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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
KC: Buckingham accepts the position of Professor of Mathematics
Date
7-23-1833
Keywords
letter, McIlvaine, Kenyon College, mathematics, Buckingham, Zanesville
Recommended Citation
Buckingham, C. P., "Letter to McIlvaine" (1833). Charles Pettit McIlvaine Letters. 384.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/mcilvaine_letters/384
Rights Statement
Transcript
Litchfield N.Y.
July 23rd 1833
Rev and Dear Sir,
I yesterday received a letter from Lieut. Kinsley informing me of your communications to him in regard to the Professorship of Mathematics at Kenyon College.
This is of course the first intimation that I have had that the place was vacant, and you would expect me to fulfil my promise - with that promise I shall most cheerfully comply and esteem myself happy to render myself useful in any way to promote the prosperity of the College (if indeed my feeble efforts can add any thing to its prosperity) and through it the good of the church.
I am sorry that your letter informing me of the vacancy did not reach me at home; but it will only occasion some slight inconvenience - We intend leaving here on Monday next for Ohio and if God shall prosper our journey we shall probably stop at Gambier on our way - if however we should learn that the cholera was at Zanesville I think it would be hardly prudent for us to go there during its continuance.
Lieut. Kinsley mentions the middle of October as the time when you informed him that my duties in the College would commence. This I expect will give ample time to arrange my affairs at home so that I can leave there - I think it probable that it will be most convenient for my family to retain their quarters in Putnam for the ensuing winter.
Since leaving Zanesville I have been on the lookout for a clergyman who would suit the congregation there and who would be willing to go - Although I saw none personally I hear of them and gave what information I could obtain concerning them to the vestry of St. James - They are Rev. Mr. Stokes formerly of the Presbyterian denomination, Rev. Mr. [?] (brother of Doct. [?] of Philad.) and the Rev. gentleman you once recommended from Virginia - I hope sincerely that they obtain a minister that will be instrumental in putting life into some of the “dry bones” of Zanesville.
My wife requests to be remembered to you and Mrs. McIlvaine. In hopes of seeing you shortly I remain
Very affectionately yours
C. P. Buckingham