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 Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
September 18, 1864
American Bible Society; consecration fo the Episcopal Church in Paris; Civil War sentiment in Paris; black minister. Original in Archives at Church House, Cleveland, Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Ohio, McIlvaine correspondance
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Letter to C. P. McIlvaine
Major General Lawrence
September 21, 1864
Confirmation of the Bishop's forthcoming stay at his residence and directions to the house.
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Letter to C. P. McIlvaine
Bishop Waldegrave
October 12, 1864
Requesting the Bishop to preach his ordination sermon.
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Letter to C. P. McIlvaine
William Heathcote
October 22, 1864
Mention of Lord Carnarvon and Hon. Auberon Herbert
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Letter to C. P. McIlvaine
Bishop of Winchester
November 6, 1864
Farewell to a friend - written on sabbath day
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Letter to Maria (Mamy) Du Bois (daughter)
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
November 24, 1864
Voyage back to U.S. aboard ship "Aetna" of Sandyhook
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Letter to S. P. Chase
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
December 6, 1864
Glad to hear that slavery abolished… English trip not to pleasant this time as people were openly for South. Hopes Chase will be appointed Chief Justice (put his word in with Lincoln who heard him kindly. Son not received the promotion yet - do something about it.
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Letter to C.P. McIlvaine
Francis Wharton
December 17, 1864
Concerning endowments and changes proposed - with reference, presumably, to Bexley Hall and Kenyon College.
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
December 19, 1864
1. We are Bishops aew visitors - no need of services of other Bishops. This feature introduced by Chase as a consequence pf Hobart's attack on him in England. 2. We (you and I) are connected with the college and seminary only in spiritual duties in power of seminarians only as are in Ohio - with preofessors as they are clergy in Ohio. 3. I am ex-officio president of the theological seminary - a trustee. Government of Seminary in hands of faculty. As Bishop have no control - on this rock Chase stood. "I am satisfied with it." 4. "I am a discretionary committee." Is as president of Board (not as Bishop) that I am prudential committee. As a professor, you are member of faculty. As vice-president, you are presiding officer of faculty when I am gone. 5. Advises Bedell to attend faculty meetings regularly. 6. Indignant that Bedell has been asked not to preach. 7. Mission committee again a failure. 8. Charges against Craeroft in the making.
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To Charles Petit McIlvaine
George H. Stuart
December 27, 1864
Asks McIlvaine to accept mission to go to South and arrange for an offer concerning our prisoners. It is likely rebels will reject offer, but if you are there, it is a rejection of the service of the Christian Church.
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
December 28, 1864
Presnet Cracroft to standing committee "Bishop Whitehouse, like anyone else, may so accuse Mr. Cracroft that I will see that and inquiry is instituted." He is to send any additional material he has to Standing Committee. Nothing in the charge that a presentment can be made except that he preached in Illinois when he had been forbidden to do so. Whitehouse not remand him here - only I can.
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Letter to G. W. Du Bois
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
December 28, 1864
Response to Du Bois's letter regarding birth of Mary Cornelia Du Bois (12/21/1864)
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Letter to C. P. McIlvaine
C. Roux
December 30, 1864
Asks information on establishment of French Episcopal Church through the American Church. Send a chaplain. Large numbers of papists would come. Can I be of help? Born in France, etc. However, is not in orders and does not want to leave his job. Would you supply means and men?
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Petit McIlvaine
January 3, 1865
Cracroft case settled in Cracroft's favor. About men in the ministry and lay readers: 1) More stated opportunity for us to preach in Rosse Chapel 2) Administration of Holy Communion. Rector's place is paramount unless Bishop has official work to do.
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
January 9, 1865
Paper from Vestry of St. Paul's, Steubenville: copies Dr. Morse's reply to him. Morse indicates a small but vocal faction. Feels him duty to stay in parish. McIlvaine feels too delicate to meddle in.
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To Charles Petit McIlvaine
George H. Stuart
January 10, 1865
Because of your ill health, Bishop Lee of Delaware will be asked to go in your place (see 64-12-27) if you can still go - telegraph me immediately. Invite to attend Annual Meeting of General Commission; if your health prohibits this, Chief Justice Chase will represent your church.
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
January 28, 1865
Explains kissing a beautifully covered Bible because of his love for the Gospel - which it was. Cracroft case about to be closed in Ohio - but not sure in Illinois.
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
February 4, 1865
Wishes for a law to sell consecrated churches - proceeds to go to Diocese. Does not know what to do with Morse at Steubenville. Sympathy with the old man. Cracroft case closed with no presentment.
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
February 10, 1865
Must fill a professor's vacancy - not enough in church - especially in theology. Can reshuffle the three we have and increase their salaries by not adding another. Dyer, at Urbana, added invitation to H.C. and two ladies came up. He questioned them and their faith and vestry asked his resignation. I am recommending him to Bishop Talbot. Protestant Episcopal City Mission and Church estension society of Cincinnati organizes.
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Letter to Charles Petit McIlvaine
William Heathcote DeLancey
February 15, 1865
Richard Holden, Peter Hoff, Jt. Election of Asst. Bp. Of NY.
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Petit McIlvaine
February 16, 1865
Problems with Dr. Tullidge. List of displacement of ministers. Dislikes Bedell's report of Newton's sermons. As you heard it, you see the Bishop and talk with him to find what he believes. Cracroft now in regular standing.
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Letter to Charles P. McIlvaine
I. R. Trimble
February 22, 1865
"This sad war should never have been." His nephew's life spared by the president - intercession of prisoners who had been under him at Andersonville.
