Leonidas Polk Family Papers

-26-

degree of practical wisdom, cautious investigation, exquisite tact, and indefatigable energy, which far surpass all that I could conceive in the bounds of human efficiency."

So, on October 23, 1856, in Philadelphia, the bishops of the southern dioceses met and enthusiastically endorsed the united endeavor; the first meeting to organize a Board of Trustees was held on Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, July 4, 1857; the lofty and magnificent domain at Sewanee, Tennessee, was secured; and the initial endowment of over $500,000 was raised in a few short months. On October 10, 1860, came the occasion of the final inauguration of the University of the South, and at the height of the ceremony it was properly given to the Bishop of Louisiana to perform the rite of laying the corner-stone in place. He said, "A corner-stone is that which unites the walls of a building, and may symbolize strength and stability, -- the union of the intellectual and spiritual nature of man -- the emblem of Christ -- the sure and tried corner-stone -- the wisdom of God, and the power