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Va. Military Institute
Sep 17, 1860

Rt Rev. J.H. Otey DD.
Chairm. &c, University of the South

My dear Sir,

I have the honor to acknowledge the
rct of the invitation of the Executive Com
of the Board of Trustees, to the interesting
ceremonies appointed for the 10 Oct. next.

It would afford me great pleasure
to accept this invitation, for my heart is
cordially enlisted in the great enterprise.
so auspiciously begun - but the
engrossing responsibilities of official
duly confine me to my post.

With my kindest regards to the members
of the Executive Committee, & to yourself
for the terms in which their invitation has
been conveyed. I remain my dear sir,

Yours Grd
Francis H Smith