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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 confiscation question and doctrine of treason and attainder (Garfield was at that time a Congressman)
ISBN
KMcI 640215
Date
2-15-1864
Keywords
letter, Garfield, McIlvaine
Recommended Citation
Garfield, James A., "Letter to C. P. McIlvaine" (1864). Charles Pettit McIlvaine Letters. 86.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/mcilvaine_letters/86
Rights Statement
Transcript
Scrapbook p. 27
General, later President James Abram Garfield to Bp. McIlvaine
Washington Feb. 15th 1864
Rt. REv. Chas. P. McIlvaine
Dear Sir:
Your esteemed favor of Feb. 14th came duly to hand for which accept my thanks. It is very gratifying to me to have mentioned your approval in the statement of my views on the question of Confiscation. I believe the view of Mr. Stevens are erroneous and if generally received would be very dangerous. To admit that the rebel states are out of the union and hence foreign people is precisely what the rebels want us to do and what would be a great calamity if other nations should acknowledge.
I fully agree with your view of the Constitutional doctrine of treason and attainder. Our fathers removed the power to punish treason from the Legislative to the Judicial Dept. and required that judgment should be pronounced and sentence executed during the life of the accused party so far as his property is concerned.
With profound respect and esteem I am,
Very truly yours,
J.A. Garfield