The Rt. Rev. Charles Pettit McIlvaine, D. D. was the second President of Kenyon College serving from 1832 to 1840. This collection of his letters is kept in the College Archives and is available to researchers.
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.
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Letter to Bedell
Charles Petit McIlvaine
February 11, 1863
More concern for President of College-complains that clergy who are qualified won't come-those who would are not qualified. Suggests that a good layman would do.
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Letter to McIlvaine
A. T. McMurphy
February 12, 1863
Feels that he must leave parish as Senior Warden (who is his sole support) is going to New York. Would like to move to Salem where he could take on New Lisbon and Canfield. Tells him of his financial problems if Boardman will not pay $120 they owe him.
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
February 12, 1863
Proposes Clements as temporary president if Potter declines. Ought to have a Trustee's meeting to appoint an agent to invest in government bonds. Paddock has resigned. Unhappy with McCarty as possible Recot of Christ Church - has recommended Newton.
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Letter to Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
February 17, 1863
Approves Bedell's "strategy" in Akron-wants both to act in "concert" for St. Paul's not recommend different movt. Newark it to be supplied by Hill. Perhaps Granville might be connected to Newark.
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Letter to Bedell
Charles Petit McIlvaine
February 18, 1863
Primarily concern over resignation of McMurphy at Boardman. Thinks McMurphy should go to Salem-and will back it-will raise the $200 himself to pay him. Trouble is that Boardman will want to tie in with (Hill?) at Youngstown.
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Lett
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
February 18, 1863
More housekeeping problems - recommendations and questions about various clergymen - the president of college will go to Dr. Wing's funeral.
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Letter to Charles Petit McIlvaine
J. W. Williams
February 21, 1863
Hopkins pamphlet raises a storm in Vermont, and Chase (?) had to suppress it. Happy McIlvaine published his article in "Western Episcopalian"
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
February 21, 1863
About his pastoral transfer for J.B. Britton; has come from Bishop Kemper; Higbee will be transferred to Pennsylvania; Reese is going to Springfield
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Letter to Bedell
Charles Petit McIlvaine
February 25, 1863
Complaint that some clergy put off reading pastorals till afternoon service or rainy days so won't have to abridge their own sermons
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Letter to Bexley faculty
Charles Petit McIlvaine
February 25, 1863
Irregular attendance at prayer of seminary students
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Letter to Charles Petit McIlvaine
William Bartlett
February 25, 1863
Opposition to the use of the sabbath for non-religious purposes; McIlvaine's sermons at West Point; cannot recall Dabuny Carr; difficulties between Generals Scott & McClellan -- Civil War
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Letter from C.P. McIlvaine to Bishop Chase
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
March 9, 1863
Mr. Coxe's appt was considered by the president and though he wanted to gratify your wish, members of the cabinet were against it so he decided against the appointment; great anxiety about Charleston, Port Hudson, Vicksburgh and across the water
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Letter to S.P. Chase
Charles Petit McIlvaine
March 12, 1863
Coxe not appointed judge, but does the President intend to have him codify district laws?
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Letter to S.P. Chase
Charles Petit McIlvaine
March 16, 1863
No complaint to offer in case of Mr. Coxe. He simply needed business and took a case.
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Letter from C.P. McIlvaine to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
March 17, 1863
Some solution to Christ Church problem. Vestry agreed to "hire" McCarty for year. McCarty said "I want to have a place in convention… I wish to make some reforms in the Diocese." McCarty has grudge. McIlvaine will take river parishes, will send some dates; list of Dimmissories and receivings of Clergy; enclosure of letter from Waite of Peoria.
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Letter from Joseph M. Waite to C.P. McIlvaine
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
March 17, 1863
Asks for St. Paul's, Cleveland - justifies move by health and more congenial churchmanship; McIlvaine's marginal role indicates that Waite a good man - would do at Zanesville
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
April 20, 1863
Cornerstone paper; altar; wearing vestaments in procession
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Letter to S.P. Chase
Charles Petit McIlvaine
April 21, 1863
More against Grant. Incapable-drunken-may even take opium. Fremont be better than he. Crux of battle will be in Kentucky or in trying to cross the Ohio. Why bother with taking Charlestown?
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Letter to Bedell
Charles Petit McIlvaine
April 28, 1863
Potter and need for clergy--laymen as presiders better than no Presider at all. McCarty's election to Christ Church working exams 2 weeks early so that Seniors ordained have time for quiet reflection.
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Letter from C.P. McIlvaine to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
May 12, 1863
Missed Potter - never make visitations after convention except for new places. Problem of ordaining deacons and priests together. Pulls for Sturgis at Gallopolis, even vestry feel they were wrong. McElvee must be brought up short.
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Letter to Bedell
Charles Petit McIlvaine
May 23, 1863
Sorry they differ on date of Ordinations at Gambier. Seminary should be more prominent in Diocese but not by a "miscellaneous audience" (at commencement). Doesn't mind Rosse Chapel, however. Not want list of clergy to attend either. I enjoy ordinations at Gambier, so no weekday either. "The old man clings to his old ways." McIlvaine not want to give charge during a convention session, either. Clifton as a man, but he declined rightly.
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Letter to S.P. Chase
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
May 28, 1863
Asks appointment to West Point for nephew - President ok'd last fall, but nothing came through. Apologizes about his feelings against Grant. Coxe will explain his case well enough.
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Notice to Head-Quarters, Dept. of the Ohio
Ambrose E. Burnside
May 29, 1863
Civil War; McIlvaine visits the troops
