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Description
Request commission for nephew Francis C. McIlvaine
Date
8-5-1861
Keywords
letter, McIlvaine, Chase, nephew, Civil War
Recommended Citation
McIlvaine, Charles Petit, "Letter to S. P. Chase" (1861). Charles Pettit McIlvaine Letters. 142.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/mcilvaine_letters/142
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Cincinnati, August 5, 1861
My dear sir,
In consequence of the account that Mr. Cameron has gone from Washington and left matters in the hands of the [?] secretary I fear for an appointment on which I [?]. When Mr. Cameron and I were riding with the President to the Arsenal, several weeks ago, he said “Bishop if you have a son I will give him a [Commission].” I answered my only son, capable of arms, was preparing for the ministry. Afterwards, I applied to him in writing for a [captain’s commission] for a nephew whom I love as a son, Francis C. McIlvaine of New York. Stating his qualifications: He has been for six years a [?] member of the N. Y. seventh, was with it in Washington, has made [?] matters a study, is about 30 years of age, intelligent, active, prompt, and spirited. He has been urged to take a [Captaincy] in [?] of the best N. Y. Regiment, but wishes to make the life, his permanent life and hence to have a commission in the Regular Army.
Mr. Cameron has expressed to me such attachment to the [?] of my brother Joseph (deceased) who was the author of the interval improvements of [Pennsylvania] and to whom I believe Mr. C was [?] for kindnesses and friendship, as I have requested this appointment on the ground that as he had said he would go a great way to [indicate] his remembrance of my brother, this would be a pleasing expression of it, that I believe there will be no failure, unless he should first [?] or leave such things with one who knew nothing of the above. If you can say a word, please do it, seeing that you have nothing else to do.
Yours affectionately,
Charles P. McIlvaine
Kindest remembrance to the young ladies.