Chicago, IL
December 23, 1873

My Dear Draper:

Your favor of the 6th instant came in my absence, and I improve the earliest convenient opportunity of replying.

Permit me to congratulate you on the prospect of your being able to again and very soon, extend the "Helping Hand" to your friends and the public generally. It will be welcomed and I believe appreciated by all into whose hands in may come. I regard it as by far the most complete and valuable work of its kind which has fallen under my notice.

That it will pay there is scarcely room for doubts; and I would gladly join you in the enterprise you suggest, if circumstances would permit my doing so.

Last summer, the opportunity of purchasing a valuable piece of real estate, here in Chicago, was offered me, and I availed myself of it. This has taken all my ready money, and for the present it would not be judicious for me to raise the amount required to join in this undertaking.

Being comparatively a newcomer here it is important for me to stand, in pecuniary matters, independent of everybody and be able to render assistance rather than receive aid from any source.

The man who rests on his own bottom commands respect and admiration; while he who has to be held up, stands a good chance of being dropped suddenly. Hence I am more careful to avoid extending my affairs unduly. I cannot spare the money to embrace the offer you have kindly suggested. In a few days I shall be in Madison and will call on you.

Truly your friend,
S. V. Shipman