© 2006–2017
All Rights Reserved
William G. Thomas
Copyright Statement
September 17, 1866 | Letter
In this letter from September 17, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to Thomas C. Durant, Vice President of the Union Pacific Railroad, describing the progress of the work on the line. He calls Durant's attention to several aspects of the construction which require his immediate attention and approval. Reed states that the work will only be completed on schedule if "the men imployed on the work are not molested by the Indians," and notes that "a few days since Dr. Peck lost 98 mules 50 miles from the west end of the work." Reed fears a raid, and says he is doing all he can to get troops on the line to protect the workmen.
September 23, 1866 | Letter
In this letter from September 23, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing an upcoming visit by Thomas C. Durant, Vice-President of the Union Pacific Railroad. Reed also notes that he plans to go west soon and will be gone for most of the week, which he hopes will be his last trip for the season.
September 24, 1866 | Letter
In this letter from September 24, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to Thomas C. Durant, Vice President of the Union Pacific Railroad, informing him that he is leaving Omaha to oversee the work on the bridge in North Platte, Nebraska. Reed states that the grading work will be completed on time and will not delay the laying of track, but he fears it will be impossible to complete the bridge before the track reaches it.
November 29, 1866 | Letter
In this letter from November 29, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to Thomas C. Durant, Vice President of the Union Pacific Railroad, informing him that he has recovered from his severe illness and will be departing for his home in Joliet, Illinois soon. He expresses regret that he was unable to devote his personal attention to the construction of the bridge at North Platte, Nebraska, noting that it could have been completed in time and not delayed the laying of track. Reed also states that "the Indian scene and severe storms" have driven most of the men off the line and delayed the grading work, but assures Durant he is doing everything he can to push the work forward as quickly as possible.
January 15, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from January 15, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his desire, but his inability, to go west soon. He mentions that the Union Pacific's directors continue to talk about the possibility of bridging the Missouri River between Omaha and Council Bluffs, but "there has been nothing done yet about settling the question."
January 17, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from January 17, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing a "stormy meeting" of the Union Pacific Railroad's executive committee. He is fearful that "the progress of the road will be very much retarded" by proposed changes "in the mode of building the road."
January 22, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from January 22, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the continuing internal debate over the future of the Union Pacific Railroad.
January 27, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from January 27, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the decision of the Union Pacific Railroad's executive committee during their recent meetings. The committee "let" the contract to Credit Moblier from the 100th Meridian "to the base of the mountains." Reed also describes the recent decline of the stock market.
January 31, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from January 27, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family letting them know that he will leave New York City that evening. He mentions that work on the railroad may not progress as quickly as the previous year because of a "difficulty in procuring the necessary funds to build the road."
February 13, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from February 13, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family letting them know that he has arrived in Omaha after a long journey from New York City.
February 26, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from February 26, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family in Illinois describing the recent delay in mail service due to a severe winter storm stopping traffic on the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad.
March 25, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from March 25, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the effects of another severe winter storm in Nebraska. He mentions that he has six locomotives on the east side of the frozen Missouri River and "would not hesitate to cross them on the ice if we needed their services."
March 27, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from March 27, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the difficulty of clearing the tracks of snow. He expects that the storm will destroy some bridges.
April 2, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from April 2, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing contracts with Boyd & Reed and I. H. Lacy to construct ten miles of road each. Upon completion of their contracts, the Union Pacific Railroad will reach 400 miles, or 25 miles west of Julesburg, Colorado.
April 5, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from April 5, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the expected arrival of Union Pacific Vice-President Thomas Durant. Reed also notes an attempt by a representative of Ames & Company to overhaul the construction department's books and vouchers.
April 18, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from April 18, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing a trip to the western end of the line. He details his attempts to "put the road in order" following a recent flood of the Platte River and its tributaries. Reed laments that it will cost above $50,000 and be "ten or twelve days before I can get a train over the road."
April 19, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from April 19, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the recent flooding on the Platte River and his attempts to get the road repaired by the following week, when the Union Pacific's executive committee will arrive to inspect it.
April 25, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from April 25, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family with mixed feelings, noting that the first train in ten days has passed over the road, but that a "large amount" of work still needs to be done to get the road in "good order."
April 27, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from April 27, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his feelings about the hard work he has done getting the road repaired and putting trains back on their regularly scheduled runs.
May 4, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from May 4, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family noting the executive committee's pleasure at the condition of the line. Reed mentions that he may be spending most of his future time in North Platte, given the expected arrival of a new general superintendent of construction.
© 2006–2017
All Rights Reserved
William G. Thomas
Copyright Statement