About
These letters were written by Henry Pahtahquahong Chase, an Ojibwa Methodist preacher from 1856 to 1880 who also worked for the Anglican Church from 1887 to 1896.[1] Over the course of his life he lived in both Sarnia and Muncey, working as a representative for his people, a translator, and a member of the Methodist clergy at various levels. He also raised money to maintain churches in Britain in 1876, 1881 and 1885.[2] The letters were all written during his last visit to England when he was approximately 67 years old.[3]
These letters were written by Chase to his daughter during his travels. He often tells her about the places he has visited, mentions people he encounters, describes the weather, discusses monetary matters and reassures her that he is well. These letters describe a many busy with work, crossing the country to preach to as many people as possible. He describes how the good and bad weather, as well as the long winter days, affect his health. All of this gives insight into how trying travelling was, for him, at this time and demonstrates how important he viewed this work by working hard to overcome these challenges.
There are certain interesting figures mentioned in one letter. On the 22nd of January, 1885, he mentions meeting with Sir Charles Tupper, future father of Confederation and future prime minister of Canada; as well as the Marquis of Lorn who was the Governor General of Canada at the time and who had an avid interest in the country.[4] Both of whom showed support for Chase’s work clearly demonstrating the importance of the church’s role in Canadian identity to these men.
These letters clearly show the importance of Henry P. Chase’s work in England based on both the length and breadth of his travels and the people he was being introduced to in order to help raise funds for the Methodist Church and their work establishing themselves in Canada.
[1] Smith, Donald B. “CHASE, HENRY PAHTAHQUAHONG,”. in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 12. University of Toronto/Université Laval. 2003–. accessed November 22, 2015, <http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/chase_henry_pahtahquahong_12E.html.>
[2] Smith, Donald B.
[3] Ibid: This is based on the information that he was born in 1818.
[4] Waite, P. B. Waite. “CAMPBELL, JOHN GEORGE EDWARD HENRY DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND, Marquess of LORNE and 9th Duke of ARGYLL,”. in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 14. University of Toronto/Université Laval. 2003–. accessed November 22, 2015. <http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/campbell_john_george_edward_henry_douglas_s> Note: When this letter was written Lorne had already founded the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, later to become the National Gallery of Canada and helped to fund the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Transcription
London
22nd Jan 1885
Dear Daughter,
As
You had asked for
Early reply but I
Have been very
Busy, now I have
Two days for rest,
and little has been
taken up by me in
calls, to Dominion Govern-
ment of Canada.
Sir Charles Tupper, whom
I met, Marquis of Lorne
the, (St?) Governor of the
Dominion of Canada
His lordship was very
Cordial, said he was
Glad to meet me
Again and also
Sir (Clirtis?) was
Very kind, and
Offer his aid in
Any thing that I might
Require of his assistance
For me and for my
People But I did
Not ask any help just
Now –
I write to your Mama
And I expect by these
Days. She would view
Is – that you would
all know how I am
as I am getting more
fleshy in this cold and
wet climate
I have so far quite
free from cold and
Cough, with all my
(happiness?) in attending
Until late hours into the
Night, which I am truly
thankful to be able to keep
up, and much improve
in every way. Excepting
of my sight, is not
any better and no worse
I hope by this time. The Rev”d
Mr. Smith has gone to
Work in Muncey
As you mentioned in
Your last Letter, being appointed
By the Bishop of Aduroir
Yesterday, we had about
21 hours night. Gaslights
Burning until 2 October.
Now the visible in cold
And freezing hard but
no snow on the ground
Elma said her letter you
nad good sleighing in
Sarnia; while in England
-soft mud and foggy days.
But likely will be better
Often
one Month more, the
days longer will improve
the Air Warmer.
I enclose for you a
Greeting to myself in
“Dublin”, Ireland.
And I will send a
Raphie or Illustrated
Picture today or tomorrow,
I was glad to learn Elma
will come to you – and
live together through the
winter, and I wish her
to advertise for Pupils
in Sarnia, she would get
Pupils to keep her in Sarnia
I am invited to Dinner to
night, 8 Oclock, and I leave
immediately and hope to get
a Letter from some of you in
a few days – My kind regards to
all who may kindly inquire fo
Love to you all I (?)
Mama yet Albt* Papa H.P. Chase
*Perhaps All best?
St. Martin’s Rectory,
Bermingham 15th May, 1885
My Dear Child,
A few lines
from me to inform you
I sent by Post to your
Address. The srophie
While I hope you may
review for your amusement
I am still in North of
England. I leave to-
morrow Morning for
London. For only
Then for Isle Wight
The queen summer
Castle –
And again I
Shall go North again
In June for two
Weeks.
And then go to
South West of England
To complete my
Engagements for
June
And perhaps for
final close of
my work in England
this time. If so then
I shall begin to
People for Canada
First week in July
And reach my
From home the latter
Part of July.
In Minnie’s last
Letter she stated
You were going
Home
And hope you are
at Home. And
Enjoying yourself [illegible]
With Minnie and
your Mama.
I am pretty well. (Why/My?)
(Sorry?) feet are no better
The warm weather
Give me more
Fever and I cannot
Exercise much in
Walking alone – I shall
Be glad to join with you
All in our little Home give
To all my love, God Bless you
Pahtawquohong Chase
