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  • | 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."

  • | 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.

  • | 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."

  • | 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.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, April 5, 1864

    In this letter from April 5, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his tiresome travel from Grinnell, Iowa via stage and discusses his coming work.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, April 15, 1864

    In this letter from April 15, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the difficult terrain he will survey and notes the potential danger from Indians.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, April 19, 1864

    In this letter from April 19, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing how the numerous gold-seekers heading west from Omaha make travel difficult and expensive.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, April 28, 1864

    In this letter from April 28, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his orders to leave for Atchison, Kansas on the first boat.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, May 3, 1864

    In this letter from May 3, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his upcoming trip to Salt Lake City via the Overland Stage. He notes that in Atchison he has seen many runaway slaves from Missouri. This letter also includes Reed's instructions from Peter Dey in the Engineer's Office.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, May 8, 1864

    In this letter from May 8, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the difficulty in arranging travel due to the gold-seekers and notes the exceptionally high stage coach fares.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, May 21, 1864

    In this letter from May 21, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his travel from Atchison, Kansas to Salt Lake City. He spent thirteen days and nights on the stage coach with nine other passengers and describes the weather and terrain he encountered.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, May 26, 1864

    In this letter from May 26, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the pleasant condition of Salt Lake City and its exceptional organization.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, June 7, 1864

    In this letter from June 7, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his first few days of work surveying a route for the Union Pacific railroad. He comments on his living quarters, bed, and food.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, June 12, 1864

    In this letter from June 12, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his first forty miles of surveying. Reed describes the high prices for various foodstuffs—including $14.00 for 100 pounds of flour—all of which were purchased from Mormons on the trail, by order of Brigham Young.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, June 18, 1864

    In this letter from June 18, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family detailing the difficulty of the terrain. In three weeks he has only surveyed 24 miles. Reed also notes the pleasant climate, comments on the price of gold, and describes a few of the men in his party.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, June 26, 1864

    In this letter from June 26, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his hard work over the previous week. Reed also mentions the recent change in his diet, as he caught two brook trout and another member of the party shot an antelope.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, June 29, 1864

    In this letter from June 29, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing a strike among his workers. He notes that the men have agreed to keep working until he receives a message from Salt Lake City. Reed again notes the high food prices, though they have plenty to eat.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, July 3, 1864

    In this letter from July 3, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his interactions with a small band of Utah Indians and their Chief, Sandpitz. The Indians are friendly, but in Reed's estimation, "are the greatest beggars imaginable." He also notes the progress of his survey, which is over difficult terrain, and expresses his fear that the entire party will strike for higher wages.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Adna Anderson to Daniel Craig McCallum, July 12, 1864

    A report about the state of the railroads around Nashville in the wake of ongoing guerilla destruction.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, July 24, 1864

    In this letter from July 24, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family detailing the party's lack of food. He sent a team to Salt Lake City for provisions 8 days before, but they have not returned and the food has run out. Reed again describes his difficulties with workers striking for higher wages and shares plans for his upcoming three-day scouting trip.