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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
Discussion of his attempt to procure the Prince of Wales' autograph for McIlvaine's daughter with description of activities of the Prince's visit. This scan is a transcript of the original letter. Location of original is unknown.
ISBN
KMcI 601008
Date
10-8-1860
Keywords
letter, McIlvaine, bishop, Prince of Wales
Recommended Citation
[Unknown], Bishop H., "Letter to C. P. McIlvaine" (1860). Charles Pettit McIlvaine Letters. 38.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/mcilvaine_letters/38
Rights Statement
Transcript
Scrapbook Page 80
Bishop [?] to Bishop C. P. McIlvaine
Executive Mansion
Washington
Oct. 8, 1860
My dear Bishop,
Even had I not received your letter, I should have written hence, to explain to Miss McIlvainve, why for the moment I am unable to fulfill my promise to her. I had understood it instead as only applying to the Prince’s autograph; &, to him I spoke on the subject today before he left Washington. He at once & gladly acquiesed [sic]; but (injudiciously on my part) I spoke at a time & place when no writing materials were at hand; & from that moment, to the moment of the Princes [sic] departure, there was not an instant at which the request could be [??]. It was in fact made during our passage from the Potomac to Mount Vernon. We did not return until past 6; dined at Lord Lyons at 7. I left the party there at 11; & yesterday morning every instant was so occupied in the Commission of the departure that no other matters could intrude upon them.
I must therefore take some oppt. of obtaining & [?] this autograph from England; unless [?] you [??] receive it at N. York. I fear, however, that everything there will be hurry & crowd; judging from the program laid down. Though quitting the Prince’s progress with great regret (& he gratifies me by the appearance that it is [?]) this is the part of it which I least grieve to lose. I bade him farewell on Saturday McI. on board the Steam Cutter which conveyed him & his suite to [??]. The President pressed me much to stay two days longer with him. Those are now [?] & today I set out for N. York; embarking for England on Wednesday.
It is impossible that anything could have been better than the Princes [sic] whole reception at [?]. Speaking generally instead of his purpose since he entered the States, [?????], which now should have [??].
Pray remember me with all kindness to all your family & very especially to Mrs. McIlvaine.
Ever with the great respect, [?]
[??] Bishop H. [?]
NOTES: Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (eventually King Edward VII) paid his only visit to America in 1860. On Sept. 29th he had honored the Bishop, with his extensive suite, by calling on him at his house in Clifton, Ohio. A few days later at West Point they met again at the Superintendent’s house to renew their friendship. That night in a secret relaxation, a ten pin match, the Bishop was on the Prince’s winning team. Their warm friendship continued until the death of the Bishop - see more in the correspondence. The President Mentioned was James Buchanan. I hope more blanks can be fitted and the name of the letter writer established.
Koert D. Burnham