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  • | Time Table

    Orange and Alexandria Line "Irregular" Timetable

    This "irregular" timetable, published by the United States Military Railroads department, shows arrival and departure times on the Orange and Alexandria Line for "The Government of Operatives Only."

  • | Newspaper

    Mr. Whitney's Railroad

    Asa Whitney's plans for a transcontinetal railroad were met alternately with scorn and acclaim. Whitney anticipated a United States as the central point for international trade; harbors on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts would be fed by rail lines criss-crossing the country, moving goods for import and export easily across country.

  • | Letter

    Attorney General W.P. Bocark's Opinion Regarding the Bureau of Public Works' Liability for Slaves Killed on Blue Ridge Railroad, November 1, 1854

    When two slaves were killed on the Blue Ridge Tunnel project, slaveholders held the Virginia Board of Public Works, which had hired slaves through contractors, liable for the losses. Affidavits were taken on the value of the slaves, their character and history. The Attorney General of Virginia, W. P. Bocock, ruled that whether the slaves were killed on the Virginia Central Rail Road Co. or the Blue Ridge project was immaterial, and that the Board of Public Works was liable for reasonable compensation to the slaveholders.

  • | Letter

    Letter from A. O. Patterson to Samuel B. Reed, January 25, 1860

    In this letter from January 25, 1860, A. O. Patterson writes to Samuel Reed discussing difficulties with the Muscatine branch of the State Bank of Iowa, which Patterson managed along with his partners J. W. Dutton and Reed's good friend Charles H. Abbott. Patterson states that he will have to "commence anew," and tells Reed he wishes he would "sell out & go with me to a warmer country." He also states that he believes a grant to the Mississippi and Missouri Railroad is in danger of being forfeited "on account of not having 75 miles done."

  • | Letter

    Letter from John R. Boyle to Samuel B. Reed, April 30 1860

    In this letter from April 30, 1860, John R. Boyle writes to Samuel Reed stating that the prospects for railroad work west of Iowa City, Iowa do not look good for the season. He notes that the governor of Missouri vetoed a state bill which had appropriated four or five million dollars "to finish up some of those roads now only part finished," and concludes "R Roading seems to be dead." He asks Reed to let him know if he hears of any work.

  • Letter from Charles H. Abbott to Samuel B. Reed, May 17, 1860

    In this letter from May 17, 1860, Charles H. Abbott writes to Samuel Reed from Chicago recommending an acquaintance for employment as a farm hand. He also notes that "we are having great times here" on account of the Republican National Convention. He teases Reed about his support of Stephen A. Douglas, writing "come up and be converted to the true Republicans of /76 or will you wait to take the chances of the Little Giant at Baltimore."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Charles H. Abbott to Samuel B. Reed, July 6, 1860

    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.

  • | Illustration

    An "After Donkey Engine"

    This image from the August 11, 1860 issue of Harper's Weekly offers a cartoonist's rendering of the misleading term "AfterDonkey Engine."

  • Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, October 3, 1860

    In this letter from October 3, 1860, Samuel Reed writes to his wife informing her that he has returned from his trip into the South. He tells her the engineer who promised him and John R. Boyle work was mistaken about the time it would be available and they do not know yet whether they will get it. He describes the wealth present in Vicksburg, Mississippi and states that he found it "very comfortable to have all the help wanted about a place and to feel that they are stationary and will not leave if any fault is found with them." He describes the slaves as "contented and happy," noting that they are better dressed than the laboring classes of the North. He also notes that Stephen A. Douglas is to speak in Chicago "and there will be a gathering of the people that will make the black Republicans quil in their shoes."

  • Pacific Railway Act of 1862

    The mechanism for the creation of the Union Pacific Railroad Company, this document is a demonstration of the intricate relationship between the business of the railroad and the business of government and expansion.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • | Book

    The Congressional Globe [excerpts]

    In these excerpts from a Senate debate over regulations for a District of Columbia street railroad, many typical arguments for and against public segregation are aired in language that also reveals attitudes towards race and equality as the Civil War continued.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, April 20, 1865

    In this letter from April 20, 1865, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the difficulty of traveling by stagecoach and mentions that he heard the news of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination. Reed notes that their party was the first to inform many people of the President's death. He also describes a memorial service in Omaha, NE.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Danforth H. Ainsworth to Samuel B. Reed, June 16, 1865

    In this letter from June 16, 1865, Danforth H. Ainsworth writes to Samuel Reed describing the progress of the Union Pacific Railroad construction in and around Omaha, Nebraska. He states that unwillingness on the part of the President and the Secretary of the Interior to approve a change of the line to Mud Creek caused quite a bit of excitement in Omaha, noting that "the Omahas were pretty thoroughly frightened, and for a few days Bellevue stock had an upward tendency." Ainsworth also tells Reed that he wrote to Mrs. Reed to tell her "she might consider you beyond danger from indians, at least on your trip to Salt Lake."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, July 18, 1866

    In this letter from July 18, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing a fierce political fight involving Thomas C. Durant and George Francis Train of the Union Pacific Railroad. Their larger-than-life personalities cause Reed to comment that "one stage coach or steam boat could not hold two such men."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, January 15, 1867

    In this letter from January 15, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his desire, but his inability, to go west soon. He mentions that the Union Pacific's directors continue to talk about the possibility of bridging the Missouri River between Omaha and Council Bluffs, but "there has been nothing done yet about settling the question."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, January 17, 1867

    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."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, January 22, 1867

    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.