Architectural Rooms of S. V. Shipman
Office Architect, Northern State Hospital for Insane
161 LaSalle Street,
Chicago, Aug 27th 1878

My Dear Draper:

Your favor of yesterday is received, and shall have an immediate answer.

Mrs. C. L. Ward survived her husband only about two years -- has been dead some three years -- perhaps more.

His son, Harry Ward, makes Towanda, Pa. his headquarters, but his unfortunate habits, -- dissipation, etc., render him unreliable as a custodian of his father's effects; and I think the Library passed into the hands of Mrs. Ellen Ward Miller, wife a former Congressman, now of Harrisburg, Pa.

Some time since, I saw the annoucement in a Bradford Co. paper, that she had, or was about to place the Library in the keeping of Jefferson College.

She may be able to give you all desired information on the subject of the address, and his subsequent efforts relating to Brant's presence, or absence, at the Wyoming massacre. I can think of no one more likely to do so.

Had C. L. W. furnished any paper, after the Address, on that subject, I should think Mr. Craft would have referred to it in his History of Bradford County.

Rodney A. Mercier is the Secy. of the Bradford Co. Hisl. Socy. and will, I have no doubt, give you any information on the subject of any papers from Mr. W. which the Soc'y. may have in their possession, or have knowledge of.

I think Hon. John A. Codding, succeeded my old friend Genl. Wm. Patton, as President of the Soc'y. His address is Towanda, Pa. as it is also that of R. A. Mercier.

My acquaintance with Mrs. Miller dates back to her girlhood, when we were schoolchildren together; but unfortunately, we have not met since 1848, and I scarcely feel well enough acquainted with her to warrant my giving you a letter of introduction to her; but as she is of a literary turn, your letter to her would be cordially received and responded to.

Eli A. Parsons, of Towanda, published the newspaper, of which Mr. Ward was part owner, and to which he was a regular contributor, will doubtless know what, if anything, was furnished for publication, by Mr. Ward on the subject of Brant, after the address of 1855. He will esteem it an honor and a pleasure to answer any inquiries you may desire to make.

I doubt Dr. Ward's ability to influence Mrs. Miller, or anyone named above, in your behalf.

Will you now try to make a new Contract for the publication of "Border Forays"? Kindly to our friends.

Sincerely your friend
S. V. Shipman