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."

Union Pacific Railroad Company
20 Nassau St.

Dr. T. C. Durant VP

Dear Sir,

I herewith enclose You instructions of Browning to Commn, appointed to fix the line on which the Road is to be built. It is very important that you should have the line built without change from Location as fixed by Blickensdorfer, if possible. Any slight change will not be important, but essential changes might affect the oppinien [sic] of Comn so as to cause the change of line—from the constructed to the original Location. We are in the hands of this Commission and should do every thing possible to secure their favor. Warren, Blickensdorfer and Williamson are the Commission. I have seen a letter from Blickensdorfer, very favorable to our Line, and which will controll [sic] the the [sic] other Commr[s]. I hope you will be very stout on the Commission and do every possible thing to secure their favor. These Coms are to examine Central and to fix the Point of Junction.

Yours Truly,
Oliver Ames Prest

About this Document

  • Source: Letter from Oliver Ames to Thomas C. Durant
  • Extent: 2 pages
  • Citation: Special Collections, University of Iowa Libraries, Iowa City, Papers of Levi O. Leonard, Series II, Box 3, Folder 21 (Ames, Oliver, 1866-1876)
  • Date: January 14, 1869