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Montgomery, Alabama. Octo. 3. 1860.
Rt. Rev. & Dear Sir:
On my return from New York I find your polite note of invitation to be present at the laying of the Corner-Stone of the University of the South. The occassion, I am sure, will be an intensely interesting one, and there is nothing of a publick nature that lies as near my heart as the success of that Institution; and as I feel every assurance, that when completed, it will be looked upon with great pride & pleasure by all, then living, who will have had everything to do with its erection, I regret exceedingly
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that circumstances will not permit me to witness this "beginning" of the end". Let me assure you that I duly appreciate the courtesy of your card of invitation.
And now, as I cannot confer with you in person, will you allow me to add to what I have written above a word or two touching the election of an Architect for the University.
While in New York, Mr. Chas. Duggin, (Architect 532 Broadway) showed me the letter and plot you had sent him, and said to me that the advertisement seemed to him so indefinite that he had decided not to send ^out any drawing at all. But as I insisted that he should, and told him, as nearly as I could what I thought you wanted, I hope he has done so;
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and I take the liberty to say to you that I have had two years acquaintance with him and think him one of the very best Architects in the whole country. After much inquiry[ concerning him I employed him to furnish the plans &c. of the House I am building near Montgomery? and am exceedingly pleased with him every way. He is certainly a man of great proficiency & fine taste in his profession and I can also vouch for him as a gentleman.
Hoping that his claims will receive a favorable consideration at the hands of those whose duty it will be to elect an Architect for your noble Institution,
I remain, very resp'y,
A.G. McGhee.
Rt. Revd. {James} H. Otey; D.D.}