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

Memphis Oct. 8th 1860

Rt. Rev. Sir,

Your valued invitation, to be present on the interesting occasion of laying the corner-stone of the University of the South, has been rec'd.; but I much regret, that domestic and professional engagements force me to decline the invitation.

Accept assurances of the very high regard of

Your faithful Sert.

Chas: Scott.

South Rock Island {illegible: Te?}

Oct. 10 1860.

Rev'd. Jas H. Otey

University Place.

Ten.

Dear Sir

Your kind {illegible: note? invite?} was duly rec'd. this morning, delayed for want of proper address - nothing would have given me more pleasure than the opportunity to {illegible: renew? remake?} old acquaintance - with the kindest wishes for your health happiness and success I beg to be remembered as your old friend & humble Servt.

J. B. Rodgers

{illegible: Strunn?} Octor 3. 1860

Right Reverend and Dear Sir

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your invitation that you have done me the honor to extend to me to be present at the laying of the Corner Stone of the principal Building of the University of the South on the 10th inst

Permit me to express to you my deep regret, that I cannot attend. My engagements will prevent me

I beg however to offer you my best wishes for the prosperity of this Grand and Sublime undertaking; and hoping that I may have the pleasure of meeting you again

I am My Dear Sir

with sentiments of

the highest regard & esteem

Alex'r Robertson

To/

The Right Rev'd.

JH Otey

D D

To

The Right Reverend

Bishop Otey. D.D. LL.D.

University Place

Tenn:

Right Reverend & Dear Sir

In consequence of my absence from Charleston, at my summer retreat, near Flat Rock, Henderson County, No. Ca. I did not receive until today, your note of the 5th ultimo, inviting me to attend on the 10th Instant, at Uni-versity Place and to be present at the laying of the Corner Stone of the University of the South, with appro-priate ceremonies.

Very sincerely do I thank you, my Dear Sir, for the honor of this invitation, and regret exceed-ingly that it will not be in my power to be present on that solemn and august occasion. My health at this time, does not permit me to take so long a journey. My best wishes - my fervent aspirations will be with you. May the blessing of Heaven attend prosper and fructify your great undertaking - make it an Ornament and Honor to our Country - and a Source of sound learning, knowledge wisdom, divine Light and Life to the latest posterity

I have the honor to be

with the highest respect

Right Reverend & Dear Sir

Your Ob't Ser't

M King

1 Oct'r 1860

Flat Rock

Henderson Co.

No. Ca.

{illegible: Holly Wend? Hilly Wend?} Oct 4th 1860

Dear Sir

I regret that it is not in my power to comply with your invitation (which has just been received) to attend the cele-bration of laying the corner stone of the University of the South

Respectfully yours

John Rueth

Rev. J. H. Otey