© 2006–2017
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William G. Thomas
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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.
April 10, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from April 10, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the work on the Union Pacific Railroad line. His workers have completed the track to within one mile of the Dale Creek bridge and will have the bridge finished within a week. Reed is quite busy as Sydney Dillon, Thomas C. Durant, and others will arrive to inspect the line next week.
April 15, 1864 | Letter
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.
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, 1864 | Letter
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.
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 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 20, 1865 | Letter
In this letter from April 20, 1865, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the difficulty of traveling by stagecoach and mentions that he heard the news of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination. Reed notes that their party was the first to inform many people of the President's death. He also describes a memorial service in Omaha, NE.
April 23, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from April 23, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his progress on the Union Pacific line.
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.
April 27, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from April 27, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his frustration over the start of "so much new work" while trying to manage the existing construction.
April 28, 1864 | Letter
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.
April 5, 1864 | Letter
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.
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.
August 1, 1866 | Letter
In this letter from August 1, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing a recent trip to the west. He explored the country south of the Platte River looking for cedar timbers to use as railroad ties for the Union Pacific road. Reed met Jack Morrow, a wealthy rancher, and purchased $4,000 worth of ties from him.
August 14, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from August 14, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family asking Mrs. Reed, who lives in Chicago , to meet Mark L. Seymour, a cousin of Colonel Silas Seymour, and join him on a trip to Reed's headquarters at the end of the Union Pacific line.
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 15, 1864 | Letter
In this letter from August 15, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his difficulties in surveying the route for the Union Pacific Railroad line, including the high cost of food. He mentions that the party spent four days in country with no drinkable water. Despite these hardships, Reed and his party have finished their first survey and are returning to Salt Lake City.
August 16, 1866 | Letter
In this letter from August 16, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the heat and lack of rainfall. Reed notes that no rain has fallen in Omaha for more than six weeks. He also mentions an upcoming party for Lieutenant General Sherman in which Reed has been invited to attend.
© 2006–2017
All Rights Reserved
William G. Thomas
Copyright Statement