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San Antonio, Texas,
Oct. 2nd 1860.
To the Chairman
of
The Executive Committee
of
The University of The South.
Right Rev. & Dear Sir --
The kind invitation you forwarded to me to be present at the laying of the corner stone of the "University of the South," reached this place during my absence, other= wise I would have acknowledged the receipt of it earlier. It would give me great pleasure to attend on that interesting occasion, but I regret to say it is altogether out of my power. That will be a day long to be remembered by future gene= rations, who shall reap the inestimable benefits of so glorious an in= stitution. Wishing you God-speed in every step of your laudable undertaking.
I am, Right Rev. & dear Sir,
Your obedient Servant
{signature cut off from image}
62
Frankfort, Ky
Sept'r 19, 60
Rt Rev & dear Sir,
Having just returned from Europe, after an absence of several months, it will be impossible for me to accept of your kind invitation to be present on so interesting an occasion as the laying the corner-stone of the University of the South. I can however, most heartily wish the noble enterprise God speed, -- and though absent in body, I shall be with you in spirit --
Yours, very respecty
John N. North{?}
Bishop Otey
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reached this Post Office during my absence in Huntsville from which place I returned, this present month. I very much regret it to state that having been away from home, two months, I cannot find it compatible with my duties to absent myself so soon again.
Be pleased to accept my sincere grati-
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tude for the honor conferred upon me by your kind invitation.
I pray, earnestly, that, through God's grace, the Uni. of the South may be an efficient instrument for the spread of christian knowledge & lively piety throughout our Southern Country & the world at large.
I have