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Belmead Va. Oct. 3d. 1860
To the Rt. Rev. Jas H Otey Bishop of Tenn
Dear Sir
In conse= quence of [illegible] from home, I have but recently declined the board[?] and your kind note of invitation with which I have been honored -to attend upon the occasion of the laying of the corner stone of the first building of the University of the South -- to take place on the 10th of this month --
I regret, sir, that it will be out of my power to be present upon that intending[?] occasion --
But allow me to tender to you sir, and to your patriotic co= laborers in this great & good work my heart-felt sympathy & cordial best wishes
May the Corner Stone of the University of the South founded upon
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the "Rock of Ages" -- [illegible] [illegible] up an impossible [superstructure?] destined to shed about the influences of both Right & liberty -- to every people and throughout all time --
I remain sir with the highest respect
Yr most obt. servt Philip [illegible; S?] Geo. Cocke