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Nashville Octr 4th 1860

J. H. Otey Chair'n Ex: Com:
University Place. Tenn.

Dear Sir:

Your polite invitation
to be present on the 10th Inst, is received. It affords me much
pleasure to know you are ready to commence the principal
building of the, "University of the South."

My pursuit as a planter demands my presence in Ark:
which I regret to say, will prevent me from witnessing the
proper ceremony of laying the corner stone.

This magnificent project for educational purposes, merits
the countenance, aid, and patronage of all southern men. I have
felt the pleasures and invigorating influence of the
mountain air for several summers; and you may rely
upon _that_, as a powerful ally in surmounting the obstacles
which will be met on the way to success: but _success_ must
follow.

Respectfully yr sert.

[L.] [R.] [Cocker]ill