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 C. P. McIlvaine
Salmon P. Chase
June 3, 1863
Called top president's attention - West Point vancancy, expressed desire to see you gratified; Mr. Coxe appointed Codifier of District Laws; Lee's venture give us opportunity to crush rebellion be destroying army in Richmond.
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
July 11, 1863
About presidency of college; about clergy; men for various places; surprised that Fiske was as abrupt to you - thought him more discreet
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
July 11, 1863
Go see Goodwin to sound him out in presidency of college. Can't yet call Board Meeting til we know that he will accept.
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
July 25, 1863
Concerning removal of a name from a communicant list: lost-died-moved awat. No communicant can be suspended without being reported to the Ordinary. One Recotr out of 24 cases has been reported to me.
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
July 29, 1863
If clergyman cannot get a substitute, or pay the $300, he should suffer for conscience sake. About one in seven shall be called. We should raise money by general subscription (Ohio may have three such).
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Letter to Bedell
Charles Petit McIlvaine
August 1, 1863
About Bishop Potter's son-speech on lack of objectivity in family's analysis of their children. Recommend Newton for Christ Church, Cincinnati. College gets bad reputation for drinking.
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
August 3, 1863
Happy about new church - $5000 already given. Draft of clergy will be light - about one in fourteen. Has run an article in the paper asking drafted clergy to notify him.
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
August 17, 1863
Refers to former professor of mathematics, McElroy; worried about the draft
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
August 29, 1863
Smith coming to Gambier; perhaps no draft in Ohio, because the 11,000 filled with volunteers
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
September 3, 1863
Problem in math department. Might get Bray of Lancaster on temporary basis, or fill post at once. Might get Professor Tappan of Cincinnati
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Letter to Dr. Smith
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
October 7, 1863
Acknowledges his resignation and will get to work on a successor
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
October 19, 1863
You missed election - should have shared in the victory! About clergy and visitations… Tullidge has been written to about college presidency
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
October 22, 1863
"Hurrah for the $200,000… McIlvaine excited about this. "Go ahead - put on the steam… Capt. Bedell"; about "mongrel service of Milan"
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Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
October 27, 1863
Tullidge consents to come. Son Charles doing well. As to being "decently habited" - custom has been to wear gown and not surplice. "Surplice indicates a kind of 'divinity' which we very much dislike."
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Letter to Rev. Smith
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
November 16, 1863
Accepting resignation and promising pension of $100 for life; See Dr. Tullidge before you leave Gambier
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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 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 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 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 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 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
