David Pise Biographical Files Document 5

Beersheba Springs July 1861

My Dear D. Pise,

I wrote you some time ago to console you about appointing a meeting of the B. of Trustees of the U. of the South. Last night I heard from Bp. Elliot that you were at the conference held at Montgomery; and that it was the unanimous and earnest wish of all the trustees who were present, to have the 13.0 meet at Columbia So C. sometime in October. accordingly I send you here with a notice calling the 13.0 to meet at Columbia on the 9th day October next, which will be just one year from the time of our last meeting. You will please countersign the summons or notice and have it published and sent to each trustee. If you do not know the trustee in each diocese entitled to representation. I suggest that you send it to the Bp. St. Com- a some trustee in the diocese concerned.

As the convention at Montgomery adjourned to meet at Columbia on the 10th October, you perceive that my appointment for the meeting of the B.o of Trustees has been mad with reference to the assembling of the body. As the convention, met than adjourned to meet agaon on a given day, I understand that the appointment of Commissioners hold soon, and that it is not necessary for me to make any other appointments unless some of those already named should decline to serve the appointment as you will remembers [?] yourself Rev. Messrs Hines Harrison of the clergy and Messrs A. O. Hariss - Col. Jno F. Jett and Jno Devreaux of the laity. - I wish you would ascertain whether any of these will decline to go, and suggest others suitable to

fill their places in such case.

I have recently heard from your friend Mrs. James & Family. She is very much depressed by the state your public affairs and writes that she is low in health, spending nearly all her time on her couch. She earnestly desires to be with us in the South. I shall go for her children as soon as I hear that she is able to travel and our public affairs assume such an aspect as to give reasonable hope of accommodations. My son Mercer is with Gen. Johnston's army at Winchester - a member of Col Stewart's Calvary - My kindest regards to your family and all friends.

I wish you would ascertain what expenses were incurred in taking my wife's remains aim to Ashwood from Columbia

and in preparing the grave for their interrment. Mr. John Baird will doubtless be able to inform you. Dont forget or neglect this request - as I wish to settle the bills.

is it worthwhile for me to make appointments for visitation I can devote August and Sep. to the work if there is any work for me to do; but in the present agitated state of the Country I doubt whether I could get Congregations, if I am only to preach.

Very truly and Affectionately yrs Jas. H. Otey

Rev. D. Pise D.D.