34

Va. Military Institute

Sep 17. 1860

Rt. Rev. J. H. Otey D.D.

Chair &c University of the South

My dear Sir,

I have the honor to acknowledge the
rec't of the invitation of the Executive Com
of the Board of Trustees to the interesting
ceremonies appointed{?} for the 10. Oct. near{?}.

It would afford me great pleasure
to accept this invitation for my heart is
cordially enlisted in the great enterprize
so auspiciously begun -- but the
engrossing responsiblities of official
duty confine me long past.

With my kindest regards to the members
of the Executive Committee, & to yourself
for the {illegible: letter?} to which the invitation has
been conveyed. {illegible} my {illegible}.

Yr obt svt

Francis Holmuth{?}