ENPages
1
Nashville Octr 4th 1860
J. H. Otey Chair'n Ex: Com: University Place. Tenn.
Dear Sir:
Your polite invitation to be present on the 10th Inst, is received. It affords me much pleasure to know you are ready to commence the principal building of the, "University of the South."
My pursuit as a planter demands my presence in Ark: which I regret to say, will prevent me from witnessing the proper ceremony of laying the corner stone.
This magnificent project for educational purposes, merits the countenance, aid, and patronage of all southern men. I have felt the pleasures and invigorating influence of the mountain air for several summers; and you may rely upon _that_, as a powerful ally in surmounting the obstacles which will be met on the way to success: but _success_ must follow.
Respectfully yr sert.
[L.] [R.] [Cocker]ill