Vault Early Papers of the University Box 1 Document 54

Office of the Crescent Mutual Insurance Company.

New Orleans, Sept 28th 1865{?}

Rt. Rev. & Dear Sir

Presuming that notwithstanding the full competency of the committee on plans: nay, relying upon their wisdom & sagacity -- they will secure the valuable aid of your good taste of judgement in the very important matter of deciding upon the kind & form of building they will erect as the principal one for the University of the South. I take the liberty of handing my esteemed and very talented friend T. K. Warton Esq this letter of introduction to you -- -- I do it that I may bring together two elevated minds of pure & exact taste -- I do it, confident if I can {insert symbol} not conquer you at chess{underlined twice}!! I can successfully complete with the whole north, in a plan for the desired Building.

It may be more than an act of superogation in me to point out to you the points of beauty -- economy {insert symbol} of his plan -- and {illegible: sheet? sheer? shut?} architectural propectus amidst the variety

and harmony of its proportions -- yet I know you will pardon me, when I ask you attention to one point, which captivated me by its extremely happy adaptation to our climate -- and which I value in any climate -- its perfection in admitting light{underlined} & air{underlined} -- and the ease and economy by which extensions and enlargements can be added --

In introducing Mr. Wharton I present to you a Christian & a gentleman, who whilst you will admit appreciates the brilliancy of intellect in others -- is ever ready to pay in current coin, every form of draft upon his profession --

He goes with his{underlined} sincere hope that the best{underlined} plan may be adopted, though the lot fall elsewhere -- he goes with my{underlined} full conviction that he carries with him that plan --

May I solicit for him your attention -- and for his plan that {commands? commends?} has your candor & judgement will {illegible: appear? afford?}

Very Respectfully

Rt. Rev. Bishop Hopkins } Yr ob ser Thos A {illegible} at University Place