Chicago
Sept. 18, 1877

My Dear Draper:

Your favor of the 14th inst is at hand and I have called at all the principal Hotel News Stands, and others, but have failed to find the "World" of the 7th inst. They have papers of other dates, but not this. If you do not succeed in getting it from the office in N.Y. I will advertise for it in the "News" which will probably secure a copy, if you desire it done.

My impressions have been for some years that Rev. Wm. Barry died soon after the great Fire, and all whom I have inquired of, confirm this. I will however make further inquiries and advise you of the result. He is not living in Chicago.

Are you aware of the fact that I have forwarded to the Hist'l Society, the Chicago City Directories for every year since the Fire? If you desire duplicates, I have some, and can get others. Let me know, and your wishes will be met, in time.

I am glad to know your domestic arrangements are so pleasant and satisfying.

If in your place, I would write to Alexander Mitchell for passes to Suspension Bridge or any other place. He will be provided with favors of the kind, -- exchanges with other Presidents of RRs.

There are no offices of the Lake Shore of Michigan Central R.R. here in Chicago, and the subordinates would not issue them only to employees and their friends, and it is very difficult obtaining passes of any of the Roads controlled by the Vanderbilts. Mr. Mitchell can get them at any time. Try him.

My son Charlie will not return to the University of Wis., as he has entered the Chicago University with the intention of completing his studies at that Institution. He is pleased with the School.

I have scarcely ever been driven so hard with work, as now. You may have noticed in some of the Chicago papers a description of the fine $150,000 Block of Stores I am building for one of the oldest residents of Chicago, Eli B. Williams.

I have so much at stake, in this grand enterprise, nothing will be omitted on my part, towards making it a pronounced success. Such a work is better than some Hospitals for Insane, so far as the pay is concerned.

When I went into the Army, it was a matter of great solicitude -- whether or not I had the courage to acquit myself with honor, "under fire". So also, when I came to Chicago, seven years ago, it was unknown whether I had the ability to sustain myself in the Profession in this City. The question has been answered so satisfactorily to my friends here, I find no reason for regret at having come from Madison to Chicago. Pardon me for saying so much of myself.

I fear your friends, myself among the number, will never be reconciled to the idea of your leaving the important position you have held so long in the affairs of the Hist'l Society. The more I think of it "the worse I like it." Better retain the place, and give less time to it, and more to your private affairs. This may, and should be done, in order to supply to the public the result of your long continued and arduous labor in gathering historical matter.

You have tugged your life nearly out, to the Soc'y up to its present summit, and now it should be able to run on without so much effort on your part, and would, if you were at hand to give an occasional lift. Try it for another three years, at least.

Annie is now visiting at Sheboygan, and Rose is at home for a short visit, accompanied by her husband. I may have told you -- they reside at Dayton, O.

The new building for the Chicago Hist'l Society is nearly finished and will be dedicated at the Quarterly meeting in October. I have not been able to gain a personal interview with any of the Trustees of the Newberry Estate yet. Wishing you health and long life to complete your labors, I remain

Sincerely your friend, S. V. Shipman