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

{illegible: Pan?} {illegible: Christian?}

Oct. 6 1860

Rt Rev'd & Dear Sir,

Yrs of the 5th Sept has been re'd. I was {illegible: thus? there? then?} {illegible} with North{?} and have just returned. I regret that I shall not be able to accept your kind invitation to be present at the laying of the Corner Stone of the University. With hearty wishes for the success of your noble enterprise

I remain, Dear Sir,

Yrs truly

Tho. S. Sawyer

Canton, Miss.

Sep 14th 1860 --

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

My Dear Bishop

Permit me to return my sincere acknowledgments for your kind invitation to be present at the laying of the Corner Stone of the principal build ing of the University of the South. But my duties are such, that I shall be obliged to deny myself the great pleasure that such an interesting occasion will afford. My heart will be with you, and my prayers will ascend for the blessing of the Almighty to rest upon the noble enterprise in which you are engaged.

Believe me, dear Bishop, to be

Your humble Servant

H. Sansom{?}

Shreveport Sept 21. 1860

Rt Rev and dear Bishop

Your favour with the "Card" of invitation to be present at the laying of the Corner Stone of the principle building of the University{underlined twice} of{underlined twice} the{underlined twice} South{underlined twice} written, the 5 Inst and mailed the 14th Inst. came by hand on the 25th {illegible}. I am rejoiced at this movement -and if I had received this communication earlier, it is quite possible I should have attended as I am about leaving Mr.{?} Shute{?} for a short visit to Mr.{?} Crane{?}. May God speed your work.

Very Respectfully,

Your Srv in Christ

A. B. Rupell{?}

Franklin Sept 29. 1860.

Rt. Rev. J. H. Otey D.D.

My Dear Bishop,

It would afford me the highest pleasure to be present at the ceremony of laying the corner stone of the University, but my engagements are such that I cannot well leave. -- I must therefore reluctantly decline the invitation. --

Very respectfully yours

M.{?} S. Royce

Georgetown S.C.

2d Octr. 1860

Rt. Rev. J. H. Otey

University Place Ten.

Rt. Rev. & {illegible: hmbl? kind?} Sir

I return my thanks for your polite invitation to attend "The laying of the corner stone of the University of the South, on the 10h of this month, and regret that I will be unable to attend the same, having been quite sick, and too weak to {illegible: under?} the fatigue of travelling so far.

I remain with great respect

Yr. obt. srvt,

E. B. Rothmahler{?}