© 2006–2017
All Rights Reserved
William G. Thomas
Copyright Statement
December 24, 1864 | Annual report
In this December 24, 1864 report, Samuel B. Reed describes his surveys and explorations of the land from Green River, Utah to Salt Lake City. He gives his recommendations for the route of the Union Pacific Railroad line, including the availability of timber for railroad ties and coal to power the locomotives.
January 13, 1865 | Letter
In this short letter from January 13, 1865, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his work schedule and informs them that he hopes to head west again before March 1.
April 10, 1865 | Letter
In this letter from April 10, 1865, Samuel Reed writes to Thomas C. Durant, Vice President of the Union Pacific Railroad, requesting that he talk with General Dix, President of the Union Pacific Railroad, and settle the question of an increase in pay for Reed for the previous year's services. Reed tells Durant that Mrs. Reed is authorized to sign a voucher for the amount of $490 "if you will send her the money."
April 12, 1865 | Letter
In this letter from April 12, 1865, Artemus J. Mathewson writes to Samuel Reed following a return from a trip to New York . He states that "the committees had not met and dissolved and others had met & they were meeting nearly every day." He discusses some survey maps and profiles he presented to them and repeatedly asks Reed come visit him, seeming anxious to discuss the matter in person. Mathewson rewrote and extended this letter the next day.
April 13, 1865 | Letter
In this letter from April 13, 1865, Artemus J. Mathewson writes to Samuel Reed describing a taxing visit to New York , during which he was required to draw and shade profiles of the work done on the railroad the previous summer in the mountains of Utah. He notes that he repaired some of Reed's survey tools, and asks Reed to write a letter on his behalf to Thomas C. Durant requesting reimbursement for the "expense of the luxury" of room and board Mathewson incurred during his illness in Utah. He tells Reed he is uncertain that he will be able to accompany him "out on that miserable desert" for the next season's work.
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.
May 14, 1865 | Letter
In this short letter from May 14, 1865, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his arrangements to leave Omaha at 8:00 p.m. that evening with two assistants. His bill for the stage is an exorbitant $1,200.
May 21, 1865 | Letter
In this letter from May 21, 1865, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family noting their arrival in Denver after a week-long stagecoach ride. Reed notes the ample evidence of Indian attacks along the route.
June 4, 1865 | Letter
In this letter from June 4, 1865, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his preparations to start another survey the following morning. Reed outlines his potential route and notes the inexperience of his crew, as most of his previous group found other employment. He also details an upcoming Indian gathering, featuring all of the tribes in the vicinity of Salt Lake and Brigham Young.
July 8, 1865 | Letter
In this letter from July 8, 1865, Jennie Reed, wife of Samuel Reed, writes to Thomas C. Durant, Vice President of the Union Pacific Railroad, reminding him of the matter of money due to her husband for an increase in salary for the previous year's services. She states, "if you can give the subject your earliest attention I shall be truly obliged for the favor."
August 31, 1865 | Payroll
This blacksmith's payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that C. H. Grenz spent repairing rail cars, tools and engines and details the compensation he received in Knoxville, Tennessee.
August 31, 1865 | Payroll
This machinist's payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that H. N. Walker spent working on various engines and details the compensation he received.
August 31, 1865 | Payroll
This blacksmith's payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that J. F. Gee spent repairing rail cars and details the compensation he received in Knoxville, Tennessee.
August 31, 1865 | Payroll
This payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that James Darnell spent helping to repair rail cars and engines and details the compensation he received in Knoxville, Tennessee.
August 31, 1865 | Payroll
This machinist's payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that Jno. Kershaw spent working on various engines and details the compensation he received while working in Knoxville, Tennessee.
August 31, 1865 | Payroll
This machinist's payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that Jon Chester spent working on various engines and details the compensation he received while working in Knoxville, Tennessee.
August 31, 1865 | Payroll
This junior machinist's payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that L. Kershaw spent working on engines and at various other tasks and details the compensation he received at Knoxville, Tennessee.
August 31, 1865 | Payroll
This machinist's payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that L. Maguire spent working on various engines and details the compensation he received.
August 31, 1865 | Payroll
This packer's payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that M. Murphy spent working at various "general" tasks and details the compensation he received at Knoxville, Tennessee.
August 31, 1865 | Payroll
This machinist's payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that M. O'Hara spent working on various engines and details the compensation he received.
© 2006–2017
All Rights Reserved
William G. Thomas
Copyright Statement