383

{penciled top right corner: 23}

Memphis Oct 4 1860.

Dear sir,

Your note of the {illegible: 8?}th ult:,
inviting me to be present on the
occasion of the laying of the Corner
Stone of the principal building
of the University of the South, has
this moment been received.

Constant business ingagements
will deprive me of that pleasure.
But you must allow me to
thank you for the invitation,
and tinder my best wishes
for the success of the great
enterprise

With great respect

Your Ob't. Servant

Thomas H. Allen

Rev'd Bishop Otey.

Chairman.