73

{illegible}

1st Oct'r 1860

Dear Sir

I feel much
obliged to the "Executive
Committe" for their in-
vitation to attend at the
laying of the Corner
Stone of the University
of the South, but am com-
pelled by my private
engagements to decline it.

With the best
wishes for the success
of your enterprise, I
remain very respectfully

Your

Ob't Serv't

John {illegible} Middleton

P.S. I trouble you with
their answer, as the circu-
lar asks for it.