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June 7, 1863 | Letter
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, June 7, 1863
In this letter from June 7, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife upon learning of the death of family friend Charles H. Abbott in the war. He notes the heavy losses of Union troops and, referencing Vicksburg, states that hundreds more are added each day. He tells his wife that after the directors of the railroad meet on the 17th of June, he will "know what to do about remaining on the road." Reed also describes an unexpected encounter with three "contrabands from Arkansas" while scouting timberland for purchase.
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1863 | Photograph
Depot at Hannover Junction, PA
Northern railroad stations became places to gather for news and information. President Abraham Lincoln passed through Hanover Junction in November 1863 on his way to Gettysburg for the opening of the national cemetery. Crowds gathered to meet the president.
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May 11, 1863
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, May 11, 1863
In this letter from May 11, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing the difficult work of the past week. He details his trips up the Mississippi, Skunk, and Iowa Rivers in search of timber for railroad ties, stating that his party is heading out again that day and will make use of a steamboat to make the trip up the Mississippi easier. He also notes that Mr. Thielsen has requested a railroad pass for her to come to Burlington, Iowa with and that it should be arriving soon. Commenting on the "battle and defeat" on the Potomac, Reed asks "will the administration ever be satisfied with shedin [the] blood of our countrymen?"
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May 3, 1863 | Letter
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, May 3, 1863
In this letter from May 3, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife asking when she will come to Burlington, Iowa to visit him and possibly pick up a relative. He states that he may not be able to leave for a visit home that month, but will send her a railroad pass over the Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad "as soon as one can be obtained from Chicago."
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May 1, 1863 | Government report
Testimony of Major Erasmus L. Wentz, Superintendent of Norfolk and Petersburg R.R
Major Erasmus L. Wentz, supervising work on the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad, testifies as to the quality of contraband labor over that of Irish workers. Wentz notes that the contrabands work for less pay.
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April 28, 1863
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, April 28, 1863
In this letter from April 28, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife after a visit home telling her that he does not enjoy life away from his family and that "want of money is the only thing that keeps me from resigning my place here and going home." He offers his advice on some family financial matters, and notes that their purchase of land in Oskaloosa, Iowa will soon be worth "all we paid for it." Reed also requests information on the Hayer trial, stating that "even the war news are not looked for with more anxiety than the testimony in the Hayer trial."
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April 13, 1863
Letter from Cordelia L. Bailey to Jennie Reed, April 13, 1863
In this letter from April 13, 1863, Cordelia L. Bailey writes to Jennie Reed, wife of Samuel Reed, discussing her anxieties about her enlisted son Walter. She states that he was in such poor condition upon returning from the South that she encouraged him to remain at home, even at the risk of being charged with desertion. Worry over his arrest prompted her to attempt to obtain his discharge. She also writes that because the government is employing all the domestics in sewing, soon "housekeepers will all be compelled to employ the Contrabands."
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April 9, 1863
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, April 9, 1863
In this letter from April 9, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife informing her that he has just learned that he will not be able to start for home that evening as he had planned. A man from Chicago who was supposed to have come the previous week had just arrived to begin making improvements to the truss bridges and Reed must stay to oversee the work. He states that he hopes to leave for a visit home by the very end of the week.
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April 2, 1863
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, April 2, 1863
In this letter from April 2, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife to tell her that he is attempting to get through the business of the previous month so that he can come home for a visit, noting that it will likely take him at least another week to complete the work.
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March 28, 1863 | Photograph
Wrecking train and gang clearing wreck
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March 22, 1863
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, March 22, 1863
In this letter from March 22, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife noting that the government has procured control of all steamboats on the Mississippi River. He believes many will be lost once they are sent up small rivers and the water levels fall, and laments that railroads cannot "be conveniently taken south to help whip the rebels." Reed also complains about the rise in prices and the fact that work on the western road cannot be commenced until the next season as two of the railroad's largest investors have gone to Europe before examining the work estimates. He closes with remarks about how difficult it is to be parted from loved ones for so long and "with such small pay."
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March 15, 1863
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Children, 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.
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March 8, 1863 | Letter
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, March 8, 1863
In this letter from March 8, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing how busy he has been preparing "the estimates for the western work." He notes the lack of available laborers and expects the situation to grow worse if the government calls for more troops (which he believes it should). He also states, however, that there has been a decrease in business over the past month and that they have been "discharging quite a number of men" as a result. Reed also describes accounts he has seen of rioting in Detroit, and details similar civil disobedience which took place recently in Keokuk, Iowa. He expresses fear of the possibility of "military despotism."
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March 7, 1863 | Illustration
Pickets of the 1st Louisiana ?Native Guard? Guarding the New Orleans, Opelousas and Great Western Railroad
United States Colored Troops (U.S.C.T.) recruiters in 1863 fanned out along the railroads, especially in Tennessee, stopping at depots along the route to sign up soldiers. Over 180,000 black men volunteered and enlisted for service in the U.S.C.T. Both white regiments and U.S.C.T. units found themselves guarding railroads and watching for guerrillas.
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March 2, 1863
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, March 2, 1863
In this letter from March 2, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife expressing concern over the appearance of cannon in Joliet, Illinois and the potential violation of "the liberties of the people." He describes the political climate in Burlington, Iowa as "not as pleasant as I could wish," and is particularly disturbed by the wholesale treatment of Democrats as traitors. Reed also details his tiresome trip back to Burlington, and notes a reminiscence of "old times and troubles on the M. & M. R.R." resulting from an impromptu visit from a Mr. Rheinhart.
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February 14, 1863
Homestead Act
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.
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January 30, 1863
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Children, 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.
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January 25, 1863
Letter from Erastus H. Reed, 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."
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January 23, 1863 | Letter
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, January 23, 1863
In this letter from January 23, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife apologizing for not writing her sooner and lists the reasons that he has little time to spare. He also notes that a telegram has been received which announces that "a great battle is raging in Virginia" and wonders how much longer the war will last.
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January 19, 1863 | Letter
Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, January 19, 1863
In this letter from January 19, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife telling her of the death of a brakeman due to a fall from one of the railroad cars. He also describes his encounter with several female relatives who hope to visit the family in Joliet, Illinois.
