© 2006–2017
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William G. Thomas
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August 14, 1869 | Letter
In this letter from August 14, 1869, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the meetings in Boston. Reed has little to do and longs to "get away from here soon."
August 16, 1869 | Letter
In this letter from August 16, 1869, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family complaining about the slow progress of meetings. He laments that "I could do more business in a single day than the combined wisdom of all the officers of the road in Boston."
August 17, 1869 | Letter
In this letter from August 17, 1869, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing a lawsuit brought by Captain Davis, a tie contractor, against the Union Pacific Railroad. Reed supports Davis, another victim of Thomas Durant's interference during construction.
August 28, 1869 | Letter
In this letter from August 28, 1869, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family noting that troubles are on the horizon for the Union Pacific. He describes the Railroad's worsening financial position and again expresses his wish to return home.
August 31, 1869 | Letter
In this letter from August 31, 1869, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing "warm times" regarding the Union Pacific Company's various debts. Reed notes obligations to Brigham Young and Captain Davis, but hopes to avoid all of the problems by leaving in the coming days, which he has been promised he could do.
September 1, 1869 | Letter
In this letter from September 1, 1869, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing more Union Pacific meetings. Reed expects to receive payment of $12,000 per year for his service, and he plans to go to New York "as soon as possible" to "settle all my accounts."
November 13, 1869 | Letter
In this November 13, 1869 letter, Samuel Reed writes to Brigham Young thanking him for his assistance during the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad.
December 3, 1869 | Letter
In this letter from December 3, 1869, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing affairs in Boston. Reed hopes for a "speedy closing up of my affairs."
December 6, 1869 | Letter
In this letter from December 6, 1869, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family announcing his expectation of settling his accounts within a few days.
December 9, 1869 | Letter
In this December 9, 1869 letter, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the Company's continuing delay in settling his affairs. He announces an upcoming trip and gives a positive outlook on the Union Pacific's financial situation.
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 13, 1870 | Letter
In this January 13, 1870 letter, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family informing them that it will be at least a week until his accounts are settled. He notes that other accounts are also being reviewed and that the New York office "has largely overpaid some parties."
January 16, 1870 | Letter
In this brief January 16, 1870 letter, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family announcing that Sidney Dillon wants him to go to Texas and survey 200 miles of road.
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 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 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 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."
February 3, 1870 | Letter
In this February 3, 1870 letter, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family announcing that his business with the Union Pacific will be settled the following day. He also notes that he knows "the exact cost of the road from Omaha to the end," but does not give the figure. He further states that Sidney Dillon continues to discuss Reed's work on a Texas road, but "I had much rather build one in Illinois if I can make arrangements with Mr. Mitchell."
February 8, 1870 | Letter
In this February 8, 1870 letter, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family from New York, having finished his business in Boston. His personal accounts are not yet settled, but Sidney Dillon has promised him that "they shall be this week and the balance remitted to me at Joliet," Illinois.
February 28, 1888 | Letter
Henry B. Stone, Master Mechanic for the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy, reflects on the costs in personnel and goodwill that are inevitable with a strike; he believes circumstances make it "simply impossible for the Company to yield to the demands which have been made."
© 2006–2017
All Rights Reserved
William G. Thomas
Copyright Statement