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

Clayton

Barbour Co Ala

Oct 3 / 60

Dear Sir

Yours, of 5th ult., covering invitation "to be present on 10th inst on the occasion of laying the corner stone of the principal building of the University Of The South" is just received.

In reply to the request for an early an= swer I have to regret that indipensa= ble professional engagements make it im= possible to indulge the very strong desire I have to witness that important event.

"The University Of The South"! An idea of consequence incalculable!

May God prosper it: and make us wise & diligent in fortifying our civiliza= tion against the assaults of its enemies.

With sentiments of profound res= pect your very obt servt.

J. Buford

Rt. Rev. J.H. Otey

Tenn.

Belair near

Tallahassee Fla. Sept'r. 29 / 60

Rt. Rev'd. & dear Sir

Your very kind and particular letter of invitation to be present, on the occasion of laying the Corner Stone of the University of the South on the 10th Oct. next, was duly received; and I regret my inability, from injuries of which I have not yet entirely recovered, to be present on so interesting {insert symbol:}an occasion.

But my prayers are offered for the full accomplishment of an undertaking commenced under such auspicious circum= stances.

With my high regards for the Executive Committee, I am

Most respectfully & truly

your ob't st

Tho. Brown

Rt. Rev'd Bishop

Jas. H. Otey.

Pontosoe Miss Oct 6. 1860

Dear Sir

I have the honor to acknowledge rect of your favor of Sepr 5th inviting me to be pre =sent on the occasion of the laying of the Corner Stone of the University of the South on the tenth Instant.

I very much regret that sickness in my family, precludes me from the pleasure of being present at that time.

I can only bid you "God speed" in your efforts to promote sound Christian Educa tion; and express the earnest hope that while the mind and heart are cultivated with all diligence, there may be also such appliances as shall insure a healthy and vigourous developement of the Physical Man.

Respectfully

Your obt. servant

R. Bolton

Rt. Rev. J. H. Otey

Chairman of the

Executive Committee

University place

Tenn

Marion Ala

Oct 5th 1860

Rt: Reverend J. H. Otey

Dear Sir

Your favor of Sept 5th & post marked the 29th came to hand this morning & I hasten to reply -It would afford me unspeakable pleasure to be present at the coming exercises of this important enterprise, but the brief time allowed me for leaving, with previous engagements prevent me from comply -ing with your polite invitation.

With assurances of prosperity for the great cause of Education I remain

Very Respectfully Yours

F. A. Bates

Woodville (near Georgetown S.C

Oct 2nd 1860

J. H. Otey Esqr

Dear Sir

I have received your polite invitation to be present at the laying of the corner stone of the University of the South, but regret that I shall be unable to attend matters of a private nature requiring my attendance at home.

I remain very

obediently yrs.

Wm. Allan Allston