Fred,
I still get a blank page, but I'm not sure I understand your instructions.
These are what I'm typing in the command window:
use letters
use donor && open browse & select a record , and then minimize browse
set printer on
etc, etc
* produces blank page

Have you used word97 mailmerge? I've read a little and it looks like it would be slick if the automation part of wasn't too much trouble.