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

Charleston S. C.

Sept. 18th / 60

Rev. & dear Sir,

Your kind invitation to Rev. C. Wallace to attend the approaching ceremonies at University Place on the 10th of October has been received -- but not by him to whom it was addressed.

Deep as had been his interest from the first movement in this noble work, & much as he had rejoiced in every step of its

progress -- Yet it pleased not his Heavenly Father to spare him to see its completion, or even to behold 'with bodily' eyes the laying of the first stone of that superstructure towards which his thoughts had been so often, & so fondly directed --

Yet may we not hope my dear sir, that ransomed spirits are per =mitted still to rejoice in the progress of every work which has for its object the best interests of man, & the glory of Him who died to redeem him?

My husband departed this life on the 3d of Feb. at the age of 57.

With great regard,

Yrs. in the Com. of the Ch.

J. F. Wallace

Wilmington Sept. 27 1860

To

The Rt. Rev. Jas H Otey D.D.

Bp. of Tenn.

Dr. Sr:

Your kind invitation of the 3d inst, to be present on the occasion of laying the Corner Stone of the University of the South, is received. I regret very much that I cannot accept same. I have but just returned to my Parish after an absence of two months. To leave again so soon would hardly be advisable.

Very Respectfully

Yours

Jonathan A. Wainwright

22

Russellville 4 October 1860

Dr Sir

My professional engagements prevent the acceptance of the invitation tendered me by the Executive Committee through you as their Chairman, requesting my presence on the 10th Inst -to witness the laying of the Corner{underlined} Stone{underlined} of the principal building of the University of the South.

I sincerely regret my inability to attend. I rejoice in the prospect of having a Southern Literary & Scientific Insti =tution established & located upon Cumberland Mountain in the State of Tennessee at which the young men of the South may receive a complete education. Although I cannot participate in the pleasure of witnessing the ceremonies, my best wishes for the success of the enterprise & the happiness of all those connected with it, will be with you.

I am very respectfully

Your Obt Servant

J. R. {illegible: Meleroon? Mcbroon?}