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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
Will receive Kendrick but is a risk ----------? Not do for president of the College (with reasons). Complains of college responsibilities.
Date
1-21-1863
Keywords
letter, McIlvaine, Bedell, Kendrick, Kenyon College
Recommended Citation
McIlvaine, Charles Pettit, "Letter to Bishop Bedell" (1863). Charles Pettit McIlvaine Letters. 335.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/mcilvaine_letters/335
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Transcript
Cinc. Jan 21/63
My dear Bishop
Yours of the 19th came this Ev. I wrote yesterday. As to Kendrick, I take about the same view as you do, & probably [shall] receive him, but it is a [risk]. I do not doubt the sincerity of what he now professes, & I think there is favorable evidence of a new spirit in all the manner in which he has borne these enquiries. But he has a great deal to [beware].
As to a Pres, I do not think it worthwhile to think of [?]. No doubt he is scholar & christian enough, but he has been too long fastened to a narrow sphere & that at his native place, & seems to me too much of a recluse & too worried to be what we want, would he care which I have no idea he would.
As to going to N.Y., or the East, I am now [motionless] almost, out of pain only when as a certain posture. The gathering I suppose will discharge itself in a day or two, but such things have been following me another so continually for some months, that I know not what to expect when one is gone. I will want till next week to see. But I am the poorest hand in the world for such work. I cannot persuade in such a case. Besides, how can you ascertain if a man will accept. Must he take weeks to consider & am I to be there all that time & then if he at last declines, am I try another siege of weeks? I could not do it. I am too restless away from home & nothing to do, to bear it. To be hanging about in the East for weeks & weeks out of habit, feeling like an idler, for that I cannot [accept], under such circumstances, - it would be intolerable. I will think about it, but I don’t see the way clear. What a burden that College has been to me those 30 years. If you will go you shall.
Yours affectionately,
C.P.M.