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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 ~