My Dear Draper:

Your favor of the 1st instant came duly to hand; and I am looking over my money matters with an earnest desire to meet your wishes and necessities.

The facts are, I have been, and am supplying funds to my son William, who about a year and a half since went to Hayes County, Neb. and started a cattle ranch, which has absorbed about all the ready money I could command.

A Madisonian, against whom I hold a Mortgage, wrote some months since, desiring to pay $500 to apply to his indebtedness, but preferring not to disturb the investment, I felt obliged to decline it. I find now he has use for the money, and hence does not wish to make the payment at this time; and it is a matter of regret for me to say, that in anticipation of further calls from Nebraska, I cannot well spare the sum you require.

The Northwestern Life Ins. Co. of Milwaukee, is making very active exertions here, to loan money at 6%. I do not know who manages the Loan business of that Co. in Madison, but am inclined to think that L. S. Hanks would be pleased to undertake that service fro you. He told me some time since that he was not able to loan but a small portion of the money offered him for that purpose.

All well here. I am pressed with work and find it difficult getting sufficient help in the office. The amount of building in this city is truly wonderful.

The issue of the Chicago Times of July 24th was rapidly taken, and it was very difficult to find extra copies two days after the date of (?). Thousands were called for, without a possible means of supply, from all section of the U.S. It is presumed you received the two copies mailed to you.

I am sorry to hear that Mrs. Draper is not greatly improved.

The Crayon portrait, which I desired to exchange for the Oil Painting in the Historical Rooms is ready for shipment but my time has been so fully occupied that I could not attend to the shipment.

With kind remembrance to our friends, I remain

Sincerely your friend,

S. V. Shipman