Architectural Rooms of S. V. Shipman
Office Architect, Northern State Hospital for Insane
Rooms 62 & 64,
161 LaSalle Street
Chicago, Nov. 2d 1876

My Dear Draper:

Having been absent at the Centennial for the past ten days, I have not known whether the communication about Gov. Hayes Income, was published or not. The result will be all the same, for the defeat of the Republican ticket is a foregone conclusion. Senator Cameron of Pa. was the guest of my Brother-in-law, and it was not to be mistaken, that he had no hope of the success of his Party. Of course, in his opinion the country will go to the bad, at once; and we must forthwith prepare for another war. Such twaddle excites disgust in my mind. Himself, and other old "Democratic-war-horses" who contributed most towards the corruptions of that Party; and then conveniently jumped aboard of the Republican craft in time "to save their bacon" ought to "know about this thing" but the honest masses who remained, may be better men than he gave them credit for. Be this as it may, I have no doubt of Mr. Tilden's election; and no fears of things being worse than at the present time.

At the Centennial, the Pottery from the South American States, particularly Peru, resembles so strongly, that taken from the Indian Mounds of this Continent, that no Ethnologist will fail to trace the similarity at first sight. I wish you could have seen the Exhibition. It is a grand thing. I am glad I could see it.

Have you on record, the theory that the various forms of Indian Mounds, represent the sign manual of the Chiefs of Tribes who created these monuments? In looking over the Penna. Archives, and other works, containing these quaint and grotesque autographs, on Deed, Treaties, etc., it seemed to me there might be grounds for such a theory.

This morning's papers contain the announcement of the terrible calamity in Genl. Deleplaine's family! We can tell very little of the condition of the Daughter. Should be glad to hear they are not seriously burned.

Hoping your own health is good, and every thing is properous with you, I remain,

Sincerely your friend
S. V. Shipman