Phelan, collecting agent for the Freeman's Journal, writes McMaster that he has had a difficult time making collections, ever since his arrival in Chicago on Christmas 1877, from Dubuque, Iowa. The entire city seems to be financially depressed and very few can pay the trifling amounts on demand. He has received a letter from his friend Bishop Jeremiah F. Shanahan, in which the Bishop asks him to take up a new business. Phelan's father has been dead 10 years, and so his mother also wishes him to change his occupation because of the risks connected with extensive travelling. Phelan realizes the desireable qualities of his present position but has been travelling steadily for 4 years and is tired of the road. For this reason, he asks that McMaster consider him for any other opening on the Journal staff. In his travels he has acquired a good knowledge of the papers' subscribers, and of routes and proper times to visit certain places, and believes that this experience may be of some use in an office. He intends to leave for Milwaukee, on the coming Tuesday and to return to Chicago by Jan. 12. He will continue to devote his time to collecting until he hears from McMaster. The reverse side of the stationery lists leading Chicago business houses. :: I-2-c A.L.S. 2pp. 8vo