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POLK Letters: July 21, 1858

1858,
July
21

Bishop Polk, Beersheba Springs, to Bishop Elliott, re: the opinions of Col.
Barney, a number of gentlemen of Winchester, Major Fairbanks, Lay. as to
their convictions that the best locality has been chosen and the unanimous
satisfaction that Sewanee is the best place offered above plains; proposing a
picnic on a large scale, inviting people from the neighborhoods that were
unsuccessful competitors, i.e.., Huntsville, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Cleveland,
Knoxville, also the good people of Nashville and friends of the enterprises in
surrounding states, appointing the 11th of August as the day; arrangements for
transportation; elaborate arrangements for cutting roads to the fine view,
amusement for the young people, erecting tents; Marshals to ensure that
everything will go off pleasantly; arrangements for editorial corps from all
towns and states to report the particulars of the gathering; as many trustees as
possible in attendance; imploring his friend, Bishop Elliott to make every effort
to be present and to bring Mrs. Elliott and the children; messages to one of the
Elliott girls about some articles of hers found on the mountain. 10 pp. (1 mss. original, 1 typed copy, 1 Photostat copy)..