Architectural Rooms of S. V. Shipman
Office Architect, Northern State Hospital for Insane
Rooms 62 & 64,
161 LaSalle Street
Chicago, July 24th, 1875.

My Dear Draper:

Your favor of the 19th inst., came duly to hand.

It is gratifying to know, the plans and specifications sent for the Gallery in the Historical Rooms, has the approval of yourself and associates.

The question of who should receive the Plans did not come up before my mind at the time of sending them, as of any moment.

My acquaintance with Col. Knight extends no further than the one day in which I was honored by your introduction to him. Our long acquaintance; and the fact you were to be most benefited by the improvement, or rather that you were more than any other, interested in having it done (in my mind, at least, you were the central figure), will explain why the papers were sent to you, and not to Col. Knight, or some other person.

It did not occur to me, that I was over-stepping the bounds of propriety, or imposing an onerous, or any special duty upon one of my most esteemed friends, by forwarding them to you. When you have time, let me tax your friendship and patience, so far as to inform me of the consequences of my mistake. If you are in any manner compromised, rest assured I will do anything in my power to make the matter right. When I can get to Madison, if there be no money left from the appropriation to pay the small charge for the plans, etc., then no charge will be made. Don't borrow any trouble about that. There shall be no cause for Col. Knight to grumble, or you to suffer.

I will with pleasure render in a friendly way, any assistance you may need of mine towards your having your needed Library Building.

Take good care of your health. Kindly to all friends. I have quite a package of Papers and Pamphlets for the Socy, will send them as you may direct.

Sincerely your friend,
S. V. Shipman