Chicago, March 23 1877

My Dear Draper:

On my return from Madison I found Mr. Warren's card on my table. I returned his call, and found him very much in earnest about undertaking publication of "Border Forays".

Since the receipt of your favor of the 19th inst. I have made such inquiries as seemed practicable in regard to his financial standing, and heard much in his favor, and nothing against him.

His rating in the Commercial Reports is "very good, with Capital in business $20 to $30000.00".

My own impressions of the man are favorable, and while it is difficult to determine about the liabilities of business men here; it seems to me, not very hazzardous to you and Mr. Butterfield to enter into an arrangement with him for the publication of the work in question.

This of course is only an opinion, based on such information as I posess. You will have some opportunity of forming an opinion of your own when you have talked with him.

Messrs. Wm. B. Keene, Cook, & Co. find no difficulty in arranging with their creditors, and will go on with their business as if nothing had happened.

Mr. Warren's character, as an honorable businessman, fully warrants the belief that should any misfortune overtake him, he also would be able to arrange with his creditors and proceed with his business. I have no reason to think him in danger of being to obliged to succumb to the times.

I congratulate you on the close of your labors on the new Vol. of Reports. Now is a good time to push Brady or some other of the works you have in hand.

What would you think of coming to Chicago and taking hold of the Historical Society here? The means would be furnished less grudgingly to build up a magnificent collection that at no very day would overtop that at Madison.

Let me know your thoughts on this subject and I will see how the idea strikes our people.

My dear friend, do you not see reasons for modifying your views on the subject of Spiritual manifestations? The phenomena of Magnetism and Electricity can, it seems to me, be accounted for, on totally different theories from those entertained by writers on the subject of Spiritualism.

There is so much jugglery connected with the public exhibitions of Spiritualism, that we may well understand why the public questions the honesty and sound mindedness of its notaries.

You will not allow these remarks to wound your feelings; because, you know there is nothing but genuine friendship in my heart for you, and yours. I, at least know it, and think you will believe it.

The late Pike-Jones homicide here reveals a frightful state of things among that class of persons and reflects disastrously upon all who sympathize with their peculiar views.

The world of mankind will judge of men or sects by their fruits, and there is no disguising the fact that of late, the fruits of Spiritualism have not been such as to invite goodness under the branches of the tree.

The pleasure of "advanced ideas" and "broader views" is rich and more, but when we have to share it, with bad men, and bad women, we may well look about us, and inquire whether we have not wandered into the domain of error and deceit.

This is the way it strikes me: -- yet it does not impair my respect and love for my friends, to find they differ with me.

Let me hear the results of your interview with Mr. Warren, and if I can do anything for you here, or elsewhere, do not fail to call on me. If you come to Chicago, come directly to my house, 269 Warren Ave. My office is 161 LaSalle St., but letters reach me if directed to Chicago.

Faithfully your friend,

S. V. Shipman