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Vault Early Papers of the University Box 1 Document Cornerstone Invitation 4
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22 Rupellville 4 October 1860 D[ea]r Sir
My professional engagements prevent the acceptance of the invitation tendered me by the executive committee through you as their chairman, requesting my presence on the 10th [event? next?]-to witness the laying of the corner stone of the principal building of the University of the South.
I sincerely regret my inability to attend. I rejoice in the prospect of having a southern literary & scientific institution established & located upon Cumberland Mountain in the State of Tennessee at which the young men of the south may receive a complete education. Although I cannot participate in the pleasure of witnessing the ceremonies, my best wishes for the success of the enterprize & the happiness of all those connected with it, will be with you.
I am very respectfully your ob[edien]t servant J.R. [Melverson? Meterman?]
JH [Oby? Oley?] Chairman
Vault Early Papers of the University Box 1 Document Cornerstone Invitation 5
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Columbus Ga Oct 3 1860 Rt Rev & Dear Sir
It is from no lack of desire that I am now engaged in sending you word that I will not be in attendance at the laying of the corner stone of the University of the South for no where could I more willingly make a trip, were it in my power.
[Mr?] H H Lo[w?]iher and Dr [F? J?] O Ticknor also of this place desire me to express their regrets that circumstances prevent their attendance
Very respectfully Geo W Dillingham
Vault Early Papers of the University Box 1 Document Cornerstone Invitation 13
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Sharon Tipton Co. Oct. 1st 1860
Rt Rev J. H. Otey [DS?]
My Dear Bishop
I regret that I cannot accept the invitation to be present at the laying of the corner stone of the Univerisy. Nothing would give me more pleasure but it will not be convenient for me to be absent from home at that time.
Several persons in our neighborhood speak of going. We are all w ell. Nothing of special interest in my parachiol duties. I go to Covington to officaite every Wednesday night. I hope we will be able to relieve the church there from debt.
Yours affectionately C. [?] Col???]
Vault Early Papers of the University Box 1 Document Cornerstone Invitation 15
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Charleston October 9th 1860
Rt Rev'd & Dear Sir,
In the absence of Mr. Jennings, I [?] to acknowledge your invitation of the 5th [ult?] and to return his thanks for the same.
We have watched the progress of the Institution over which you preside with such interest & have been most gratified to learn from time to time of its prosperity.
I regret very much that Mr. Jennings will be unable to attend and that our earlier reply has not been in my power.
I am Sir Most respectfully W [m?] Turmo
Bishop Jas H Otey Chairman University Place Franklin County Ten [S]
Vault Early Papers of the University Box 1 Document Cornerstone Invitation 17
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Nashville Octr 4th 1860
J. H. Otey Chair'n Ex: Com: University Place. Tenn.
Dear Sir:
Your polite invitation to be present on the 10th Inst, is received. It affords me much pleasure to know you are ready to commence the principal building of the, "University of the South."
My pursuit as a planter demands my presence in Ark: which I regret to say, will prevent me from witnessing the proper ceremony of laying the corner stone.
This magnificent project for educational purposes, merits the countenance, aid, and patronage of all southern men. I have felt the pleasures and invigorating influence of the mountain air for several summers; and you may rely upon _that_, as a powerful ally in surmounting the obstacles which will be met on the way to success: but _success_ must follow.
Respectfully yr sert.
[L.] [R.] [Cocker]ill
Vault Early Papers of the University Box 1 Document Cornerstone Invitation 18
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[St Marys, Geo?] Oct 3rd 1860
Rev Bishop J.H. Otey
Dear Sir
It is with extreme regret that I find myself compelled to decline your kind invitation. It is an occasion which should enlist the warmest sympathies of every Southern gentleman and parent and has my earnest prayers for its future success.
Most respectfully,
[D. L.?] Clinch
Vault Early Papers of the University Box 1 Document Cornerstone Invitation 19
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Natchitoches, La Sept. 32d, 1860.
Rt. Rev. and dear Sir: I had the honor by yesterday's post, of receiving your note of the 11th [?] and the accompanying card announcing that the Corner Stone of the principal building of the "University of the South" will be laid the 10th day of October next, and inviting my attendance. I take much interest in the success of this great enterprise, and would gladly be present on the interesting occasion; but as my court will then be in session, am reluctantly constrained to forego the gratification, which, under other circumstances, I would gladly have availed myself of. I remain, dear Sir, yr ob [srvnt?], J.G. Campbell Rt Rev Jas. H. Otey University Place Franklin County Ten.
Vault Early Papers of the University Box 1 Document Cornerstone Invitation 20
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Athens Ga. Sept 29th, 1860 Rt. Rev. Bisop Otey Dear Sir:
Be pleased to accept my thanks, for the polite invitation, to the present, as the ceremony, of laying the corner stone, of the biulding [sic] of the University of the South.
It would give me great pleasure to be present, but a sick family will confine me at home.
I am very respectfully yours
James Camak
Vault Early Papers of the University Box 1 Document Cornerstone Invitation 22
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Rt. Rev. James H. Otey
University Place
Tenn. Newbern N.C. Oct. 1. 1860
Rt. Rev & Dear Sir, Whilst my heart is with you in the great work, of which I trust the event you are about to celebrate is to witness which you have so kindly invited me to but the earnest of its [gr?]eatness and success I truly regret that I cannot be personally present. I am in the midst of my circuit, & I have [Cinsey?] neatly [?] which I cannot forego. God grant you success in this great undertakig [sic], [that?] it may [?] to His Glory & the honour of His Church. Very truly your friend & obdt svnt, James W. Bryant
Vault Early Papers of the University Box 1 Document Cornerstone Invitation 23
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Murfreesboro Oct. 6, 1860. Rt. Rev. Jas. H. Otey: Dear Sir: I have delayed an answer to your polite invitation to be present at the laying of the cornerstone of the University of the South, in the hope that my engagements would allow me to be present. I regret to find that the Chancery Court at Lebanon will detain me until the 10th. Please accept my thanks for the honor done me by your flattering invitation With great respect I am your Obit. Servant [Jno. ?.] [Burton?]