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

Baltimore 29th Sept'r 1860

Rt. Rev. & Dear Sir;

It was only today that I received yours of the 5th instant -- (postmarked 25th) inviting my presence at the ceremony of laying the Corner Stone of the principal building of the University of the South, on the 10th October.

I thank you promptly for the compliment, & would be very happy if I could make it convenient to unite(?) with you on that interesting occasion.

Let me heartily con= =gratulate you, Bishop Polk, and your colleagues upon the success of your grand scheme. The laying of your cornerstone will be an epoch in the history of letters in the Western World.

The University must become a national{underlined} bulwark{underlined} of sound {illegible: faith?} & {illegible: literal?} literature; -- & we must all hope that its exercises will very soon commence under the zealous auspices which orginated the noble project.

I have the honor to be

Rt. Rev. & Dear Sir

Most respectfully your obs't

Brantz Mayer

Rt. Rev. Dr. Otey.

{illegible: Ch?} {illegible: Gd?} {illegible: D.?} {illegible: D.?}

Richmond Oct'r 2'd 60

My dear Sir

Your Circular, by which I have been kindly invited to be present at the laying of the "Corner Stone of the principal building of the University of the South," was recieved last night --

It would surely afford me great pleasure to be present on this interesting occasion, but my professional duties are such, that I cannot conveniently leave home at the period designated.

Allow me to express the hope, that the University of the South may be entirely successful in its future operations; and believe me very truly

Your Ob't Serv't

{illegible: Ross?} Faxall{?}

Bishop Otey

Shelbyville Oct. 5th 1860

Rev'd Jas H Otey. Chairman &c

Dear Sir

Yours of the 1st inst. inviting me to be present on the 10th Oct. at the Ceremony of laying the Corner Stone of the University of the South is at hand.

Owing to other engagments, it will not be convenient for me to be present on that interesting occasion. At the same time suffer me to say to you & through you to others engaged in this noble & good work I wish you all reasonable sucess and trust that in future times, the University of the South may stand & continue a center of usefullness both to the morals and extensive refinement of all who shall come within its influence, and that it may exert a happy influence on our state & nation, is my desire.

Please accept my best regards for your complimentary invitation.

Very respectfully

Your obt Sevt

Robt. Mathews

Charleston

Sept 29th 1860.

To

J. H. Otey & Gent. of the Executive Committee,

I have received your polite invitation to be pre= =sent at the laying of the Corner Stone of the "University of the South," and am sorry that it will not be in my power to be with you on that occasion -- Wishing you great success in yr undertaking.

I remain

Y'r ob't servt

Henry M. Manigualt