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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
(CIVIL WAR): anti-slavery, Paine, man who looks white, but of African descent, denied access to education, Rev. Strong, housing for black theological students (Alston)
ISBN
KMcI 551117
Date
11-17-1855
Keywords
letter, Jay, McIlvaine, Civil War
Recommended Citation
Jay, William, "Letter to C.P. McIlvaine" (1855). Charles Pettit McIlvaine Letters. 5.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/mcilvaine_letters/5
Rights Statement
Transcript
N York 21 West 32nd: Nov. 17th. 1855
Rt. Revd. & dear Sir
I sincerely thank you for your letter, as it implies your belief that in [my?] profession is not separated from principle. I also exceedingly rejoice in your letter, because it [assures] me that the unholy prejudice of Caste will receive no episcopal sanction in the Diocese of Ohio. My extensive acquaintance with anti-slavery people, gives me peculiar opportunities of observing the disastrous influence exercised men not a few of them by the heartfelt time-serving [policy] of a large portion of the American church in relation to Caste & Slavery. This my sincere conviction founded on long & extensive observation that that policy is at the present time more efficient in promoting infidelity than all the labours of P[aine]’s disciples. The latter deny the truth of Christianity -- but the pro-slavery clergy claim first a divine [?] & then render it loathsome by making it the charter of the most revolting cruelty [?] & wickedness.
A year or two since [?] man who had spent [2] years in a [publick] classical school in this City, entered the College of Physicians, + attended one course of lectures. Till this time, he had been supposed to be White, + had been treated as such. But now it was discovered or suspected, that he had Negro blood in his veins, + [?] expelled. It certainly seemed very unchristian to refuse to teach a man to heal the diseases of the body, solely on account of his complexion. But who could condemn the Doctors, when the Rt. Revd. & Revd. Officers of the Theological Seminary had previously refused to teach a man of irreproachable character + literary attainments to heal the diseases of the Soul, because his skin was darker than their own[?] A gentlemen of this State, a literary man & a former member of congress, confessed to me that his doubts of the truth of Revelation had been [shaphened?] by the course of certain Bishops + clergymen in regard to Slavery.
I am very much gratified by the conduct of the Rev. [??] + [repaid it] as truly Christian. To lighten a little the burden he & his wife have voluntarily assumed, [?] ask the favor of you to hand him the enclosed check.
And now at[?], after this long preamble I come to the purpose of your letter. If I fully understand your purpose, it is to prepare at the expense of $100, a room for the accommodation of the young man in an unfurnished building. It seems to me that such an insulated residence would apparently at least, counter a[?] Caste. rather than offer a protest [??] it. On this [?] perhaps it would be better that he should remain for the present with Mr. [Stamp?]. He is intended he shall enter the Theological Seminary. On your informing me that he has been received into the Seminary as a student, as fully + with the same privilege in all respects as a White candidate for Orders. I will immediately [remind?] to you the hundred dollars, to be applied at your discrestion for his benefit.
Accept Rt. Rev. & dear Sire the [?] of the unabated steem & respect with which I am,
Your friend & Oldest [?]
William Jay
The Rt. Rev: C.P. McIlvaine, D.D.