Vault Early Papers of the University Box 1 Document 34 Folder 1860 Cornerstone Ceremony 1

Carrollton Pickens Co. Alabama Octr 8th 1860

Rt. Rev Jas. H. Otey

Dear Sir,

I recieved only on yester= day, your invitation, in behalf of the Executive Committee to be present at the laying of the Corner Stone of "The University of the South," on the 10th inst.

It would afford me great pleasure to be able to attend on the occasion, but the shortness of the notice of itself forbids.

I have from the inception of the grand en= =terprise felt a true southerners pride in its success; and am rejoiced to know that success is now certain.

I trust my dear Sir, that you may live to see the University in full and successful operation; and that it will never be forgotten, that to your efforts, more than to those of any other, are the Church and the South, under obligations for its establishment.

With great respect

Your obdt servant

Alex B. Clitherall