Vault Early Papers of the University Box 1 Document Cornerstone Invitation 8

Camden Sept 17th. 1860.

Rt Revd & Dear Bro,

I have received your letter and in reply say that I have been long and sincerely desirous of being present at your next meeting at University Place.

My hopes however for some time past, have been becoming less and less, and are now entirely faded away.

I went to Philadelphia in May last, to have an operation performed upon my eye - It has been done, but attended with no success, and has left the eye wounded, sensitive, and subject to inflammation. The sight of the other eye also is almost gone, so that I am almost entirely blind, and very feeble in body. It is out of the

question therefore for me to attempt such a journey, especially at this season of the year.

I am very sorry indeed that I cannot be present with you, but it is simply impossible without too great a risk. And indeed, I could almost see nothing, and almost do nothing, if I were with you.

Do give my kindest regards to all the brethren, and make my apology to them --

Very Truly, Yr. Bro. in Christ -

Thos. F. Davis

Rt Revd Jas. H Otey - Bp. of Tennessee