Charles Pettit McIlvaine Letters

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

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.
Salmon P. Chase 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.
C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. 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
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.
C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. 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.
C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. 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).
C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. Bedell

Charles Pettit 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.
C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. 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.
C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. Bedell

Charles Pettit McIlvaine

August 17, 1863

Refers to former professor of mathematics, McElroy; worried about the draft
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
C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. 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
C.P. McIlvaine to Thomas M. Smith

Charles Pettit McIlvaine

October 7, 1863

Acknowledges his resignation and will get to work on a successor
C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. 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
C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. 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"
C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. 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."
C.P. McIlvaine to Thomas M. Smith

Charles Pettit McIlvaine

November 16, 1863

Accepting resignation and promising pension of $100 for life; See Dr. Tullidge before you leave Gambier
C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. 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.
C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. 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
C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. 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.
Bp. Gregory T. Bedell to C.P. McIlvaine

Gregory T. Bedell

March 1, 1864

Chapel services, G.
C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. 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.
C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. 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.
C.P. McIlvaine to Bp. Gregory T. 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"
C.P. McIlvaine to [Newton?]

Charles Pettit McIlvaine

April 1, 1864

Copy of letter April, 1864. Content is same as letter to Bedell, but not as thorough
Letter to C.P. McIlvaine

Salmon P. Chase

May 16, 1864

Has written to Cooke, ____ and Mr. Dyer. Discussion of the tract society.