William Mercer Green Papers Box 1 Folder Correspondence 1866-1867 Document 2

[seal RHS]

th Nashville, June 24 1867. Right Reverend & Dear Sir,

I received your letter on Saturday, and have examined the Charter, Constitution, and Statutes of the Southern University. The postponement of the organization contemplated under the consdtitution and Bye Laws, does not affect the General principles adopted by the Constitution and Statutes. All officers, Professors and Teachers are to be elected by the Board of Trustees and a quorum is absolutely necessary to create any power of action. I do not know whether there was a quorum at Columbia in October 1861, I had no

no notice of the meeting The meeting at Montgomery being out of the State, the proceedings would be of no validity unless confirmed by a regular meeting in Tennessee.

I do not think, the Executive Committee have any power to appoint a head or principal of the High Schools, This ought to be done by the Trustees. If an extraordinary meeting is desired before the 2d Wednesday in August, five members can apply to you for that purpose It would be better however to have the meeting on the day and place fixed by the Statutes.

In the present condition

of the country, it is adviseable to to nothing illegal for some ill natured person might apply to the Courts to issue a Quo Warranto to revoke the Charter, if any political feelings are excited

I would advise you to wait until the regular meeting in August, and endeavor to procure a full attendance of the members of the Board.

Right Reverend W. M. Green University Place Franklin Co Tennessee.