106

17

Charleston

Sep'r 20

1860

My dear Sir

I have delayed this reply in the hope of
being able to accept the Invitation, which you have
done me the honor to extend!

It would indeed
have gratified me to have witnessed the ceremonies
to which you refer, and to have seen the "Univer=
-sity of the South" rising into existence, & pro=
-claiming the "good" it is destined to atchieve.

I thank you very much for this kindness,
but my advanced age, & my numerous du=
-ties here{underlined}, make it difficult for me to be
absent, even for so short a time

I beg you my dear sir to accept the as-
-surance of my highest respect & regard
feelings with which,

I am faithfully

Yr ob't srv't

Alfred Hugen

Rt. Rev.

Bishop Otey

University Place

Franklin C'y

Tennessee