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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
Regrets events surrounding B.R. McIlvaine - is a problem of intemperence
Date
11-22-1862
Keywords
letter, McIlvaine, Chase
Recommended Citation
McIlvaine, Charles Pettit, "Letter to S.P. Chase" (1862). Charles Pettit McIlvaine Letters. 333.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/mcilvaine_letters/333
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Transcript
Cinc. Nov. 22/62
My dear Friend,
To my great sorrow & mortification I have this Ev. recd. The sad intelligence conveyed in your letter concerning my nephew. I thank you for your consideration in writing & sending [?] [?] report. It is the only case of intemperance I ever heard of in any brand or near relation of my Fathers [Family]. I trust you will not reflect on me for recommending him. I never heard of it [at all] while on my way to Washington, recently, when my sister, Mrs. [Harris], of Phila. told me what she had seen when in Washn. It was in my mind when in Washn. to see him about it, but when I called, he was not in & I had no more time.
Some years ago he was Sec. to Mr. Walker in California, & I heard indirectly what made me afraid of his [habits] then, but since then, when residing with his Father, I had seen or heard nothing of it & supposed he was right. A fine mind & education thus degraded! It will be a hard blow for my dear brother.
You have done only your duty; & I know Col. Smith too well to suppose he would so proceed but under a sense of duty & after all kind efforts to make him do better had failed. Ended as the case has, I must still thank you for having done all you could in his appointment.
Your affectionate friend,
Charles P. McIlvaine