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431
Franklin Tenn Oct 6. 1860
Dear Sir
I have received your invitation to be present at the laying of the "Corner Stone" of the University of the South -- I have also received your note asking me, on the occasion, to deliver an address -- which would {illegible: heal?} of the {illegible} &{?} ours{?}, or a normal{?} service{?} -- & {illegible: as} exhibit, its {illegible: b}, on the virtue intelligence & character of the people -- It is an admirable theme -- & the occasion a noble one -- but, alas, -- I feel my self utterly incapable, could I, in the absence of other preventing events -- be present with you to do {illegible: justice?} to it -- {illegible} It seems to me that such an address, to be of value, would require on its preparation, much reflection & care -- {illegible} they may be I am chained at home -- by the {illegible: presence?} of my
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Chancery Court, which commenced on the 1st inst & will continue beyond the 10th & by the illness, at my house, of my aged Mother
-- I regret very much. my inability to be present, at the Celebration of the 10th Most Respectfully
{illegible} {illegible: Turnbull?}
Rt Rev James H. Otey
University Place
Tennessee
433
Edgefield C.{?} H. Oct 7th 1860
Dear Sir:
The polite invitation of the Executive Committee to myself to be present at the laying of the {struckthrough: prin} {struckthrough: cipal} Corner Stone of the principal building of the University of the South, was received a day or two since at my place of residence (Augusta) and forwarded to me at this place -I regret that a pressure of professional business will keep me in attendance upon the Court of this district until after the tenth inst.
Tendering, through you, my thanks to the Committee for their kind invitation, I am, Dear Sir,
Very Respectfully Yrs.
W. W. Montgomery
Rt. Rev. J. H. Otey
University Place
Franklin Co. Tenn --
434
Columbus Oct. 6 1860
Jas. H. Otey Esq.
Dear Sir
I have your note of invitation dated 5th ulto.
I regret very much that my engagements will not permit of my {illegible: visit?} to Tennessee at this season. Permit my thank you for your attention and to express my good wishes for the success of your undertaking.
Yours truly
R. B. Murdoch
435
Memphis Tenn.
Ocr. 8th 1860
Dear Sir
In the absence of Dr. {illegible: Ber?}= land to Arkansas, I reply to your note of invitation respecting the interesting ceremony of laying the corner Stone of the "University of the South." You may be assured that Dr. Berland{?} would take pleasure in being with you on that occasion but, of course, it is quite impossible.
Yours truly
L. G. Marshall
Ed. in charge
Rev. James H. Otey
University Place Tenn