Cornerstone Invitations

Gallatin, October 6th, 1860

Rev. Jas. H. Otey: Sir,

Your note of the 1st instant, inviting me to be present at the laying of the corner stone of the principal building of the University of the South, on the 10th of this month, has been received.

I regret my inability to be present on that occasion; and return my thanks to the Ex. Com. and yourself for the kind invitation.

Respectfully,

W. Trousdale

Gambier, O. Sepr 14 1860

Rt Rev and Dear Sir

Notice of your intention to lay the corner stone of the first building for the University of the South on the 10th Octover prox. reached me this evening; together with your kind invitation to be present on the occasion. It will be one of deep interest to the cause of sound learning in our country. Our Church will look on with earnest regard, rejoicing at the effort you are making to inculcate principles of religious truth which she venerates with the principles of science, in forming thoroughly educated character. I should

take great pleasure in witnessing the laying of the first stone for the future University: but I shall be in attendance on the Board of Missions, at the date you name.

Accept my best wishes. May God grant you every furtherance in every effort which will [?] to His glory, and the advancement of our Redeemer's kingdom.

Sincerely Yours,

G.T. Bedell

Rt Rev J. H. Otey Chairman etc.

[Stephen Mour] Va -Sept 15, [year]-

Rt. Rev [?]

Such is my desire for the prospereity of the University of the South the [???]? certainly attend the expected celebration but for several important meetings [accessing] of the [same?] time [wh:= which] [?] obligated to attend. Very truly [Dr: preine sednants]

[5?]-

as conservative clergy & Diocese depend somewhat on this union. We are too much in bondage to this & Cincinnati - and are now suffering from the Bishop introducing the ex-editor of the West. Epis. (defunct) into our Diocese, who, with some others, are agitating among them selves & [Redef. Miss. Scre.?] operations &c? - but we are quiet and will act & vote at the right time & in the right way. Our sympathies are really with the South & not with the radicalism of Ohio. -

Would it not be well to organize as soon as possible, if consistent with your plans, Grammar schools for boys at Sewanee, so that ripe scholars trained under your own auspices, may be ready for your University classes.

Yours Very Truly, R. [M'Musdy?].

should render my coming possible, I will be there, although not among the expected guests.

Surely every patriot, not to say every [Christian] will be with you in spirit, & devout thanksgiving will go up from many a heart, that this grand [Christian] work is advancing prosperously.

Very Respectfully & faithfully Yrs. in the Ch. of XI

Jno. D. McCollough -

Montgomery, Alabama. Octo. 3. 1860.

Rt. Rev. & Dear Sir:

On my return from New York I find your polite note of invitation to be present at the laying of the Corner-Stone of the University of the South. The occassion, I am sure, will be an intensely interesting one, and there is nothing of a publick nature that lies as near my heart as the success of that Institution; and as I feel every assurance, that when completed, it will be looked upon with great pride & pleasure by all, then living, who will have had everything to do with its erection, I regret exceedingly

that circumstances will not permit me to witness this "beginning" of the end". Let me assure you that I duly appreciate the courtesy of your card of invitation.

And now, as I cannot confer with you in person, will you allow me to add to what I have written above a word or two touching the election of an Architect for the University.

While in New York, Mr. Chas. Duggin, (Architect 532 Broadway) showed me the letter and plot you had sent him, and said to me that the advertisement seemed to him so indefinite that he had decided not to send ^out any drawing at all. But as I insisted that he should, and told him, as nearly as I could what I thought you wanted, I hope he has done so;

and I take the liberty to say to you that I have had two years acquaintance with him and think him one of the very best Architects in the whole country. After much inquiry[ concerning him I employed him to furnish the plans &c. of the House I am building near Montgomery? and am exceedingly pleased with him every way. He is certainly a man of great proficiency & fine taste in his profession and I can also vouch for him as a gentleman.

Hoping that his claims will receive a favorable consideration at the hands of those whose duty it will be to elect an Architect for your noble Institution,

I remain, very resp'y,

A.G. McGhee.

Rt. Revd. {James} H. Otey; D.D.}

Balt[o?] Md. 6th. Oct. 1860

To/ The Executive Committee of The University of the South -

Gentmn/

I wrote to you on Thursday last, enclosing letters of recommendation to you, & intimating my intentions of being present at the Ceremony of laying the Corner stone of your Un[y?] - I now fear that it will be impossible for me to carry out my original design as I am unexpectedly called away to New York - where I shall necessarily be detained 2 or 3 days - I therefore enclose other letters the contents of which will - I feel persuaded, fully