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 Salmon P. Chase
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
January 18, 1864
Mr. Norwood of New Jersy asks McIlvaine for letter of introduction to Chase. McIlvaine encloses the letter of request - (see 64-01-14). Norwood has connections in English consulate here.
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
February 7, 1864
Memorial Hall at Gambier in memory of child. Fears will be more than they can handle. Bolton's resignation from St. Paul's in Columbus because of a salary difference between self and vestry. Write Anderson of Cincinnati and get his opinion of raising $15,000 here. If Mr. B is a member of committe, will help.
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
February 10, 1864
"AS to secret societies I did not mean to include Phi Beta Kappa"; Tremble of Wooster would do well at Mansfield
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Letter to C. P. McIlvaine
James A. Garfield
February 15, 1864
Discussion of confiscation question and doctrine of treason and attainder (Garfield was at that time a Congressman)
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
February 20, 1864
Regarding new Episcopal school - would have to be private property - not Bishop and Diocese. Ready to promote such a female school as far as can, but not in Gambier. Will try to kill without hurting.
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Letter to Salmon P. Chase
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
February 27, 1864
Please appoint my son-in-law, John Hewson, as agent for new government bond sale.
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Letter to the Editor of the New York Observer
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
March 1, 1864
Suggests papers print story of Mission Ridge (Battle of Chatanooga) as many do not know story of impronment of missionaries. Would reflect on what slave power is used to do.
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
March 3, 1864
"Amusing and able letter from W. Chester" explains obstinacy about Sunday School sermon. Relationship between college chapel and local people. Newton is employee between college chapel and local people. Newton is employee of trustees. Trutees have exclusive control over chapel. If disagreement between Chaplain and Board, then President of Board decides. Disapproves of dress on alter, flowers, etc.
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Letter to Salmon P. Chase
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
March 14, 1864
McIlvaine unhappy about son's working conditions. Don't let him know I write. Rebel clergyman in Canada writes that "men will hold me more guilty than any other man for all the blood and cruelty of the war."
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
March 14, 1864
Hartley wishes to be ordained in Brooklyn by Bishop Potter. Fiske wants Grace church consecrated - free and clear. Will do it if you and I can clear dates.
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
March 16, 1864
Suggestions as to parishes Bedell might visit or pass by. Turns St. Paul's and St. James …….? Permenantly to Bedell. Aska him to visit while he is away. "It looks more natural"
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Letter to S. P. Chase
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
March 21, 1864
Asks advice on bonds - whether to sell or not - reports that Bishop Whipple interested in Indians and coming to Washington to get system changed. McIlvaine backs him all the way
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Letter to C. P. McIlvaine
J W. Williams
March 23, 1864
Consecration of Chapel in Paris. Bp. Brownell too ill to attend and may die soon. We do not want Bp. Hopkins, the next presiding Bishop, to attend. Please agree to consecrate the Chapel.
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Letter to Newton(?)
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
April 1, 1864
Copy of letter April, 1864. Content is same as letter to Bedell, but not as thorough
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Letter to S. P. Chase
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
May 13, 1864
Plans trip to Europe. Enlists Chase's aid in raising money for both secular and ecclesiastical reasons. Reports his speech on anniversary of Bible Society.
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Letter to C.P. McIlvaine
Salmon P. Chase
May 16, 1864
Has written to Cooke, ____ and Mr. Dyer. Discussion of the tract society.
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Letter to Emily McIlvaine (wife)
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
May 19, 1864
Lots of wounded - glad he came; hopes to see Grant's HQ tomorrow
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
May 28, 1864
Be at Gambier for examinations - had invitation to speak at General, but turned it down. Also refused your invitation because you had to be at Gambier, too. Was cross on alter at Grace Church, Cleveland? "I wouldn't kneel at Alter - turned to my chair"
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Letter to S. P. Chase
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
May 30, 1864
European trip all set - Mr. L. cannot be elected (according to Mr. Appleton's opinion) and that you will be the one. Going to take son Charles to Europe. Speech McIlvaine made at that tract society is printed in Diocesan paper.
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Letter to C.P. McIlvaine
Salmon P. Chase
June 3, 1864
Won't think about presidency; if the president would use his full influence to grant justice to the blacks (especially N. black loyalties) God's blessing would follow
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Letter to S. P. Chase
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
June 9, 1864
Son hasn't received notice of promotion you mentioned. Someone out for him. Didn't refuse to do someone else's work and chief clerk told him, if they had, he was justified in returning. Will go to Europe on the Inman line.
