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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
Lee upset over possibility that Southern bishops will come to convention.
Date
7-25-1865
Keywords
letter, Lee, McIlvaine, church
Recommended Citation
Lee, Alfred, "Letter to C.P. McIlvaine" (1865). Charles Pettit McIlvaine Letters. 259.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/mcilvaine_letters/259
Rights Statement
Transcript
Wilmington Del
July 25 1865
My dear Bishop
Since writing you I have had the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 4th. I trust that the preparation of the Pastoral Letter will be put into your hands. I agree with you that a reference to Cole [?]’s heretical sentiments would be appropriate. So far as the state of our new Country is concerned it will be an extremely delicate and difficult matter.
And yet I feel that the great principles of truth & righteousness, so signally vindicated in the course of the war, ought not to be ignored. God has been teaching us as a people wonderfully. Are we not under solemn obligation to respond to this mighty vice? I do not suppose that such Southern Bishops and delegates as may attend will come with any radically different views & feelings from those by which they have been animated for years past. Nothing we can say will be likely to please them. The duty of the Church to labor for the building of the desolators of Lies[?] & to labor for the devotion moral & spiritual of the freed population would be I suppose preeminent—and such a marked [?] as the assassination of the Pres deserved nearest notice. The removal [?] of so many of our brothers in the Episcopate is a subject for solemn admiration & affectionate remembrance. What a great & sad loss we have sustained in Bp Potters death! We can scarcely take it in yet.
Have you heard whether the Presiding Bishop sent his letter of invitation in the face of so many dissentient [?] I had a very decided letter from Bishop Chase expressing his dissatisfaction. I enclose you a copy of my reply to Bp. Hopkins trusting that your own health will be graciously preserved I remain, affectionately,
Alfred Lee
Will you not arrange to spend a Sunday with me?