Architectural Rooms of S. V. Shipman
Office Architect, Northern State Hospital for Insane
Rooms 62 & 64,
161 LaSalle Street
Chicago, March 24th 1876

My Dear Draper:

Your favor of the 20th inst. came duly to hand: and as an answer to the same did not appear to be called for at once, a more convenient time for writing was awaited.

The turn in affairs of Peale & Co. is rather a surprise; and only confirms me in the view taken at first of the project of entreating the bringing out of your "Border Forays" to that class of men. Hearing and seeing what I did about the Firm, I could not feel very enthusiastic in regard to capabilities of the establishment. The Commercial Report was however not a bad one, yet I failed to get the impression of enterprise and business views that commands success.

Messrs. Keene, Cooke & Co, stand well as Book-dealers here, but I should give the preference to Griggs & Co. or Jacobsen, McCleary, & Co.

What further negotiations have you had with Griggs & Co? Mr. G. seemed favorably inclined, when I saw him, at the time mentioned in a former letter.

Mr. Butterfield said he would call on me, on his return from Ohio, but I have not seen him yet. Has he reached Madison yet?

I send you yesterday's "Post & Mail" which contains Croffet's article. I have never seen Tuttle and Durrie's Book. Is it out?

Congratulations on increased aid for the Soc'y from the State. Has not the time arrived for taking up the project of Building? Kindly to the wife and friends.

Your sincere friend,
S. V. Shipman