Vault Early Papers of the University Box 1 Document Cornerstone Invitation 211

Lebanon, Tennessee. Oct 6, 1860.

Dear Sir,

The invitation sent to me to be present at University Place on the 10th Inst., to witness the ceremony of laying the corner stone of the University of the South, was received a few days since. I have delayed an answer, in the hope that I might be able to accept the invitation. It will, however, be impossible for me to leave here, & I must therefore decline the pleasure of being present on that occasion. In doing so, permit me sir, to express the interest I feel in the Enterprise, & my earnest hope that it may be successful beyond the most sanguine expectations of its projection & that the University of the South may, in time, become the ornament of the South.

Very respy yours Alex P. Stewart

Rt. Rev. J.H. Otey.