1

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

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