Vault Early Papers of the University Box 1 Document Cornerstone Invitation 140

Lebanon Tennessee Oct 4. 1860

Rt. Rev. Jas H. Otey.

Dear Sir

Your favor of the 1st inst, inviting me to be present on the 10th [?] at the laying of the corner stone of the principal building of "the University of the South" is before me.

I must be permitted to return thanks to the Executive Committee for the kind invitation extended, and to you as their Chairman for the manner in which their wish is expressed.

It would afford me great pleasure to be in attendance upon the occasion, [?] of a ceremony which I feel wassured will be deeply interesting, but the condition of my health precludes even a hope of such a thing. I am confined to my bed & have been for several weeks passed. I am compelled on account of [?] [?] to employ an [?] in making this reply.

Very respectfully Yr. Obt. Svt.

F. R. Cossitt. by E. J. Golladay