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nard, "but since he basely deserted us in the late war, he had put himself out of the field of my sympathy & regard."

On the 26th of December 1867 Curtis wrote to Fairbanks, commenting on the latter's suggestions of General Kirby-Smith for the Rectorship. He had hoped for "the prestige of his military reputation which goes a great way these days in giving eclat to an Institution, as we see in the case of Gen:Lee & Washington College." Curtis suggested two possible candidates to Fairbanks, Professor Hubbard of the University of North Carolina and Dr. Bledsoe of the University of Virginia. Of the former he wrote that he had "no superior in the South as a Classical Scholar, & as an elegant writer." In the same letter he commented that he was glad to know that Bishop Quintard was in England seeking funds for the University of the South. "If he does not return with a pretty handsome amount, I do not see how we are to go on." He was not sure that he would be willing to travel to Tennessee again if he was going to be placed on an equality with Negroes on railroads and in hotels. "Only imperious necessity, or important duty, can induce me to tolerate that, or submit to it."

On January 22, 1868 Curtis wrote to Bishop William Mercer Green, expressing his regret that the university had not been able to send someone like Bishop Elliot to England rather than Bishop Quintard. He hoped that the latter would not "carry out the hugging system over there, for I question its adaption to English taste & habit."

By 1870 Curtis had become somewhat disillusioned with affairs at Sewanee. On the 1st of November 1870 he wrote to Fairbanks, if "impetuous young America is to have entire control in the Board, I can be of little use." He was opposed to having many clerical members of the faculty: "I know no class of men more utterly deficient in practical sense as the clergy." The faculty should be "men and scholars." He was glad that Fairbanks could write: "hopefully of the University & shall rejoice if the Institution become any thing like what was originally contemplated. For the past two or three years I have looked upon it was little more than Bp. Quintard's High School; & I am not alone in this feeling."

I hope that you can decipher all of the above. Dorothy and I should greatly appreciate your permission to make these quotations. If you do not feel that you can do so, we must do a bit of hasty re-writing. In either event we shall hope to hear from you as soon as possible. Please remember us to any and all of the "old guard." We had Christmas cards from V. G. and Mac Owen, Harry and Jean Yeatman, and another of Pete Ware's classics. The latter are always uniquely delightful.

Cordially yours,

Edmund

Notes and Questions

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ameoba

Would also suggest adding a category for dates, or at least years, and additional categories for antebellum, post-Civil war, and later documents (e.g., such as these letters) which relate to historical documents but also include contemporary conversation.