written by Mr Huse. He voices things about college that will give him pain or pleasure.
Letter to Intrepid Morse

George Chase
3-24-1815

George writes a long letter over four days in which he discusses his health, the weather, his writing, a dream he had while suffering from a fever, a disagreeable visit with his distant family in which a fight over inheritance occurred, when he will leave for Yale, and a fire at a nearby barn.
Letter to Intrepid Morse

Philander Chase
6-14-1815

Chase is very pleased to hear that Intrepid is thinking of taking Holy Orders, and offers good judgment of his Patron. Affairs at his own church are very peaceful.
Letter to Intrepid Morse

George Chase
7-8-1815

George expresses gratitude for Intrepid Morse's last letter and gives him some advice regarding a decision between Fairfield and Cheshire. He describes his experience of seeing a steamboat, as well as how beautiful his new school and New Haven are. He admits he has not made many friends, at least not friends as close as Intrepid Morse.
Letter to Intrepid Morse

George Chase
8-25-1815

George expresses how much he misses his friend Intrepid; he relates a poem written recently by Philander in a letter to himself
Letter to Intrepid Morse

George Chase
11-6-1815

George feels incredible loneliness at College; he copies several passages from his diary for Intrepid, relating the stories of meeting old friends and family in Woodstock; he confesses he loves his aunt and uncle more than his parents
Letter to George Chase

Dudley Chase
12-6-1815

D. Chase tells of his travels from Trenton to Philadelphia; he mentions a recent "Message of the President"