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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.

Date

1-5-1862

Keywords

letter, McIlvaine, Du Bois, daughter

Transcript

London Jan 5, 1862

My dearest darling,

This is my second letter to you – which I hope you will think pretty well, considering how much I have to write & say & do & go as well as preach – & moreover that I suppose our letters home are sent to you. I think your sisters have written you. I don’t get anything from you or Washington & I do so want to hear all about you. They tell me almost nothing about you, in our Cincinnati letters, because they suppose I hear from you. Do ask Wash. to write & on thin paper so that he can put a great deal in one postage – care of Peabody & Co., London.

We have hear od the victory at Somerset, Ky. but cannot get any details till tomorrow. It encourages us very much & it comes at a good time to make its mark on Parl. which meets the day after tomorrow. There will probably be some desperate & offensive attempt made to induce the Govt. to interferes with our Govt. but it will not succeed. Last Ev. Nain & Anna & I dined with the Duke and Duchess of Argyll – who is one of the leading members of the Cabinet and their important Cabinet member, Mr. Milnor Gibins was present. It was delightful to find ourselves in such an atmosphere of war, intelligent, outspoken, hearty sympathy with our cause & that in such a high place. The Duke and Duchess talked as if they [?] most Americans about it. They expressed themselves as being offended by remarks against us, very much as we would be They fully approve of this war & desire its success. It was a nice Ev. A tall Scotchman in full Highland Costume was the chief [?] in the table. There were about ten gentlemen present. Think of your sisters there – (You would be amused to see Anna, how thoroughly she is at home in such places – Nain, of course.)  I hope you will see a letter to my brother in which I gave an account of a meeting last week at Mr. Kinnairds & where I made two speeches & charged bayonet in full line on the English. I requested my brother to send the letter to your mother It did good but it took some courage. I was, however, thoroughly roused by some remarks of a Dissenting Minister Newman Hall – & I opened fire with rifled cannon. It was much spoken of afterward. It was called the Bishop’s “Field Day” & the effect was such that a clergyman present wrote afterwards to ask if a public meeting could not be held that more persons could hear what was said. This, of course, I declined.

Tonight we go to dine at & stay the night at Fulham Palace (Bp. of London) were we meet the Bp. of Oxford & other Bps. & I shall have a talk. Tomorrow night we go to dine with Lady D[?], Dowager Countess. Sunday I preach at Tunbridge Wells. On Tuesday next we go to Lord & Lady Gainsborough. Sunday 16 – I am to preach at night in St. Paul’s Cathedral – in the great congregation of 4,000 – under the great dome. The Lord help me – give me a quiet spirit & complete occupation of heart & mind with his love & fear. All Americans here are seeking tickets of admission for that service so as to have places where they can hear.

Dear Mamy, I most now conclude. You must accept such a rambling letter as I have time to write. Your sisters send their very greatest love to you & Wash & the dear children – as does dearest Mamy

Your own dear

Father

Letter to Du Bois, Maria (Mamy), daughter

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