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

Charleston October 9th 1860

Rt Revd & Dear Sir:

In the absence of Mr. Jennings, I beg to acknowledge your invitation of the 5th Oct. and to return his thanks for the same.

My{?} have watched the progress of the Institution over which you preside with great interest & have been most gratified to hear from time to time of its prosperity.

I regret very much that Mr. Jennings will be unable to attend, and that an earlier reply has not been in my power.

I am Sir

Most respectfullly

N? M? {illegible: Turmo?}

Bishop Jas H Otey

Chairman

University Place

Franklin County

Tens

{illegible: W. Turnbridge.?}

Washington D.C.

October 9h 1860.

Dear Sir,

It is with great regret that I find myself unable to accept the polite invitation of the Executive Committee to be present on the occasion of the ceremony of laying the Corner Stone of the principal building of the University of the South.

Having but recently returned to this city, after an absence of several

weeks, I beg you will pardon the lateness of this reply, and accept at the same time my warmest acknowledgements for the honor of the invitation. My sincere and ardent wishes are for the most complete success to this great enterprise.

Very Respectfully

Your Ob'dt Servt.

W. P. {Illegible: Turnbridge? Trenbridge? Trubridge?}

To the

Right. Rev. Jas. H. Otey

Chairman.

Gallatin,

October 6th, 1860.

Rev. Jas. H. Otey:

Sir,

Your note of the 1st instant, inviting me to be present at the laying of the corner stone of the principal building of the University of the South, on the 10th of this month, has been received.

I regret my inability to be pressent on that occasion; and return my thanks to the Ex. Com. and yourself for the kind invitation.

Respectfully,

W. Trousdale

FRANCIS TOMES, BENJAMIN TOMES, R. C. MELVAIN.

Tomes, Son & Melvain,

No. 6 MAIDEN LANE,

New York, October 9th 1860.

Rt. Rev'd J. H. Otey, D.D.

Bishop of Tennesee.

My dear Bishop

Your note with circular attached dated Sept'r 5th {struckthrough: did not} inviting me to attend the ceremony of laying the corner stone of your new Uni versity on the 10th of this month, did not reach {illegible} til Saturday last. Other engagements however would have prevented me from accepting the invitation just at this time, but I am very much obliged to you for remembering me with {illegible} occasion. If {illegible: Henrietta?} be with you, please to{possibly struckthrough} give my love {illegible: & her?} children, and at the same time re member me most kindly to Mr. Otey --.

I am, yours very truly

Francis Tomes