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University of Miss. [University of Mississippi] Oct. 26th 71 [October 26, 1871]

Mr. John J. Hogsett:

Dear Brother:

In consequence of the receipt of your spirited letter to our Moderator Mr. Iddo Ballou I have been elected Corresponding Secretary for the session of 1871 & 72 of the chapter at this place: all agreeing that the regulation was a good one. While speaking of this, however, I will ask if it was meant as an amendment of the constitution? We have appointed a committee to recopy our constitution and before doing so they wish to know whether or [following word inserted] not to leave out the clause providing that the correspondence shall be carried on by the Mod. [Moderator] and insert this new provision. I think it would be a good idea to regard it as such.

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As it might create confusion to have a custom existing contrary to the letter of the law. We have a splendid set of boys this session numbering twelve. Ballou [Iddo Baliou], Barnett [Julian Barnett], Bates [Frank Harwell Bates], Batte [G.L. Batte], Casteel [W.C. Casteel], Ewing [Charles Carter Ewing], Harper [Matthew Claudius Harper], Hill [Albert Potts Hill], McLaurin [Laughlin McLaurin], Rhodes [Robert Elon Rhodes], Sanders [James E. Saunders] and Shelby [David Shelby]. I have'nt [sic] the roll with me and do not know the initials of our new members but will furnish a more explicit list in my next. Let us exert ourselves to increase the number of chapters. We propose running a member for anniversarian in one of the literary societies this session and with a very good prospect for his election. Hoping to hear from you frequently I am yours fraternally in α.α.π. [alpha alpha pi, with a chain linking the letters]

Matthew C. Harper