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Description
PF2.1.86
Date
9-4-1837
Transcript
Gambier Sept 4. 1837
Dear Sir,
Yours of this morning is just received. My recollection of the terms upon which I took the office I now hold in this Institution does not agree with yours. I am certain nothing was said as to providing a substitute in case of absence of the location of that substitute on the hill or of his suitability being referred to your judgement[sic]. I remember stating in reply to questions of yours on the subject that I did not expect to be absent during vacations & would of course attend to the families of the Officers during that time. Farther than this I did not then consider myself as bound nor has any one to my knowledge objected to my previous absences during vacation, which accused with your full knowledge & without my receiving any intimation that I was expected to furnish a substitute. Even were I disposed to comply with your wishes on the subject now for the first time made known to me your deferring your communications (for I cannot suppose my intention of going to the East has been but recently learned by you as Mrs McIlvaine spoke to me respecting it some time since) has put it entirely out of my power to do so. I can however by no means agree to provide a substitute to reside on the hill, nor indeed any substitute at my expense and even could I consent to do I would be unwilling to have the competency of the man I should deep competent & employ as my representative decided upon by an unprofessional person.
As yo your second inquiry I must decline a reply until after the coming meeting of the Trustees. The course they shall then decide upon will go far to enable me to make up my mind as to my further connexion with the many.
Very respectfully
Yr mo obt sert
B.F. Bache
Recommended Citation
Bache, Benjamin F., "Letter from Benjamin F. Bache to Charles P. McIlvaine" (1837). 19th Century Correspondence. 9.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/correspondence_19thc/9