468

Belmead Va. Oct 3d. 1860

To the

Rt. Rev. Jas H Otey,

Bishop of Tenn

Dear Sir

In conse=
quence of absence from {illegible: home? here?}, I have
but recently received the Card
and your kind note of invitation
with which I have been honored --
to attend upon the occasion of the
laying of the corner stone of the
first building of the University of
the South -- to take place on the
10th of this month --

I regret, sir, that it will be
out of my power to be present
upon that interesting occasion --

But allow me to tender to you
sir, and to your patriotic co=
laborers in this great & good
work my heart-felt sympathy &
cordial best wishes

May the Corner Stone of the
University of the South - founded upon