June 12, 1864 | Letter
In this letter from June 12, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his first forty miles of surveying. Reed describes the high prices for various foodstuffs—including $14.00 for 100 pounds of flour—all of which were purchased from Mormons on the trail, by order of Brigham Young.
July 6, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from July 6, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the actions taken in response to his resignation. Sidney Dillon and Oliver Amos wish to retain Reed's services, and have worked to keep Reed as Construction Manager of the Union Pacific. Reed also mentions a workers' strike on the UP line, in which they demand $4 per day. He has sent troops "to enforce the orders and will starve them out unless they go to work."
July 30, 1868 | Letter
In this second letter from July 30, 1868, Samuel Reed updates his wife and family with news that he has been reappointed as General Superintendent and Engineer of Construction. He notes that "Division Superintendents receive orders from me on all matters pertaining to construction." Reed plans to get to business immediately, as "the company is straining every nerve to build as much road as it is in the power of man to do before connecting with the Central Pacific."
July 30, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from July 30, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the continuing negotiations over his position in the company. Reed speculates that he will be "fully sustained and have full power in the construction department."
July 30, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from July 30, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his return trip after leaving Chicago, where he was visiting his family. Reed apologizes to his wife for visiting "several" saloons and other "dens of vice and crime" in Julesburg after his return. He gives a detailed account of his activities, which illustrates the availability of such diversions along the western portion of the Union Pacific Railroad.
July 3, 1864 | Letter
In this letter from July 3, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his interactions with a small band of Utah Indians and their Chief, Sandpitz. The Indians are friendly, but in Reed's estimation, "are the greatest beggars imaginable." He also notes the progress of his survey, which is over difficult terrain, and expresses his fear that the entire party will strike for higher wages.
July 27, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from July 27, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his standing in the Union Pacific Railroad Company. Sidney Dillon and Thomas Durant "propose to continue me as General Superintendent of Construction," which Reed considers a satisfying resolution to the issue.
July 24, 1864 | Letter
In this letter from July 24, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family detailing the party's lack of food. He sent a team to Salt Lake City for provisions 8 days before, but they have not returned and the food has run out. Reed again describes his difficulties with workers striking for higher wages and shares plans for his upcoming three-day scouting trip.
July 15, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from July 15, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family telling of a trip into the western mountains. He gives a humorous description of Colonel Silas Seymour who, when mounted, would "hoist his umbrella" and follow the escort near the front of the column.
January 6, 1870 | Letter
In this January 6, 1870 letter, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family informing them that it will likely be some time before his accounts are settled and he can return home.
January 31, 1870 | Letter
In this January 31, 1870 letter, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family announcing that he will close his accounts on February 1st. He boasts that "there are no company books and vouchers in New York or Boston that are in as good shape as the construction accounts I return from the west."
January 31, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from January 27, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family letting them know that he will leave New York City that evening. He mentions that work on the railroad may not progress as quickly as the previous year because of a "difficulty in procuring the necessary funds to build the road."
January 28, 1870 | Letter
In this January 28, 1870 letter, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his work balancing construction accounts for the Union Pacific Railroad. He states that he "shall get clear of the U.P.R.R. Co. with a clean record as far as money accounts go." Reed continues to wait on his personal account, however.
January 27, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from January 27, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the decision of the Union Pacific Railroad's executive committee during their recent meetings. The committee "let" the contract to Credit Moblier from the 100th Meridian "to the base of the mountains." Reed also describes the recent decline of the stock market.
January 22, 1870 | Letter
In this January 22, 1870 letter, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing an outing to the museum at Harvard College, as he has yet to hear from the Union Pacific Company regarding his accounts.
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."
January 22, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from January 22, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the continuing internal debate over the future of the Union Pacific Railroad.
January 21, 1866 | Letter
In this letter from January 21, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his work pertaining to the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad. He also notes that he has been named the Superintendent of Construction, so he will not have to go west again on a surveying expedition.
January 20, 1870 | Letter
In this brief January 20, 1870 letter, a dejected Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family informing them that his accounts are still not settled. He admits that he is "heartily sick and tired of the unbusinesslike way in which I am treated and do not hesitate to let those who are here know the fact."
January 17, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from January 17, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing a "stormy meeting" of the Union Pacific Railroad's executive committee. He is fearful that "the progress of the road will be very much retarded" by proposed changes "in the mode of building the road."