July 6, 1860 | Letter
In this letter from July 6, 1860, Charles H. Abbott writes to Samuel Reed discussing the completion of the harvest and the prices of crops. He states that he heard Reed "had a great time at the Douglass celebration at Joliet [Illinois]," and teases him about the fact that the Joliet state prisoners also strongly supported Douglas in a mock election.
August 12, 1862 | Letter
In this letter from August 12, 1862, Jennie Reed writes to her husband, Samuel Reed, from their home in Joliet, Illinois regarding rumors of a "large guerilla force near Hanibal" [Illinois]. She worries that Samuel may be "captured or killed or carried away a prisoner" and asks him to write her more often to reassure her of his safety. She also discusses the possibility of a draft and the harvesting and sale of the crops on their farm.
August 9, 1863 | Letter
In this letter from August 9, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife that he may be able to return home for a visit by the end of the week. He notes that Mr. Boyle is "getting along finely with his work," has 150 men employed, and hopes to be finished before the winter frosts. Reed also details a "rebellion" in Keokuk County, Iowa.
August 16, 1863 | Letter
In this letter from August 16, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife expressing regret that he could not return home for a visit the previous week. He describes the intolerably hot weather in Burlington, Iowa, and compares it to the climate of Vicksburg, Mississippi. He also notes that his enlisted brother, Erastus, is still doing well and hopes "he may escape the many dangers incident to a soldier's life."
August 30, 1863 | Letter
In this letter from August 30, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife after a visit home telling her how homesick he is and how busy he has been since his return to Burlington, Iowa. He notes that he met a Captain Mundore on his return trip through Chicago and plans to "write to him about a situation nearer home," though he has little faith in succeeding.
September 6, 1863 | Letter
In this letter from September 6, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing the extent of frost damage to crops in Iowa. He tells her he is "very anxious to know how much damage has been done in [the] vicinity of Joliet and especially on the farm."
September 13, 1863 | Letter
In this letter from September 13, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife repeating his request for information regarding the frost damage to crops on their farm in Joliet, Illinois. He notes that lately he has been in charge of the movement of trains, in addition to his regular duties, as "all in authority above me are absent." He also states that it now appears possible that there will be new work on the railroad in the fall. He expects to receive instructions to "let the first division of the road west of Ottumwa [Iowa] which will include the bridge over the Des Moines River which will cost about 70,000 dollars and will be a fine chance to display engineering skill."
October 5, 1878 | Letter
In a letter dated October 5, 1878, B.F. Noble writes to George P. Cather from Franklin County, Ohio, about the relative quality of the land available in Nebraska. Noble particularly wants land "within 2 or 3 miles of Railroad and Church." He indicates that his interest in Nebraska land was spurred by publications put forth by a railroad company.
December 23, 1878 | Letter
On December 23, 1878 D.F. Vanniss informs George P. Cather of a death in his family delaying his trip to Nebraska. Vanniss wants to purchase a productive 160 acres of railroad land and asks Cather if he can buy it before he arrives to ensure that it is not sold to someone else. He tells Cather that he plans to make Webster County his new home, and wonders about the possibility of growing fruit in Nebraska-requesting that Cather send him a report of the temperature on New Year's Day.
1882 | Pamphlet
This translation of an 1882 German language document published by the Burlington Railroad Land Commissioner has an index of Nebraska land agents, describes the lands available for purchase, and presents a list of 12 advantages to living in the Nebraska. The railroad also touts its role in settling the region, noting that it "open[s] the land, develop[s] traffic with the rest of the world, and connect[s] resident[s] to the marketplace". It also claims that "the progress in this region has been remarkable since the building of the Burlington road ten years ago, the district has been rapidly populated with the best and solidest class of immigrant", showing both the railroad companies' targeting of immigrants as land buyers and their perception of their role in settling the Plains.