Architectural Rooms of S. V. Shipman
Office Architect, Northern State Hospital for Insane
161 LaSalle Street,
Chicago, October 6th 1881

My Dear Draper:

Your esteemed favor of some weeks since came duly to hand, but as it did not seem to call for an answer, I have taken advantage of the circumstances and said nothing, having many things to keep my hands busy.

I write now to say -- this afternoon my old friend Miss Emily C. Blackman of Montrose, Penn'a called at my office -- and to make the matter short, wants to remain in the west and simply earn enough to pay her board, as she says.

I have mentioned the fact that you did at one time want an assistant, and that I would ask you if you could make use of her in forwarding your work.

You will remember her as the Author of that "History of Susquehanna Co., Pa."

She is a most thorough student of History and I believe you would find her a valuable assistant. She is alone, and possibly you could take her into your family, in which case you would not be called on for much money.

Miss Blackman, I think, desires to be near her Nephews who reside in Fond du Lac County. She has some income from property in Montrose, and owns the Edition of her History. She would not be an expensive assistant, and as she is a most estimable lady with energy and enthusiasm in historical work it is believed you will be pleased with her.

Will you write me something I can say to her so that it will reach me on Saturday next? She will be at my house on that day.

Kindly to the friends, In some haste

Very truly yours,
S. V. Shipman