322

Pendleton S. C. {illegible: Sebr?} 26/60

Dear Sir

I am this day in receipt of your
kind invitation of the 5th {illegible: Inst---?}, to attend the cele-
bration of laying the corner stone of the principal
building of the University of the South on the 10th
ultimo.

It is a {illegible: matter?} of extreme regret to {illegible}
that official duties will prevent my witnessing so
interesting and important a ceremony -- an event
that I really believe will be remembered in all{?}
after {illegible}.

Very Respectfully

Your obt. ser't

{illegible} {illegible}

{illegible: Rt?} {illegible: Revd.?} Bishop Jas. H. Otey

University Place

Tennessee