Letter from Joel A. Matteson, September 17, 1860

In this letter from September 17, 1860, former Democratic governor of Illinois Joel A. Matteson writes a recommendation for Samuel Reed to take with him while he is in the South. Matteson states that he worked under Reed's direction in the past and writes "should any person want the services of an engineer of great experience they can find no person of better capacity to do any thing [sic] in his profession."

Recommendation

I have known Samuel B. Reed some fourteen or fifteen years as a Civil Engineer. I have done some forty miles of Rail Road [sic] under his direction. I know him to be a very capable reliable gentleman of integrity.

I understand he goes south to spend some time. Should any person want the services of an engineer of great experience they can find no person of better capacity to do any thing [sic] in his profession. I have done a large amount of Rail Roading [sic] in this state and have always felt that Mr. Reed was the best man that I could get to take charge of my work, but I have never been able to obtain his services as Henry Farnham [& en] of the Railr [lroad] & Mississippi & Missouri Road had him fully engaged when I scouted his services. I think Mr. Reed has the capacity to do work [checker] than almost any man I ever knew. He gives his entire attention to the work and has but few about him compared to many engineers having charge of work.


J.A. Matteson

About this Document

  • Source: Letter from Joel Aldrich Matteson
  • Extent: 2 pages
  • Citation: Yale University Library, Manuscripts and Archives, Samuel Reed Family Papers, Box 2, Folder 26
  • Date: September 17, 1860