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The Charles P. McIlvaine 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.
Description
Appointment of Gray as Chaplain - say something to Mr. Clausen (?) about his semi-promise to give his nephew a chaplaincy
Date
9-5-1861
Keywords
letter, McIlvaine, Chase, nephew, Civil War
Recommended Citation
McIlvaine, Charles Pettit, "Letter to S. P. Chase" (1861). Charles Pettit McIlvaine Letters. 145.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/mcilvaine_letters/145
Rights Statement
Transcript
Cincinnati September 5, 1861
My dear sir,
I duly received the return of Dr. Andrew’s letter and your good letter accompanying it. A request has been made by [certain] unconditional Union men of Newport Kentucky to the President for the removal of the Rev. Page of Newport Barracks, from the chaplaincy of that post, on the score of proclivities in the wrong direction, and they inform me that they have requested the appointment of the Rev. Richard Gray of Cincinnati, whom perhaps you know, in his place and have referred the President to me in regard to Mr. Gray. My object in writing at the moment is to ask you, as I suppose the President will probably ask or be influenced by you in the matter, to get an appointment delayed till I can have a day or two to suggest the right person, in case Mr. Grey should either not deserve it or not be exactly the person for it. It is a very important position for usefulness and influence, and care should be taken in filling it. I shall be prepared to write about it in a day or two.
Will you be so good as to say a word of remembrance to Mr. Cameron about his semi-promise to give my nephew Francis E. McIlvaine a Captaincy. There must be vacancies [?] by the detection of want of qualification in some [?]. The President’s Proclamation of a day of [Humiliation] and Prayer is received with [un?] satisfaction and will I hope be solemnly and widely enforced too. The proclamation itself is very good. I get letters expressing the hope that after such a proclamation the government will cause a better alternative to the claims of the [?] in all army matters, especially Sunday drills, marches and battles. We feel deeply the need of seeking God’s blessing in this work, and He will bless those who honour his will and ordinances. We all rejoice in the Hatteras success. But [?] command is in a dangerous state. The enemy are behind him, since Floyd crossed the Ganley and drove Tyler’s Regiment. His communications and supplies are in great danger and unless strongly reinforced and soon, I do not see how he is to escape. I know he is conscious of being in a very critical condition.
Remember me affectionately to your daughters and believe me
Your affectionate friend
Charles P. McIlvaine