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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
Visit with confederate prisoners of war
Date
8-7-1861
Keywords
letter, McIlvaine, Bedell, Civil War, prisoner
Recommended Citation
McIlvaine, Charles Petitt, "Letter to Bishop Bedell" (1861). Charles Pettit McIlvaine Letters. 161.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/mcilvaine_letters/161
Rights Statement
Transcript
Cincinnati, August 7, 1861
My dear Bishop,
I have today received yours of the 3rd. In regard to [Strong], all is clear [?], as you will see by the enclosed from him. The arrangement proposed as to Clements and Dr. May and the general idea of arrangement connected them all. I consent to leaving particulars for the present. If May and Clements consent, I will leave [?] the former to the parish and the College and Dean’s connections can be seen to afterwards.
I will write to [?], also to Strong. I got home last Thursday from Washington. I [stayed] a week there longer than I expected to, but after the Manassas reverse there was a great deal to do, [?] the suffering, and I had opportunities of promoting good thoughts with the [?]. My last act was a visit, by request of Chase and [Seth], to the prisoners of war (70). I made it exclusively [?] to manifest kindness and to have a [?] service with them. They received me with great respect and united thankfully in the services. Every man kneeled when I prayed, and they listened most attentively when I preached. I found Dr. [Greenless] (M.D.) son of the Minister, surgeon to their sick and wounded. He set the time and all sang. Before I left I got Butler [?] by [Seth], to visit them and give them services, as volunteer chaplain. McClelland spoke to me highly of Col. Andrews/ He said he was a very good officer, conscientious in his duties, desirous and able to learn. The meeting of Trustees will be attended to, but to get a meeting will be a difficulty. I think it would be better to hold the meeting at Columbus, as Andrews and Delan are there. The [Military Committee], having three Trustees, [McElroy], Goddard, and Proctor. [?] Bronson, Wellbridge and [Jarris] can get to Columbus more easily than to Gambier. Only [Hurd] and [Blake] remain to where Gambier would be most convenient.
The weather is awfully hot. Think of the death of Bishop [Bouman]. Only a week ago, I was with him in the train from [?] to Pittsburgh and he seemed remarkably well. What a call to be ready. The Lord enable us to take heed.
Yours very affectionately,
Charles P. McIlvaine
As to the obituary of Col. P, I left the day of his funeral and so was I [?] all the time of my absence, that it was next to me.