Architectural Rooms of S. V. Shipman
Office Architect, Northern State Hospital for Insane
Rooms 62 & 64,
161 LaSalle Street
Chicago, August 10th, 1875.

My Dear Draper:

By the "Democrat" of Sunday morning I see the Contract for shelving in the Historical Rooms has been closed with Messrs. Dean & Co. at $500.00, leaving a large margin for other improvements, needed in the Rooms.

The fixing of the brackets in the wall is a matter of vital importance, and it is hoped this part of the work will be done with care and skill. So much is depending on this beeing well done, I would rather spend the time, to go to Madison, about the time it is to be commenced, than take any chance of its being imperfectly done. As the Specifications require all the joiner's work as well as Iron work to be prepared, and ready to be placed in position, before any break is made in the old work in the Rooms, there will be time to make an appointment for my being there, and having the first brackets sit in a proper manner to sustain the weights to be thrown upon them.

This is not suggested for the purpose of increasing the small charge for furnishing the Plans, etc., but to avoid the possibility of any failure to amply provide for the tax to be imposed on the Galleries, by having the brackets properly fixed in the wall.

If you will call the attention of Col. Knight to this matter, and at your convenience, advise me of his views on the subject, you will confer a favor.

Very Truly yours, etc.
S. V. Shipman

I will suggest the change in heating arrangements for the rooms, which seemed to me desirable, when next at Madison. - S. V. S.