Chicago, Dec 29th 1871

My Dear Draper:

Your favor of the 21st inst came duly to hand.

Mr. Croffert is still on the "Post" but I have not met him recently.

Pressing business here will prevent my being at the Annual Meeting.

Mr. Mitchell will be a good man to aid our Socy. pecuniarily -- has respectable talents, at least.

Will the Record of the Proceedings be made up before the close of the year? I sincerely hope so. Would be very happy to be with you at the Annual Meeting. Hope no revolutionary scheme is on foot by the outs.

Business is very good. No time to rest, for me.

Sincerely your friend,

S. V. Shipman