Vault Early Papers of the University Box 1 Document Cornerstone Invitation 35

Charleston Oct 1st 1860

Dr. Sir

I have been honored by the receipt of your note of invitation to be present on the occasion of the proposed ceremony of laying the corner stone of the University of the South on the 10th nest [sic] and beg to say in reply that circumstances byond my control will deprive of the pleasure of being present on that interesting occasion

Respy your [*b***?]

Wm. McBurney

Rt Rev J H Otey

Chairman.