Vault Early Papers of the University Box 1 Document 23 Folder 1860 Cornerstone Ceremony 1

Prairie Ark[s?] Octr 8th 1860

My dear Bishop

Your kind & polite invitation to be present at the laying of the Corner Stone of the University of the South has just been recvd, having bee forwarded from Memphis. -

I need not say that it would give me great pleasure to be present at so interesting a ceremony. Particularly in having the pleasure of being in your society. I am however compelled to [relinquish?] [all?] idea of being with you & take the [Earliest?] opportunity to acknowledge your consideration.

Truly yrs C. [I?]. [Abercrombie?]