October 2, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from October 2, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family noting that his work is right on schedule, but that no more track can be laid until the New York office sends out more splice joints.
October 5, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from October 5, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the upcoming arrival of a delegation of newspaper editors. He hopes that the Indians will give them a scare, as "it may do them some good and afford us some amusement."
October 21, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from October 21, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his trip to the mountains with the delegation of newspaper editors, noting that "such a set of ninnies I never saw on the plains." Reed also reflects on the magnitude of the work on the Union Pacific line and suggests that few appreciate the difficulty of their efforts.
October 23, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from October 23, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the "big row" being made by Colonel Silas Seymour.
December 27, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from December 27, 1867, Grenville Dodge writes to Samuel Reed, affirming his support for Reed's work. Dodge states that Reed has been blamed for the construction problems in 1867 "when you ought not to be." He also advises Reed to "steer clear of New York complications" during construction in the upcoming season.
December 30, 1867
In this letter from December 30, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to Henry Crane advising him of changes to the schedule of production and shipment of railroad ties. He also discusses moving teams of workers to different sections of the line as a means to ensure that work will be completed in time to lay track in the spring.
December 30, 1867
In this letter from December 30, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to Henry Crane informing him of botched contract work east of Cheyenne. He explains what work should have been done, the work that was done, and the difference in cost to the company.
December 31, 1867
In this letter from December 31, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to Henry Crane regarding the status of payments for contract work done on truss bridges.
December 31, 1867
In this letter from December 31, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to Henry Crane describing the progress of the erection of telegraph lines near Saunders, Nebraska. He states that he cannot find anyone to do the grading work west of the Little Laramie River "at 30¢," as many who have been doing the grading over the past season have left the area for the winter. He recommends his friend John Boyle for the contract, if Boyle will agree to do the work at the rate of thirty cents.
1868 | Photograph
This is a photograph of a Union Pacific Railroad engineering camp in Weber Canyon, Utah in 1868.
January 11, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from January 11, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family and describes being caught in a severe snow storm. He also notes that "bridge matters are progressing well" and that he has received a letter from Grenville Dodge, in which the General declares his support for Reed.
January 14, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from January 14, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the heavy snowfall in the timber-cutting areas, which makes it "impossible to haul much material." Reed hopes that this will not delay the delivery of ties for spring construction of the Union Pacific line.
January 22, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from January 22, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the formation and actions of a "vigilance committee" in Cheyenne, Wyoming. This group captured three robbers and hung them without a trial. Reed claims that he "does not uphold such proceedings," but that "in these cases it is the best thing that could be done."
February 16, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from February 16, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his preparations for the upcoming building season and his favorable position within the company. He writes that he receives all orders from the company secretary and "no person has any right to dictate to or order me to do this or that." Reed also notes that his salary for the upcoming year will be $10,000 to $12,000.
March 4, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from March 4, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his arrival in Cheyenne, Wyoming once again.
March 15, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from March 15, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the progress on the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad line.
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 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 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.
May 5, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from May 5, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing an upcoming trip to Fort Saunders, via Salt Lake City.