February 14, 1863
In this report of the Agricultural Committee to the House of Representatives, the importance of European immigration into the American West for the continued prosperity and growth of the nation is emphasized in a call for the establishment of an Emigration Bureau. Note the emphasis on the need for internal improvements (including the railroad) to facilitate the mobility of immigrants and agricultural products.
January 30, 1863
In this letter from January 30, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his young daughters, Anne and Mary, in response to a letter they penned to him. He encourages them to write to him on their own as often as they can, and tells them how much he wishes he could "travel as fast as my thougts" and come home to them.
January 25, 1863
In this letter from January 25, 1863, Erastus H. Reed, one of the enlisted brothers of Samuel Reed, writes home chastising his family for not answering his letters. He offers some details regarding the first fight his regiment engaged in and the damage it caused to the land, comparing the destruction it wrought to that of the tornado which hit Camanche, Iowa in 1860. He states that the things he saw made his "blood run cold" and believes that "if the feelings of officers & men wer consulted" the war would quickly be brought to an end, but ultimately the fate of the soldiers rests in the hands of "a few politicians at Washington."
January 18, 1863
In this letter from January 18, 1863, Jennie Reed writes to her husband, Samuel Reed, discussing various events at home. She tells him that her sister, who is visiting, cannot go home "with that land of savages at present." She also informs him that his enlisted brother, Erastus H. Reed, is still well after participating in the Battle of Stones River.
January 11, 1863
In this letter from January 11, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his work contracting "for wood timber and telegraph poles" along the railroad. He again requests information about Erastus H. Reed, his enlisted brother, fearing he may be among the list of those dead or wounded. He also asks for news regarding a family member named Marshall's "prison life in the south." Reed notes that his eyes have been troubling him, and that he may ask for a few days off if they do not get better soon.
January 4, 1863
In this letter from January 4, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife apologizing for not writing to her sooner, explaining that the end of the month is always a busy time for business. He describes his life as monotonous, and details his daily routine for her. Reed also expresses worry that Erastus H. Reed, his enlisted brother, may have been involved in recent battles near Murfreesboro, Tennessee and requests news regarding his status.
July 1, 1862
The mechanism for the creation of the Union Pacific Railroad Company, this document is a demonstration of the intricate relationship between the business of the railroad and the business of government and expansion.
March 6, 1862
In this letter from March 6, 1862, Sally A. Kendrick writes to Jennie Reed, wife of Samuel Reed, describing her work as a nurse for wounded soldiers at a hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. She expresses political beliefs similar to Samuel Reed as she discusses her hopes regarding the outcome of the war and as she laments the impending loss of her church's pastor due to offense he has given to a few "secessionists in the church."
September 22, 1861
In this letter from September 22, 1861, Anna R. Benedict writes to her brother, Samuel Reed, discussing the drop in prices for farm products as a result of the "national troubles." She states that it "scarce seems possible that this war can last very long." She notes that her family has been practicing the "strictest economy," but still needs to hire help to accomplish all that is necessary on the farm. She expresses surprise at Reed's claim that he has been doing all the farm work himself, but advises him not to sell pieces of his farmland until after the "present panics have passed over."
November 12, 1860
In this letter from November 12, 1860, William H. Seevers writes to Thomas M. Isett and William C. Brewster discussing the sale of their land near Oskaloosa, Iowa. He states that Reed was correct in his belief that "our land could not be avoided" by the railroad construction, but believes that they must also consider the desires of the stockholders.
October 26, 1860
In this letter from October 26, 1860, Thomas M. Isett and William C. Brewster write to Samuel Reed requesting that he travel to see to the possible sale of their land near Oskaloosa, Iowa to the Mahaska County Railroad Company. They note that "it is very important to have the station ground laid out to suit our land with a view of other Rail Roads," and believe Reed is the man to go as he knows "more about these things than we do."
October 22, 1860
In this letter from October 22, 1860, William H. Seevers continues his discussion with Thomas M. Isett and William C. Brewster regarding the sale of their land near Oskaloosa, Iowa for railroad use, stating that "the depot will no doubt be located this week."
October 18, 1860
In this letter from October 18, 1860, William H. Seevers writes to Thomas M. Isett and William C. Brewster regarding the sale of their land near Oskaloosa, Iowa for right-of-way and depot ground. He states that although the exact location of the railroad depot has yet to be determined, there is a strong probability "that it will go on our land" and asks them to send the necessary paperwork.
October 3, 1860
In this letter from October 3, 1860, Samuel Reed writes to his wife informing her that he has returned from his trip into the South. He tells her the engineer who promised him and John R. Boyle work was mistaken about the time it would be available and they do not know yet whether they will get it. He describes the wealth present in Vicksburg, Mississippi and states that he found it "very comfortable to have all the help wanted about a place and to feel that they are stationary and will not leave if any fault is found with them." He describes the slaves as "contented and happy," noting that they are better dressed than the laboring classes of the North. He also notes that Stephen A. Douglas is to speak in Chicago "and there will be a gathering of the people that will make the black Republicans quil in their shoes."
May 17, 1860
In this letter from May 17, 1860, Charles H. Abbott writes to Samuel Reed from Chicago recommending an acquaintance for employment as a farm hand. He also notes that "we are having great times here" on account of the Republican National Convention. He teases Reed about his support of Stephen A. Douglas, writing "come up and be converted to the true Republicans of /76 or will you wait to take the chances of the Little Giant at Baltimore."
1860
In this letter from April 1860, L.C. Dillaway writes to Jennie Reed discussing family news and some of the latest women's fashions available in Baltimore stores.
February 26, 1860
In this letter from February 26, 1860, Marion K. McMurphy writes to her brother, Erastus H. Reed, from Pontoosuc, Iowa discussing family news and the prospect of a railroad being built "from Appanoose to the junction or Burlington the coming summer." She states that she hopes the railroad will "make business a little more lively here as it is very dull on account of hard times in getting money."
January 2, 1860
In this letter from January 2, 1860, John R. Boyle writes to Samuel Reed from Iowa City, Iowa discussing the difficulty he is having finding profitable employment in the railroad business. He states that his brother in Massachusetts wrote him that the railroad company there "is very timid in letting their road [as] money is more scarce south than it has been." He writes that he does not believe very much of the road he is currently working on will be built the next summer, and states "I don't hear of a road to be let any place in the country."
1858
This is an image of the railroad and turnpike bridge over the Little Miami River at Miamiville, Ohio in The Book of the Great Railway Celebrations of 1857.
1858
This is an image of Wheeling, Ohio, the original terminus of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, in The Book of the Great Railway Celebrations of 1857.