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

Benton Lowndes Co Ala. Oct'r. 6th 1860

To the Right Rev'd J. H Otey

Bishop of Tennessee

Dear Sir

I rec'd your polite invitation to attend the laying of the Corner Stone of the Uni versity of the South on the 10th inst and regret very much that it is not in my power to do so. I reached home, last evening after two months absence at the Butler Springs and am unable to leave so soon

You have my best wishes for the success of your noble undertaking --

Respectfully your

Obt. Servt

R. P. McCord

Bayous, Parish west,

Baton Rouge. 29th Sept'r. 1860

Rt. Rev. J. H. Otey

chairman, Executive Committee

Southern University.

Dear Sir

Yours of 5th Inst. notifying me of the laying of the corner stone of the principal buil-ding of the University, on the 10th day of October next, and inviting me to be present on the occasion of the proposed Ceremony, has been duly recieved, and I very much regret, that my present health will prevent my being present, to witness the important and interes-ing Ceremony, and to meet many valued and esteemed churchmen & friends

Very Truly Yours

John L. Lobdell

Savannah Geo

11th Oct'r. 1860

James H Otey Esq

Chairman &c

Dear Sir

I sincerely regret that a protracted absence from the State prevented me from receiving your kind invitation to be present at the laying of the Corner Stone of the "University of the South" on the 10th instant --

I feel such a profound interest in the success of this great enterprise, that I would

gladly have availed myself of the opportunity to witness these interesting ceremonies --

Very respectfully

Yr obt Servant

A R Lawton

Clarksville, Ga.

October 2d 1860

Dear Sir,

I have by this day's mail, received the invitation, dated the 5th Ult., which the "Executive Committee" have beeen pleased to extend to me, to be present on the occasion of the laying of the Corner Stone of the University of the South. And in accorance with the request for "an early answer", I hasten to reply, that although feeling deeply interested in the success of this great Institution, circumstances will compel me to forego the pleasure of being present --

Respectfully yr ob svt

George J. Kollock

Rt. Rev. J H Otey DD

Chairman --