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.
-
Letter to Charles Pettit McIlvaine
William Seward
October 11, 1862
Thank you for copy of prayers proposed for church; Great Britain tires of our war
-
Letter to S.P. Chase
Charles Petit McIlvaine
October 15, 1862
Grateful for help to Edward Harrison. Pleased that Convention has adopted HIS pastoral on the state of the Union. Hopes that Chase will direct President's attention to it.
-
Letter to S.P. Chase
Charles Petit McIlvaine
October 20, 1862
States enclose of a copy of the pastoral letter he wrote - also the President a copy.
-
Newspaper Reproduction of Letter to Charles Petit McIlvaine
William H. Seward
October 29, 1862
Bp. McIlvaine sent his pastoral letter to Seward and it was received and given to the President; loyalty of Church to the Const and Union government; connection of patriotism and Christianity
-
Letter to Charles Petit McIlvaine
George B. McClellan
November 18, 1862
Rationalizes his actions taken as General and despairs over the administration's present course with some reminiscences.
-
Letter to S.P. Chase
Charles Petit McIlvaine
November 21, 1862
Reports a little history of the pastoral letter--reports Church Journal as claiming collusion between certain cabinet officers and the pastoral. Thanks again for helping Harrison
-
Letter to S.P. Chase
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
November 22, 1862
Regrets events surrounding B.R. McIlvaine - is a problem of intemperence
-
Letter to S.P. Chase
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
December 11, 1862
"Re-admission of Rebel States"; Chase has managed finances wonderfully.
-
Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
January 1, 1863
In sad mood here on bad state of affairs of Church.
-
Letter to Charles Petit McIlvaine
Jacob D. Cox
January 6, 1863
Civil War: Wn Virginia regiments; McClellan's removal; reorganization of the army
-
Letter to S.P. Chase
Charles Petit McIlvaine
January 9, 1863
How is war going? Why take Richmond? Just a city - "Grant will NOT do."
-
Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
January 10, 1863
Discussion of pastoral Bible classes at college
-
Letter to Bishop 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.
-
Letter to Charles Petit McIlvaine
S. 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
-
Letter to Charles Pettit McIlvaine
Thomas 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.
-
Letter to Bedell
Charles Petit 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.
-
Letter to Bishop 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."
-
Letter to Bishop 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.
-
Letter to Bishop Bedell
Charles Pettit McIlvaine
February 6, 1863
Plans visitation to Cleveland. Rectors of Trinity and St. Paul's and St. John's have asked.
