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

{illegible: Malto? Balto?} Oct. 1st /60

Jas H Otey Esq

Chairman of Com University of the South

Dear Sir

Your kind invitation was duly rec'd We regret exceedingly that one or both of us cannot be present at the ceremony of laying the corner stone of an Institute in which we feel great interest -The absence from the city of one of our firm will however {illegible: labor?} us of that pleasure

Respectfully -

Murdoch & Richards

Arcts

Knoxville Sept. 27. 1860

Rt Rev James H. Otey D.D.

Your card of invitation came to me some days ago. I have deferred answering it, being in doubt as to the possibility of availing myself of it. I now write to say that it will be impossible. The duties of The University of East Tennessee, have but just begun; and to absent myself this early from my post, as President, were to act unwisely: I must not say, that in denying myself the pleasure of meeting the brethren upon an occasion so pregnant of hope for the future of the church in the South & must I yield to conviction of duty only.

I thank the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees through you, its Chairman, for the honor of your invitation.

Very truly Yrs, in the love of Christ.

Jo.{?} Jas. Ridley D.D.

President Univ. East. Tenn.

Knoxville Sept. 27. 1860

Rt Rev James H. Otey D.D.

Your card of invitation came to me some days ago. I have deferred answering it, being in doubt as to the possibility of availing myself of it. I now write to say that it will be impossible. The duties of The University of East Tennessee, have but just begun; and to absent myself this early from my post, as President, were to act unwisely: I must not say, that in denying myself the pleasure of meeting the brethren upon an occasion so pregnant of hope for the future of the church in the South & must I yield to conviction of duty only.

I thank the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees through you, its Chairman, for the honor of your invitation.

Very truly Yrs, in the love of Christ.

Jo.{?} Jas. Ridley D.D.

President Univ. East. Tenn.

Bladon Springs Oct 1st 1860

Right Rev J H Otey -- Dear Sir -- Your invitation to attend the ceremony of laying the corner stone of the University South is this moment to hand. I have to say in reply that, you have my heart and hand in this noble undertaking and that I regret exceedingly my inability to attend.

Respectfully yours

James Rhodes

Tallahassee Fla.

Sept'r 28th 1860

Rt Rev J. H. Otey

Dear Sir

I have just rec'd your card inviting me to witness the ceremony of laying the corner stone of the University of the South, and thank you for the compliment, which be assured Sir, I duly appreciate.

It would be highly grat=ifying to be present on this occasion, to see and to hear, those who having planned this great enterprize, now assemble to inaugurate its execution & I sincerely wish all those able to attend a fair day of much pleasure, regretting my own inability to join them

I am Sir with great respect

Yr Most Obt Sevt

A. M. Randolph