The History:
In his answer to Wilbur's letter of May 16th Chanute tells Wilbur that Augustus Herring is in need of a job. Chanute proposes that Herring rebuild Chanute's "two-surfaced" and "multiple-wing" machines.

Previously, the Wrights and Chanute had discussed that the Wrights would build these machines when they had time available. Chanute just wants to check and see if the brothers still want to do this, or is it all right with them if Mr. Herring takes on the task.

Regarding the drawings of the Wright's machines for a paper Chaute is writing, Chanute advises Wilbur not to give away too much information.