Vault Early Papers of the University Box 1 Document Cornerstone Invitation 29

Fayetteville, Octo. 4th 1860.

Rt Rev. Bish. Otey; University Place, Franklin Cty. Ten. Dr. Sir;

Your Communication together with one from Bishop Polk came to hand by last mail_ Altho' exceedingly pressed with engagements, I will accept your Kind in_ vitation to be present at the laying of the Corner Stone of the University of the South.

Bishop Polk indicated in his Communication a wish that I should respond to a Resolution in behalf of the Application of Science to Agriculture

This duty I can perform only in an imperfet way- perhaps entirely unsatisfactory to Schoolmen- Time will not permit me to preface a written address- My preparation Can only [?] Snatches of my own reflections_ If Such a makeshift would answer such an important occasion, I am willing to render the tribute_ Very respct. your Obt. Serv.

[Jno.***.?] Bright