Vault Early Papers of the University Box 1 Document Cornerstone Invitation 32

R Rev Bishop Otey University Place Tenn, My Dear Sir, Your highly esteemed [farm?] of the [1st?] is this day [shand?]. And should have been [replied?] to earlier, but for the delay [lost?] in forwarding the letter from Nashville to this place. [I've?] [?] exceedingly that my engagements are such as to preclude the pleasure of attending the laying of the coorner stone of the University of the South. I heartily approve of your designs and [?] you the realization [?] [?] anticipating. You will please accept my [?] thanks for your [courtesy?] and [kindness?]. Very Respectfully Your Friend, Tho. L. Braneford Memphis Tenn Oct 6/60 ~