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March 15, 1863
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Children, March 15, 1863
In this letter from March 15, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing a debate between a Democratic state senator and Republican army officers which he observed while traveling. Reed defends the Democrat's right to free speech, arguing that he said "nothing disloyal" but rather spoke unpleasant truths which the Republicans did not wish to accept. Reed also notes that he may be able to travel home for a visit in the middle of April and intends to have his photograph taken at that time.
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March 22, 1863
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, March 22, 1863
In this letter from March 22, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife noting that the government has procured control of all steamboats on the Mississippi River. He believes many will be lost once they are sent up small rivers and the water levels fall, and laments that railroads cannot "be conveniently taken south to help whip the rebels." Reed also complains about the rise in prices and the fact that work on the western road cannot be commenced until the next season as two of the railroad's largest investors have gone to Europe before examining the work estimates. He closes with remarks about how difficult it is to be parted from loved ones for so long and "with such small pay."
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March 28, 1863 | Photograph
Wrecking train and gang clearing wreck
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April 13, 1863
Letter from Cordelia L. Bailey to Jennie Reed, April 13, 1863
In this letter from April 13, 1863, Cordelia L. Bailey writes to Jennie Reed, wife of Samuel Reed, discussing her anxieties about her enlisted son Walter. She states that he was in such poor condition upon returning from the South that she encouraged him to remain at home, even at the risk of being charged with desertion. Worry over his arrest prompted her to attempt to obtain his discharge. She also writes that because the government is employing all the domestics in sewing, soon "housekeepers will all be compelled to employ the Contrabands."
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May 1, 1863 | Government report
Testimony of Major Erasmus L. Wentz, Superintendent of Norfolk and Petersburg R.R
Major Erasmus L. Wentz, supervising work on the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad, testifies as to the quality of contraband labor over that of Irish workers. Wentz notes that the contrabands work for less pay.
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May 11, 1863
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, May 11, 1863
In this letter from May 11, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing the difficult work of the past week. He details his trips up the Mississippi, Skunk, and Iowa Rivers in search of timber for railroad ties, stating that his party is heading out again that day and will make use of a steamboat to make the trip up the Mississippi easier. He also notes that Mr. Thielsen has requested a railroad pass for her to come to Burlington, Iowa with and that it should be arriving soon. Commenting on the "battle and defeat" on the Potomac, Reed asks "will the administration ever be satisfied with shedin [the] blood of our countrymen?"
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June 7, 1863 | Letter
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, June 7, 1863
In this letter from June 7, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife upon learning of the death of family friend Charles H. Abbott in the war. He notes the heavy losses of Union troops and, referencing Vicksburg, states that hundreds more are added each day. He tells his wife that after the directors of the railroad meet on the 17th of June, he will "know what to do about remaining on the road." Reed also describes an unexpected encounter with three "contrabands from Arkansas" while scouting timberland for purchase.
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July 29, 1863
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, July 29, 1863
In this letter from July 29, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife some time after a visit home to Joliet, Illinois. He tells her that his enlisted brother, Burritt, has died at a hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and states, "I have not once thought since Burritt & Erastus enlist[ed] that either of them would fall." He also notes "I did not see the men in Chicago that I wanted to and have written to them but have recvd no answer yet," referring to his attempt to secure a position on the railroad closer to home.
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July 30, 1863
Letter from John R. Boyle to Samuel B. Reed, July 30, 1863
In this letter from July 30, 1863, John R. Boyle writes to Samuel Reed discussing his progress constructing the rail line in Washington, Iowa. He notes that he has "about 14 men on my 12 miles," but has trouble finding men to work despite the high pay. Boyle states that he will be finished with his present work by the first of October "if they don't take all my men away," and asks Reed to give him "timely notice" if he decides to extend a portion of the railroad.
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August 2, 1863
Letter from Jennie Reed to Samuel B. Reed, August 2, 1863
In this letter from August 2, 1863, Jennie Reed writes to her husband, Samuel Reed, chiding him for not writing her more often. She tells him she has not received any further information regarding the "particulars" of his enlisted brother Burritt's death. She also expresses regret that he was unable to see the men in Chicago he needed in order to inquire about a position on the railroad closer to home.
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August 9, 1863 | Letter
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, August 9, 1863
In this letter from August 9, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife that he may be able to return home for a visit by the end of the week. He notes that Mr. Boyle is "getting along finely with his work," has 150 men employed, and hopes to be finished before the winter frosts. Reed also details a "rebellion" in Keokuk County, Iowa.
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August 13, 1863
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, August 13, 1863
In this letter from August 13, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife to inform her that he will not be able to go home that week as he had intended. Mr. Thielsen has been called to Michigan and Reed states that he cannot leave until Thielsen returns.
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August 16, 1863 | Letter
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, August 16, 1863
In this letter from August 16, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife expressing regret that he could not return home for a visit the previous week. He describes the intolerably hot weather in Burlington, Iowa, and compares it to the climate of Vicksburg, Mississippi. He also notes that his enlisted brother, Erastus, is still doing well and hopes "he may escape the many dangers incident to a soldier's life."
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August 30, 1863 | Letter
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, August 30, 1863
In this letter from August 30, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife after a visit home telling her how homesick he is and how busy he has been since his return to Burlington, Iowa. He notes that he met a Captain Mundore on his return trip through Chicago and plans to "write to him about a situation nearer home," though he has little faith in succeeding.
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September 6, 1863 | Letter
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, September 6, 1863
In this letter from September 6, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing the extent of frost damage to crops in Iowa. He tells her he is "very anxious to know how much damage has been done in [the] vicinity of Joliet and especially on the farm."
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September 11, 1863 | Letter
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, September 11, 1863
In this letter from September 11, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing how busy he has been for the past week. He tells her he is uncertain whether or not he will be able to "get the passes you so much desire," as an order has recently been issued barring the granting of railroad passes for ladies. Reed also notes that since he returned from surveying land west of Ottumwa, Iowa, he has been thinking that he may return home to Joliet, Illinois for the winter if work is not commenced in the fall.
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September 12, 1863
Letter from Sally A. Kendrick to Jennie Reed, September 12, 1863
In this letter from September 12, 1863, Sally A. Kendrick writes to her friend Jennie Reed, wife of Samuel Reed, discussing the recent death of her brother and the war. She speculates that the war will not end until slavery is abolished, but notes that she did not think so until after the fall of Fort Sumter. She states that she is no abolitionist, does not believe in "the equality of the races," and does not "want them here among us," but does "want to see them free and colonized some where." She shares several ideas regarding what should be done with the slaves after they are freed.
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September 13, 1863 | Letter
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, September 13, 1863
In this letter from September 13, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife repeating his request for information regarding the frost damage to crops on their farm in Joliet, Illinois. He notes that lately he has been in charge of the movement of trains, in addition to his regular duties, as "all in authority above me are absent." He also states that it now appears possible that there will be new work on the railroad in the fall. He expects to receive instructions to "let the first division of the road west of Ottumwa [Iowa] which will include the bridge over the Des Moines River which will cost about 70,000 dollars and will be a fine chance to display engineering skill."
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September 27, 1863
Letter from Jennie Reed to Samuel B. Reed, September 27, 1863
In this letter from September 27, 1863, Jennie Reed writes to her husband, Samuel Reed, some days after he departed from a visit home. Once more, she expresses her desire for him to secure employment closer to home, at least during the coming winter, and asks him to mention the possibility to Mr. Thielsen. She also requests information regarding the railroad passes which he was to secure for her and a cousin.
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September 29, 1863 | Letter
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, September 29, 1863
In this letter from September 29, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing how busy he has been since his return from a visit home. He notes that he has written to a man on the "Rock Island Road" to inquire about a position which would enable him to be closer to home. Reed also asks his wife if she has heard from his enlisted brother, Erastus H. Reed, since the defeat of Rosecran's army during the Battle of Chickamauga.
