Cornerstone Invitations

Savannah, Geo., Oct. 5, 1860. Rt. Rev. James H. Otey Respected Sir: Your circular of the 5th [mth.?] has been recently receuved. While it would afford me pleasure to accept the polite invitation tendered, I have to to confess that business which cannot be neglected compels me to remain at home. Wishing you the fullest success in the laudable efforts to build up the University of the South, I subscribe myself with high refard yr. obt. Servnt W.H. Bullock

Shi[lly***?] Oct 4th 1860

Bishop Otey, Much Esteemed Sir.

Your highly valued[faver?] of the 3rd [last?] is recived [sic]- fuling[sic] a deep interest in the noble enterprize [sic] of Building up such an instutition as proposed, and having a warm interest in the prosperity of the County of which I am a native,- it will be a great pleasure to me, to be presint [sic] at; and to participate in, the laying of the Corner stone of the university of the south. -

Respectfully [yrs?] [Eno.?] W. Buchanan

Portsmouth Va Oct. 2, 1860 Right Rev & dear Sir, I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt this day of a printed Circular of invitation signed by yourself to attend the Ceremony of laying the Corner stone of the University of the South during next week. This Circular has been forwarded to me here from Savannah. I hail with great pleasure the inceptino[sic] of this great un=dertaking, and nothing would gratify me more than to witness the actual beginning of an Institution in which I feel a deep interest. But circumstances forbit the Expectation. With many thanks for your kindness, I remain, very truly Resp. Rt. Revd. Bp. Otey Wm. S. Bryant

Fayetteville, Octo. 4th 1860.

Rt Rev. Bish. Otey; University Place, Franklin Cty. Ten. Dr. Sir;

Your Communication together with one from Bishop Polk came to hand by last mail_ Altho' exceedingly pressed with engagements, I will accept your Kind in_ vitation to be present at the laying of the Corner Stone of the University of the South.

Bishop Polk indicated in his Communication a wish that I should respond to a Resolution in behalf of the Application of Science to Agriculture

This duty I can perform only in an imperfet way- perhaps entirely unsatisfactory to Schoolmen- Time will not permit me to preface a written address- My preparation Can only [?] Snatches of my own reflections_ If Such a makeshift would answer such an important occasion, I am willing to render the tribute_ Very respct. your Obt. Serv.

[Jno.***.?] Bright

Van Buren Arkansas Septm 27. 1860

Rt Revd & Dear Sir

I am just in receipt of your invitation to the laying of the corner stone of the Unvs: of the South. It would indeed afford me great pleasure in being present and I would certainly avail myself of your considerate invitation were not the Arkansas river so extremely low that travelling is not only uncertain but next to impossible

I remain Dear Sir Your obedt Servant William B[ines?]

Rt Revd J. H. Otey Tennessee

R Rev Bishop Otey University Place Tenn, My Dear Sir, Your highly esteemed [farm?] of the [1st?] is this day [shand?]. And should have been [replied?] to earlier, but for the delay [lost?] in forwarding the letter from Nashville to this place. [I've?] [?] exceedingly that my engagements are such as to preclude the pleasure of attending the laying of the coorner stone of the University of the South. I heartily approve of your designs and [?] you the realization [?] [?] anticipating. You will please accept my [?] thanks for your [courtesy?] and [kindness?]. Very Respectfully Your Friend, Tho. L. Braneford Memphis Tenn Oct 6/60 ~

We laid him in the strangers vault in Lexington til the winter. We intend building us a church on the old spot "the white apple village" Mother has given us the ground and it is to be [sic] conse crated as soon as possible and place the remains of dear Father in it and [more?] our other loved dead from the Oakland garden.

So come down and pay us one of your charming visits pray do. Your name sake Otey is as tall as yourself still at school.

Mother is very well and desires her kind regards to you. Being your daughter with you. Believe me Ever faithfully your daughter in

church

Mary E R Boyd

Charleston Oct 1st 1860

Dr. Sir

I have been honored by the receipt of your note of invitation to be present on the occasion of the proposed ceremony of laying the corner stone of the University of the South on the 10th nest [sic] and beg to say in reply that circumstances byond my control will deprive of the pleasure of being present on that interesting occasion

Respy your [*b***?]

Wm. McBurney

Rt Rev J H Otey

Chairman.

Walterboro 27th Sept 1860.

To Rt. Rev. J. J. OTey D. D. University Place Tennessee

Rt. Rev. and Dear Sir

Your note inviting me to be present on the occasion of laying the corner stone of the principal building of the University of the South" has been received. I regret that it will be out of my power to attend on an occasion so interest -ing as the proposed ceremony must prove. Sincerely hoping this the University may soon be in successful operation, and prove a blessing to the whole SOuth.

I am Respectfully [pen trial?] E. E. Bellinger