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  • | Newspaper

    Arbitration as a Remedy

    This letter from the July 30, 1877 issue of the Pittsburgh Daily Post discusses the resolution of the railroad strike and argues that the railroad owners handled the situation poorly. Their inept decision-making required the railroads to seek government assistance to remedy their mistakes.

  • | Newspaper

    Among the Ruins

    This article from the July 25, 1877 issue of the Pittsburgh Daily Post notes the railroad strike's extensive destruction and details public and private efforts to keep it under control.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, December 9, 1869

    In this December 9, 1869 letter, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the Company's continuing delay in settling his affairs. He announces an upcoming trip and gives a positive outlook on the Union Pacific's financial situation.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, December 3, 1869

    In this letter from December 3, 1869, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing affairs in Boston. Reed hopes for a "speedy closing up of my affairs."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, August 17, 1869

    In this letter from August 17, 1869, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing a lawsuit brought by Captain Davis, a tie contractor, against the Union Pacific Railroad. Reed supports Davis, another victim of Thomas Durant's interference during construction.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, August 16, 1869

    In this letter from August 16, 1869, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family complaining about the slow progress of meetings. He laments that "I could do more business in a single day than the combined wisdom of all the officers of the road in Boston."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, August 7, 1869

    In this letter from August 7, 1869, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his two-day-long interview with the Union Pacific Board.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, August 5, 1869

    In this letter from August 5, 1869, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his arrival in Boston, which he describes as "a crooked place and full of crooked men, mentally and physically," for a meeting with Union Pacific officials.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Sidney Dillon, July 3, 1868

    In this letter from July 3, 1868, a frustrated Samuel B. Reed writes to Sidney Dillon regarding his letter of resignation. Reed describes his displeasure over his recent treatment by high-ranking company officials, but announces that "All I want is to be retained as chief of construction."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Grenville Dodge to Mrs. Samuel B. Reed, June 25, 1868

    In this letter from June 25, 1868, Grenville Dodge writes to Samuel Reed's wife regarding the misunderstanding that led to Mr. Reed's resignation. Dodge promises to "fix the matter" so that Reed will continue to work for the Union Pacific Railroad.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Grenville Dodge to Samuel B. Reed, December 27, 1867

    In this letter from December 27, 1867, Grenville Dodge writes to Samuel Reed, affirming his support for Reed's work. Dodge states that Reed has been blamed for the construction problems in 1867 "when you ought not to be." He also advises Reed to "steer clear of New York complications" during construction in the upcoming season.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, September 22, 1867

    In this letter from September 22, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his desire to resign his position and return home to Chicago. He is sick of the "wild life" and "untold dangers seen and unseen."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, July 30, 1867

    In this letter from July 30, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his return trip after leaving Chicago, where he was visiting his family. Reed apologizes to his wife for visiting "several" saloons and other "dens of vice and crime" in Julesburg after his return. He gives a detailed account of his activities, which illustrates the availability of such diversions along the western portion of the Union Pacific Railroad.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, April 5, 1867

    In this letter from April 5, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the expected arrival of Union Pacific Vice-President Thomas Durant. Reed also notes an attempt by a representative of Ames & Company to overhaul the construction department's books and vouchers.

  • | Book

    The Road

    An excerpt from Jack London's The Road.

  • Letter from Oakes Ames to Thomas C. Durant, January 16, 1869

    In this letter from January 16, 1869, Oakes Ames writes to Thomas C. Durant regarding the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad and the need to secure the approval of the government appointed commissioners in order to ensure that bonds for building the road are not withheld. He urges Durant to work with the commissioners, stating "we cannot afford to fight the government now."

  • Letter from Oliver Ames to Thomas C. Durant, January 14, 1869

    In this letter from January 14, 1869, Oliver Ames writes to Thomas C. Durant discussing the location of the railroad line that was approved by the government commissioners. He advises Durant to have the line built as close to their instructions as possible, telling him "we are in the hands of this Commission and should do everything possible to secure their favor."

  • Letter from Oliver Ames to Thomas C. Durant, January 4, 1869

    In this letter from January 4, 1869, Oliver Ames writes to Thomas C. Durant complaining about the large bills the company is receiving. He urges Durant to sell any excess unused material, fire "useless" laborers, and hire by contract whenever possible. He tells Durant that he, "as the Manager of the Construction, must feel any Slip up by which the Central [Pacific Railroad] should come out triumphant and we Bankrupt keenly, and it would be a burning shame to us to suffer it."

  • Letter from Oliver Ames to Thomas C. Durant, December 24, 1868

    In this letter from December 24, 1868, Oliver Ames writes to Thomas C. Durant informing him of an arrangement Ames has made for the Union Pacific Railroad's acquisition of government bonds. He also complains about the "awful" bills the company is receiving, and urges Durant to do all he can to "weed out the thieves" in the company.

  • Letter from Oliver Ames to Thomas C. Durant, December 23, 1868

    In this letter from December 23, 1868, Oliver Ames writes to Thomas C. Durant regarding the Union Pacific Railroad's impending acquisition of government bonds. He also discusses the issue of corruption within the company at length, stating "the Road must be costing us very much more than we are getting for it, or everyone out there is stealing." Ames worries that the company will be deep in debt by the time the road is completed and urges Durant to "do Something to Stop the thieves from Stealing our last cent and making the Road suffer."