88

Vicksburg Oct 1st 1860

Rt. Rev J. H Otey

My Dear Sir

I received your
kind invitation to be present at the
laying of the corner stone of the
"University of the South" on the 10th
inst.-- It is with real regret that
I have to decline an invitation
to witness a ceremony so interest-
ing to the good cause of edu-
cation & religion.

My engagements will not ad-
mit of my absence from Mississippi
at this time.

Mrs. Lake joins me in kindest
regards to yourself and Mrs.
Otey.

{illegible: Truly?} your {illegible: friend?}

W. A. Lake