December 28, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from December 28, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the arrival of Thomas Durant. Reed also states his longing to return home.
1869 | Artwork
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."
January 12, 1869 | Letter
In this letter from January 12, 1869, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing Thomas Durant's hindrance to his work and the rising costs of construction.
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."
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."
January 16, 1869 | Letter
In this letter from January 16, 1869, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family giving a detailed description of Thomas Durant's interference with the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad. Reed explains how Durant's decisions, including pulling workers from grading duty before winter came, have "squandered uselessly" an incredible amount of time and money.
February 10, 1869 | Letter
In this letter from February 10, 1869, a weary Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the extent of his work. Reed has worked so hard for so long that he believes that it "is unfitting me for future usefulness."
February 18, 1869 | Letter
In this letter from February 18, 1869, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his disappointment in not getting to see his wife as planned. Reed also notes that a large cut west of Weber Canyon has caved in, forcing him to ride out and "devise some plan to rectify it."
February 27, 1869 | Letter
In this letter from February 27, 1869, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the progress of the Union Pacific Railroad. He notes that workers have laid track past Devil's Gate and that grading is finished for forty miles ahead of that point. Reed is pleased that the work is "moving smoothly," but he is "sick and tired of the hurry and hustle attendant upon so much business." Following Reed's letter is a note from the compiler, giving a flattering, if not entirely accurate, picture of the Union Pacific's construction.
May 11, 1869 | Newspaper
This account of the "Golden Spike" ceremony at Promontory Point, Utah on May 10, 1869, as printed in the May 11th edition of the Salt Lake Telegram, describes the festivities involved and lists some of the important attendees. Following the article, the compiler offers a one-sided picture of the situation regarding pay for the Union Pacific's construction crews and details Samuel Reed's actions after the ceremony.
August 5, 1869 | Letter
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.
August 7, 1869 | Letter
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.
August 14, 1869 | Letter
In this letter from August 14, 1869, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the meetings in Boston. Reed has little to do and longs to "get away from here soon."
August 16, 1869 | Letter
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."
August 17, 1869 | Letter
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.
August 28, 1869 | Letter
In this letter from August 28, 1869, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family noting that troubles are on the horizon for the Union Pacific. He describes the Railroad's worsening financial position and again expresses his wish to return home.
August 31, 1869 | Letter
In this letter from August 31, 1869, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing "warm times" regarding the Union Pacific Company's various debts. Reed notes obligations to Brigham Young and Captain Davis, but hopes to avoid all of the problems by leaving in the coming days, which he has been promised he could do.
September 1, 1869 | Letter
In this letter from September 1, 1869, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing more Union Pacific meetings. Reed expects to receive payment of $12,000 per year for his service, and he plans to go to New York "as soon as possible" to "settle all my accounts."
November 13, 1869 | Letter
In this November 13, 1869 letter, Samuel Reed writes to Brigham Young thanking him for his assistance during the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad.