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

Washington, Oct. 1. 1860

Dear Sir:

Please accept my thanks for the kind invitation you have extended to me to be present at the ceremony of laying the Corner Stone of the University.

I regret exceedingly that it will be out of my power to accept the same.

With best wishes for the prosperity of the University and those connected with it.

I am

Respectfully

Your Obt Servt

Clem L. West

Architect

J. H. Otey Esq. Chrm Ex Comm

University of the South

Ph'a Sept 17 1860

My D Sir

I have just declined an invita tion to the laying of the Corner Stone of your great University. It is painful to do it. I would gladly go. To be present on an occasion of such intent -- to meet so many who are working for the advancement of the Saviors Kingdom & to be awhile with Mrs. Fairbanks & you are all inducements hard to resist, but the Hospital at home ties me down & I will not {illegible}, for it too is the Churchs cause.

I did not expect it so soon for {illegible: your?} plans are to be presented only {illegible: 1 Octr? 10?} which gives but little time for their study & determination but in the quiet, on the mountain top, with nothing to distract, & the presence of His spirit

whose guidance I pray you may can{?} have a wise and prudent de termination will no doubt be made.

You have given rather too little time to the Architects and meager infor mation for their guidance. Some topographical information will be much needed by them but they will present you with what you may modify to the circumstances of your position{?}. I only know of one gentle man here who has taken the mat ter in hand but there may be others. Mr Sloan will submit drawings. He is the architect of our Hospital

and a man in whom full reliance may be placed. He is a self made man of great practical experience and one with whom a close intimacy {illegible} no {illegible} other than you will recognize as comments the best among us.

You must remember the particu larity to Mr. F whose visit we all retain most pleasant impres sions of & trust that {illegible} day{?} will bring us all together again. We are still in the country and in a little while hope to be settled again at home. On advice from Mr. Miller are very pleasant

Bro Wm. rec'd your note but has not since heard from you or your dio cese as to the number of copies you want. He has nearly exhausted the first edition of Good with {illegible} {illegible: Synatury{?}. Another will soon be out with two more {illegible: synatures?}.

Truly yours

I M Welsh{?}

G. R. Fairbanks Esq