Telegrams to University affiliates | Western Union Telegram Collection | University of Mississippi

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Telegrams to University affiliates

In August and September 1962, telegrams were sent to various people at the University of Mississippi, both named officials -- such as Chancellor J. D. Williams, Registrar Robert B. Ellis, then-Admissions Counselor Ken Wooten -- and students -- such as football player A. J. Holloway -- as well as those sent to people in particular positions (President of the Student Body, Board of Trustees, Fraternity and Sorority chapters, etc.)

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Dick Allen to Epsilon XI Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity, 19 September 1962

Dick Allen

Allen writes he could get the fraternity members jobs if the school closes and tells them not to admit Meredith because of his questionable moral character.
John T. Ames to Dr. John D. Williams, 20 September 1962

John T. Ames

Ames asks Williams to do all he can to prevent Governor Ross Barnett from closing the unversity.
We, the undersigned brothers and associates, 28 September 1962

Beta Sigma Gamma

Includes quote from Beta Sigma Gamma
Ed Connell to Chancellor J. D. Williams, 22 September 1962

Ed Connell

Telegram supporting Williams
Ed Connell to Robert Ellis, 22 September 1962

Ed Connell

Telegram supporting Ellis
Vivian Davidson to The Board of Trustees, University of Mississippi, Chancellor John D. Williams, 17 September 1962

Vivian Davidson

Davidson asks Williams to explore other options before closing the university.
Mississippi Dekes to Omega Chi Chapter, Delta Kappa Epsilon, 29 September 1962

Delta Kappa Epsilon

Telegram states a "large fed. force" is expected and asks for Southern volunteers.
H. A. Fennerty, O. T. Harrington to Mississippi Alpha Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, 25 September 1962

H. A. Fennerty and O. T. Harrington

Fraternity members in Louisiana urge the Mississipi chapter to rush James Meredith. They cite several reasons and "feel [he] will be compatible with members of Mississippi Alpha whom [they] have met."
Dr. William H. Ferguson to President, University of Mississippi, 26 September 1962

William H. Ferguson

Ferguson tells the recipient that "his actions in the attempted registration" of James Meredith is "unconstitutional and certainly unchristian."
Ruth Ford (Mrs. Zachary Scott) to Chi Omega Sorority, 19 September 1962

Ruth Ford

She urges them to use their intelligence and "Christian humanity" to uphold the rights of all humans.
Katie and Billy Frazer to Chancellor J. D. Williams, 22 September 1962

Katie Frazer and Billy Frazer

Telegram supporting Williams
Gregory Gallo, Student Body President, University of Wisconsin to Student Body President, Student Gov Ofc, University of Mississippi, 29 September 1962

Gregory Gallo

Gallo opposes Governor Ross Barnett's attempts to keep James Meredith from enrolling.
Harry P. Gamble to President of the Student Body, 19 September 1962

Harry P. Gamble

Gamble, who calls himself a segregationist, offers a detailed plan involving escorting the U.S. Marshals with corn stalks while playing certain songs to "hurt feelings of negroes."
Brothers and Pledgee of Gamma Gamma to Kappa Alpha Order, Alpha Upsilon Chapter, 28 September 1962

Gamma Gamma

The chapter at MSU pledges "support of 107 men and one police dog" to the South's cause.
W. L. Godwin to Chancellor J. D. Williams, 21 September 1962

W. L. Godwin

Godwin and the Southern Regional Education Board offer respect for Williams and his wife.
Elmore Greaves, editor of Gulf Coast Gazette to Chancellor Williams, 14 September 1962

Elmore Greaves

Greaves demands a comment from Williams regarding Meredith's enrollment. He intends to publish his demand and any reply.
Pat D. Holcomb to Chancellor J. D. Williams, 22 September 1962

Pat D. Holcomb

Telegram supporting Williams
Boyce Holleman to A. J. Holloway, 21 September 1962

Boyce Holleman

Holleman offers support for Holloway and "the team" and hopes for the "greatest year."
Bill Hurter to Dr. J. D. Williams, 19 September 1962

Bill Hurter

Hurter offers thoughts and support for Williams. Telegram ends with the phrase "ne illegitimi carborundum."
Harvey H. Hutchins to J. D. Williams, 27 September 1962

Harvey H. Hutchins

Hutchins discusses an injunction prohibiting university employees from admitting James Meredith.
Harvey H. Hutchins to Robert Ellis, 27 September 1962

Harvey H. Hutchins

Hutchins discusses an injunction prohibiting university employees from admitting James Meredith.
Interested Brothers of AO Chapter Tulane University to Consul Eta Chapter Sigma Chi Fraternity, 19 September 1962

Interested Brothers of AO Chapter Tulane University

They "recommend" the chapter rush James Meredith. Ends with the words "go white folks."
H. M. Ivy to Chancellor J. D. Williams, 26 September 1962

H. M. Ivy

Ivy states that closing the university after the College Board is "forced to accept integration" would result in colleges and universities under the board's administration losing their accreditation.
Eldon L. Johnson to Chancellor Williams, 19 September 1962

Eldon L. Johnson

Johnson trusts Williams' judgment and offers wishes for him and the university in the "surmounting historic crisis."
Harry Inge Johnstone to Chancellor J. D. Williams, 21 September 1962

Harry Inge Johnstone

Johnstone disapproves of students' "disgraceful actions" and urges Williams to announce that poor behavior would result in suspension.
Kappa Alpha Order Gamma Pi Chapter to Kappa Alpha Order Alpha Upsilon Chapter, 28 September 1962

Kappa Alpha Order

The Florida Southern chapter offers support for the Ole Miss chapter.
Unsigned Gamma Rho Chapter of Kappa Alpha Order to Kappa Alpha Order, Alpha Upsilon Chapter, 28 September 1962

Kappa Alpha Order

The chapter from ECC offers support to "the South's last stand."
Alpha Zeta Chapter, Kappa Alpha Order to Kappa Alpha House, 28 September 1962

Kappa Alpha Order. Alpha Zeta Chapter (College of William and Mary)

William and Mary chapter of Kappa Alpha Order offers "aid in any capacity" to the Ole Miss chapter.
Nelson T. Levings to Chancellor Williams, 23 September 1962

Nelson T. Levings

Telegram offering support for Barnett and others making a stand for "local self government."
Norman Mann to The President of the Student Government Association, 28 September 1962

Norman Mann

Mann urges the students to be more visible in protesting Governor Ross Barnett's actions and take a stand to uphold the Constitution.
Margaret and the Gladiola Boys to Ken Wooten and George Street, 19 September 1962

Margaret and the Gladiola Boys

They are thinking about them.
Marshall County Bar Association to Chancellor Williams, 18 September 1962

Marshall County Bar Association

The bar association has passed a resolution that the preservation of the university should be the paramount consideration.
Rudolph Massey to Registrar, University of Mississippi, 19 September 1962

Rudolph Massey

Massey states Mississippi is the "last free state" and tells the registrar not to admit Meredith in order to preserve the white race.
J. H. Meredith to [Robert] Ellis, Registrar, University of Mississippi, 11 September 1962

James Meredith

Meredith informs the registrar of his intention to enroll at the University of Mississippi in September.
John Morris to University of Mississippi, 25 September 1962

John Morris

Telegram congratulates the university on its "stand against racial integration."
Joseph M. Mosby to J. D. Williams, 27 September 1962

Joseph M. Mosby

Lauderdale County Ole Miss Alumni passed a resolution asking Williams to keep the university open.
Doris and Bo Murry to Chancellor John D. Williams, Dr. A. B. Lewis and Robert Ellis, 25 September 1962

Doris Murray and Bo Murray

Telegram supporting Williams, Lewis, and Ellis
Okolona Chamber of Commerce to Chancellor J. D. Williams, 21 September 1962

Okolona Area Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber of Commerce offers support of Williams and his stand on "the Meredith case."
Mrs. Elizabeth C. Parker to Student Council, University of Mississippi

Elizabeth C. Parker

Parker reminds the Student Council they are in upper education and tells them to "get [their] kicks some other way."
Phi Alpha Texas Rho to Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity House, 28 September 1962

Phi Alpha Rho (University of Texas)

The University of Texas chapter expresses support for the University of Mississippi chapter.
St. Mary's College to Student Council, University of Mississippi

Saint Mary's College (Notre Dame, Ind.)

St. Mary's College students urge University of Mississippi students to support James Meredith's enrollment in recognition of human rights.
Mrs. Marion Sargent to Head of Student Body, University of Mississippi

Marion Sargent

Sargent reminds the students of their own stakes in the issue and urges them to "go back to your rooms in thought and let Meredith go to his in peace."
Sigma Chapter Vanderbilt to Sigma Nu Fraternity, 27 September 1962

Sigma Nu (Vanderbilt University)

The Vanderbilt chapter expresses support for the Ole Miss chapter and offers to "come fighting" to their side. Ends with the phrase "never a Negro Sigma Nu."
Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, University, Mississippi to Ross Barnett, 25 September 1962

Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, University, Mississippi

Telegram supporting Barnett
The Ole Miss [Canterbury?] Association, Reverend Wofford Smith to Chancellor J. D. Williams, 24 September 1962

Wofford K. Smith

Message offering prayers and thoughts to Williams
Robert L. Taylor to Dick Wilson, 21 September 1962

Robert L. Taylor

Taylor, president of the Mississippi State University Student Association, relays the hopes of his university's student body that University of Mississippi students and the university "will not be seriously injured."
Horace Twiford to Chancellor J. D. Williams, 22 September 1962

Horace Twiford

Telegram supporting Williams and the "leadership"
A. M. Kirk to Robert B. Ellis, 18 September 1962

Author Unknown

Telegram addressed to University Registrar. Urges the registrar "if you are white" to not register James Meredith.