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

Kirkwood, Miss.

Oct. 1st 1860.

Bishop Otey.

My dear sir,

Your esteemed favor of the 5th alt. inviting me to attend on the occasion of the laying of the cornerstone of the "University of the South" is hereby gratefully acknowledged.

You request an early answer. In reply, I have to say that business engagements in the state of Arkansas, about the time specified for the ceremony, will prevent my attendance.

With my best wishes for the success of the great enterprise I am very truly yours. Adam {illegible: McWillie?}

De Soto Sept'r 27th 1860

Dear Sir

Your note of the 5th Inst. inviting me to be present at the laying of the corner stone of the principal building of the University of the South was received yesterday. It would be highly gratifying to me to attend on that occasion and I regret to be obliged to decline your polite invitiation.

Very Respectfully

Your ob't Ser't

Henry Marshall

R. R. J. H. Otey

Chairman

{illegible: X Ct?}

O. P. {illegible: Thachare?}

Fernandina Oct'r 3. 1860

Dear B'p

I have just heard from Rev'd Mr {illegible: Caper?} who accepts your offer and will come into the diocese and do {illegible: mission?} work. He is a widower but has no children. I am sure you will like him. He is an earnest and prudent person well {illegible: liked?} to begin a {illegible: help? mission?} in also a good preacher. He will be in Fernandina the 1st Sunday in Nov'r and if you will allow it I will request him to fill my place for the month of Nov'r in Fernandina while I spend it in Gainsville Orange Lake {illegible: Jc?}. I have informed him that you will most likely place his residence either at Gainsville or Orange Lake. Orange Lake would be a central point for their mission and is I hear quite healthy as a location. I spent the Sunday before last in Jacksonville, and administered Holy C.

I hear {illegible: that?} {illegible: Otey?} has called Rev. Rick Whittingham of Western New York.

I enclose you a letter for Bro. {illegible: Kerr?} rec'd yesterday. I have written to the Rev'd Mr. Berger of {illegible} to know if he will come into your diocese and do {illegible: mission?} duty. Will advise you when I hear.

Wish I could be present at the laying of the corner stone.

Yours truly

Owen. P. Thackare

Rt. Rev. F. H. Rutledge D.D.

Columbia, S. C. Oct. 1st 1860.

Dear Sir:

I regret very much, that my duties in the South Carolina College prevent {word struck through} the possibility of my being present at the ceremonies of laying the Corner Stone of the "University of the South" on the 10th of October.

Regarding the establishment of this University, as by far the most im-portant step in the right direction which has ever been taken in this country in the cause of general education and genuine Science; I regard it a peculiarly unfortu-nate, in not being able to partici-pate in the interesting ceremonies indicated in your very kind in-vitation.