© 2006–2017
All Rights Reserved
William G. Thomas
Copyright Statement
April 7, 1866 | Letter
In this letter from April 7, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to Thomas C. Durant, Vice President of the Union Pacific Railroad, informing him that he is sending the "report of surveys on the Pacific slope in 1865," with the profiles to follow the next week. He gives a summary of the work done on the railroad since he last wrote Durant, noting that "we have more than one hundred thousand ties on the line of the road." He asks if he should close a contract for another 50,000 ties.
June 21, 1866 | Letter
In this letter from June 21, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to Thomas C. Durant, Vice President of the Union Pacific Railroad, discussing a bill received from Dunbar and O'Hanlon. He states that the only items on the bill which should be paid are those for siding and flooring work done on a mill to be used by contractors building the railroad. The other charges should not be allowed, Reed argues, because the mill was returned to the railroad contractors by Dunbar and O'Hanlon in disrepair, costing the railroad at least $7,500 to put it back "in working order."
July 10, 1866 | Letter
In this letter from July 10, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to Thomas C. Durant, Vice President of the Union Pacific Railroad, listing the engineers assigned to each construction task on the line.
July 18, 1866 | Letter
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."
July 27, 1866 | Letter
In this letter from July 27, 1866, Benjamin F. Bunker writes to Samuel Reed regarding payment for a railroad ticket for a Mr. A.B. Clemons, who was returning to work in Omaha. He requests that Reed charge Mr. Clemons' account $45.99 for the ticket, deduct that amount on his first pay day, and credit the same amount to Assistant Treasurer H.C. Crane.
August 1, 1866 | Letter
In this letter from August 1, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing a recent trip to the west. He explored the country south of the Platte River looking for cedar timbers to use as railroad ties for the Union Pacific road. Reed met Jack Morrow, a wealthy rancher, and purchased $4,000 worth of ties from him.
August 14, 1866 | Letter
In this letter from August 14, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to Thomas C. Durant, Vice President of the Union Pacific Railroad, updating him on the status of several aspects of the railroad construction. He calls Durant's attention to the fact that work on the bridge at North Platte, Nebraska needs to be commenced as soon as possible in order to have it finished by the time the track is laid to that point. He states that the grading is being done as quickly as possible and "40 miles will be completed by the first day of Sept. unless we have another strike among the men." Reed also notes that work on the car shop and road house at Omaha is progressing slowly, as strikes have been occurring among the laborers and masons.
August 16, 1866 | Letter
In this letter from August 16, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the heat and lack of rainfall. Reed notes that no rain has fallen in Omaha for more than six weeks. He also mentions an upcoming party for Lieutenant General Sherman in which Reed has been invited to attend.
September 17, 1866 | Letter
In this letter from September 17, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to Thomas C. Durant, Vice President of the Union Pacific Railroad, describing the progress of the work on the line. He calls Durant's attention to several aspects of the construction which require his immediate attention and approval. Reed states that the work will only be completed on schedule if "the men imployed on the work are not molested by the Indians," and notes that "a few days since Dr. Peck lost 98 mules 50 miles from the west end of the work." Reed fears a raid, and says he is doing all he can to get troops on the line to protect the workmen.
September 23, 1866 | Letter
In this letter from September 23, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing an upcoming visit by Thomas C. Durant, Vice-President of the Union Pacific Railroad. Reed also notes that he plans to go west soon and will be gone for most of the week, which he hopes will be his last trip for the season.
September 24, 1866 | Letter
In this letter from September 24, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to Thomas C. Durant, Vice President of the Union Pacific Railroad, informing him that he is leaving Omaha to oversee the work on the bridge in North Platte, Nebraska. Reed states that the grading work will be completed on time and will not delay the laying of track, but he fears it will be impossible to complete the bridge before the track reaches it.
November 29, 1866 | Letter
In this letter from November 29, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to Thomas C. Durant, Vice President of the Union Pacific Railroad, informing him that he has recovered from his severe illness and will be departing for his home in Joliet, Illinois soon. He expresses regret that he was unable to devote his personal attention to the construction of the bridge at North Platte, Nebraska, noting that it could have been completed in time and not delayed the laying of track. Reed also states that "the Indian scene and severe storms" have driven most of the men off the line and delayed the grading work, but assures Durant he is doing everything he can to push the work forward as quickly as possible.
January 15, 1867 | Letter
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."
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."
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 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 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."
February 13, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from February 13, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family letting them know that he has arrived in Omaha after a long journey from New York City.
February 26, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from February 26, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family in Illinois describing the recent delay in mail service due to a severe winter storm stopping traffic on the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad.
March 25, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from March 25, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the effects of another severe winter storm in Nebraska. He mentions that he has six locomotives on the east side of the frozen Missouri River and "would not hesitate to cross them on the ice if we needed their services."
© 2006–2017
All Rights Reserved
William G. Thomas
Copyright Statement