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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C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
January 21, 1863
Will receive Kendrick but is a risk ----------? Not do for president of the College (with reasons). Complains of college responsibilities.
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Salmon P. Chase to C.P. McIlvaine
Salmon P. Chase
January 25, 1863
President doesn't tell him about state of the war because administration is departmental; War Department tells him only what is "thought fit to impart" so he can't give McIlvaine any information; discusses his notion of an administration
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Thomas Scott Bacon to C.P. McIlvaine
Thomas Scott Bacon
January 28, 1863
Letter on printed circular addressed to members of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Diocese of Louisiana. Circular is a plea on part of Bacon to return to Church of United States - to leave Bishop Polk. Letter states his position in Louisiana - asks guidance and counsel from McIlvaine. In post script, indicates he is not the clergyman under suspension who officiated in St. Pauls's.
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C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
January 29, 1863
Enclose pastoral letter for printing - Bishop talks about clergy - why don't you find someone for president? I then, could agree or disagree.
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C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
February 1, 1863
Still concerned about "Hill" leaving Youngstown for Newark. Comments on impropriety of word "call." Ought to be referred to as "invitation."
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C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
February 3, 1863
Discouraged letter indicates Bedell's orders are to go east and scout around for a president of the college - the Vestry of the Cathedral Church in Clifton do nothing.
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C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
February 6, 1863
Plans visitation to Cleveland. Rectors of Trinity and St. Paul's and St. John's have asked.
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C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. Bedell
Charles Pettit 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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A.T. McMurphy to C.P. 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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C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. 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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C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. 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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C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. Bedell
Charles Pettit 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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C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. Bedell
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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J.W. Williams to C.P. 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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C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. 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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C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. Bedell
Charles Pettit 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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Salmon P. Chase to C.P. McIlvaine
Salmon P. Chase
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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C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. 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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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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C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
April 20, 1863
Cornerstone paper; altar; wearing vestaments in procession
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Sir William Heathcote to C.P. McIlvaine
William Heathcote
April 21, 1863
Wishes for a lasting peace.
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![C.P. McIlvaine to [Bp. Gregory T. Bedell?] by Charles Pettit McIlvaine](https://digital.kenyon.edu/mcilvaine_letters/1316/thumbnail.jpg "C.P. McIlvaine to [Bp. Gregory T. Bedell?] by Charles Pettit McIlvaine")
C.P. McIlvaine to [Bp. Gregory T. Bedell?]
Charles Pettit 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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C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. 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.
