Chicago, Oct. 25th, 1874

My Dear Draper;

There is nothing new to write you at this time, in regard to ourselves. Everything is going on pleasantly here, and no reason presents itself for regrets at having left Madison for Chicago.

Business continues good with me, notwithstanding times are said to be hard.

What progress have you made in regard to the publication and sale of your Helping Hand? Do the Cincinnati men act fairly and promptly on your propositions for the purchase of the Stereotype plates? I take it, if you get possession of these, there will be no further barrier to an immediate advance with the distribution of the work.

How is friend Durrie progressing with his local History (Madison)? The citizens of your town should extend such patronage as to ensure at least a reasonable compensation for his time and labor in preparing it. I trust they are doing so. General Atwood should at least take one copy for each of the Foreign Ministries, and Centennial Commissions; and in his generous moods, might well consider the claims of the learned Societies of the World, and aid them in leading mankind to a higher civilization, if not to the summit of perfection in Social Science and Fine Arts, -- by placing within their reach his description of the form and size of the opening in the seat -- of his water closet, and height from underside of Carpet to the top line of the Urinal. -- it does not matter so much about the waste from the Bath Tub, or the Kitchen Sink, but it is important the fact should be clearly stated, "it just suits me." The average Christian will be satisfied with this; and the fastidious Mussulman may not "care much about it anyway."

Don't wound friend Durrie's feelings by acquainting him with my nonsense. I know how difficult it is to get all one desires, or keep out what is not so desirable, in making up a Book of that kind.

And now how is your own health; and what are you doing? What is the news -- that which does not get into the papers?

With kind remembrance to Mrs. D. and our friends, at Madison, I remain,

Sincerely your friend,
S. V. Shipman