Vault Early Papers of the University Box 1 Document 85 Folder 1860 Cornerstone Ceremony 1

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 {illegible} replied to it and I have to now express my sincere regrets at not being able to accept an invitation, which would I am sure prove so {illegible} to {illegible: have? use?}.

I feel a dear and

sincere interest the success of your magnificent {illegible} prize for the proudest noblest and most {illegible} 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:Very?} {illegible: truly?}

{illegible: yours?}

{illegible} {illegible} Hilliard{?}

Rt. Rev. Bishop Otey D.D.