© 2006–2017
All Rights Reserved
William G. Thomas
Copyright Statement
October 21, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from October 21, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his trip to the mountains with the delegation of newspaper editors, noting that "such a set of ninnies I never saw on the plains." Reed also reflects on the magnitude of the work on the Union Pacific line and suggests that few appreciate the difficulty of their efforts.
January 1, 1868
In this letter from January 1, 1868, Oliver Ames writes to Thomas C. Durant regarding the financial status of the Union Pacific Railroad. He notes that several creditors are "clamorous for money," but that the company has "really nothing to raise the money with." He tells Durant that it would be a disgrace to have to suspend construction for want of funds and advises him to "discharge all unnecessary men at once and get no more ties and timber than is absolutely necessary for the Work."
January 11, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from January 11, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family and describes being caught in a severe snow storm. He also notes that "bridge matters are progressing well" and that he has received a letter from Grenville Dodge, in which the General declares his support for Reed.
March 30, 1868
In this letter from March 30, 1868, Oakes Ames writes to Thomas C. Durant discussing the report and recommendations his committee will make to Congress regarding oversight of operations on the Union Pacific Railroad. He states that he thinks the report is "a great thing to us to keep them [Congress] off until the road is done," but tells Durant "if you think of anything better that will probably pass, send it down and I will try to get it substituted if I think it better."
April 2, 1868
In this letter from April 2, 1868, Oliver Ames writes to Thomas C. Durant discussing construction and the organization of work forces for the upcoming season's work on the railroad. He also advises Durant to meet in person with representatives of the Chicago and North Western Railroad to settle disagreements over the contract Durant made with them, stating "we cannot afford to have any trouble this Season with Them that will make them give a preference to other freight over ours." Ames states that he believes the Union Pacific Railroad will be "flush" after they receive government bonds in July and sell their first mortgage bonds.
April 10, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from April 10, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the work on the Union Pacific Railroad line. His workers have completed the track to within one mile of the Dale Creek bridge and will have the bridge finished within a week. Reed is quite busy as Sydney Dillon, Thomas C. Durant, and others will arrive to inspect the line next week.
April 16, 1868
In this letter from April 16, 1868, Oliver Ames writes to Thomas C. Durant discussing some suggestions he has received from General Grenville Dodge regarding provisions for water along the railroad line. He notes, "we are getting along very well in our money matters."
May 5, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from May 5, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing an upcoming trip to Fort Saunders, via Salt Lake City.
May 18, 1868
In this letter from May 18, 1868, Oliver Ames writes to Thomas C. Durant chastising him for superseding General Grenville Dodge by granting Col. Silas Seymour the full power of Chief Engineer. Ames states that Durant was not given the power to "direct the Chief Engineer where he should locate the Road," that the Chief Engineer is responsible to the Board of Directors, and that it is ultimately up to the Board of Directors to decide "whether the Location is properly made or not."
June 12, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from June 12, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his surveying camp, commenting on the sleeping arrangements and food. Reed also states his intention to resign his position, citing the "jealousy and hard feeling" which has caused him to take no "pleasure in trying to advance the work."
July 6, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from July 6, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the actions taken in response to his resignation. Sidney Dillon and Oliver Amos wish to retain Reed's services, and have worked to keep Reed as Construction Manager of the Union Pacific. Reed also mentions a workers' strike on the UP line, in which they demand $4 per day. He has sent troops "to enforce the orders and will starve them out unless they go to work."
July 27, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from July 27, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his standing in the Union Pacific Railroad Company. Sidney Dillon and Thomas Durant "propose to continue me as General Superintendent of Construction," which Reed considers a satisfying resolution to the issue.
July 30, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from July 30, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the continuing negotiations over his position in the company. Reed speculates that he will be "fully sustained and have full power in the construction department."
August 7, 1868
In this letter from August 7, 1868, Oliver Ames writes to Thomas C. Durant regarding the changes Durant proposed in the grading of the railroad. He states that I. L. Williams, the "Special Messenger of the Secretary of the Interior," has argued strongly against the change of grade and that "his opinions would be almost Law to the Department." Ames tells Durant "before making any change let us have the best Evidence that a change is required for the best interests of the Company."
August 12, 1868
In this letter from August 12, 1868, Oliver Ames writes to Thomas C. Durant informing him that the company has decided to keep the grading of the road "down to 90 feet." He states, "we can't afford, with the magnificent Subsidy we have, to do anything but the best possible thing for the Road and the Government, while, at the same time, we are doing the best thing for ourselves."
October 28, 1868
In this letter from October 28, 1868, Oliver Ames writes to Thomas C. Durant praising him for completing 7 miles and 1,940 feet of track the previous day. He calls it the "achievement of the year," and tells Durant that his work will help expose the Central Pacific Railroad to the public as "Dogs in the Manger." Ames also discusses some of the Union Pacific Railroad's financial affairs.
December 3, 1868
In this letter from December 3, 1868, Oliver Ames writes to Thomas C. Durant regarding the financial status of the Union Pacific Railroad. He states that the company has a right to ask the government to advance it two-thirds of the cost of "work done in advance of the track," and believes the company possesses sufficient funds and materials to have all the security that the government would require for the completion of the road. He also tells Durant, "your idea of letting them [the government] have the lands or Land Bonds as Security is a good one, and I think will be a good get off for them from the infamous position they have taken in regard to our Road."
December 6, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from December 6, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the difficult grading work still being done. His men work "night and day without cessation" because the work "goes very slowly on account of the hard frozen ground which it is impossible to move without [gun]powder." He places the blame for this difficult work on Thomas Durant, whose interference with Reed's plans caused the work to cost twice as much and take twice as long.
December 16, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from December 16, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the progress on grading and decribes the recent weather, which has been clear. Reed again complains about Durant's interference, noting that "this work would all have been finished long ago if my arrangements had not been interfered with."
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."
© 2006–2017
All Rights Reserved
William G. Thomas
Copyright Statement