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

Oct. 3. 1860. Columbia. S.C.

Dear Sir

The courteous invitation, which you on the part of the Executive Committee have extended to me, has just reached me. I regret to say that circumstances beyond my control prevent my att-endance on the occasion of the laying of the Corner Stone of the University of the South. With thanks to yourself and the committee for the honour which you have done me in requesting my presence on the occasion, and with the warmest wishes for the welfare and future prospects of the Institu-tion, whose dawning hopes you will meet to celebrate,

I remain, Sir

Yours Respectfully

C. Woodward Hutson

James. H. Otey Esq.

Chairman of Exec. Committee --

Montgomery, Ala --

Oct. 4. 1860.

My dear Sir,

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your invitation to be present at the interesting occasion of laying the Corner Stone of the principal building of the University of the South -on the 10th inst -- But for my absence from home I would have far swiftly replied to it, and I must now express my sincere regrets at not being able to accept an invitation, which would I am sure prove so {illegible: agreeable?} to me --

I feel a deep and

sincere interest the success of your magnificent enter-prize -- for the grandest noblest - and most beneficial{?} of our times --

From the first {illegible} to its completion -- it will I trust, be a great success --

I am

Dear Sir

Very respectfully

{illegible} truly

{illegible: yours?}

Henry W. Hilliard

Rt. Rev. Bishop Otey D.D.

Burlington Vt

Oct 2. 1860

Rt Rev & dear Sir,

As I take a deep interest in the University of the South, it would give me very great pleasure to attend the services at University Place on the 10th inst. But my distance from the place -- & my duties here render it impossible. Prayers that the great Head of his Church may give his blessing to the enterprize & make it con ducive to his glory & the best interests of our Country. I am my dear Sir, your friend

& Brother

John A. Hicks

Rt Rev J H Otey.

Rt. Rev. Jas. H Otey.

Dear Sir.

As "an early answer" is re= =quested to your kind Invitation to be present at the laying{underlined} the{underlined} corner{underlined} stone{underlined} of the principal Building of "The{underlined} University{underlined} of{underlined} the{underlined} South{underlined}", I take the occasion of expressing my regret that unavoidable circumstances, will at this time, prevent my attending, which I much regret.

Assuring you of the interest I feel in the success of an Institution destined, I trust, to be of vast benefit to the Southern States, I am,

Dear Sir

Very Respcty & truly

W. Alston Hayne

Pendleton S.C.

Oct. 2d 1860.