© 2006–2017
All Rights Reserved
William G. Thomas
Copyright Statement
April 2, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from April 2, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing contracts with Boyd & Reed and I. H. Lacy to construct ten miles of road each. Upon completion of their contracts, the Union Pacific Railroad will reach 400 miles, or 25 miles west of Julesburg, Colorado.
April 5, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from April 5, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the expected arrival of Union Pacific Vice-President Thomas Durant. Reed also notes an attempt by a representative of Ames & Company to overhaul the construction department's books and vouchers.
April 18, 1867
In this letter from April 18, 1867, Jennie Reed writes to her husband, Samuel Reed, on the eve of the anniversary of their wedding day telling him how much she misses him. She insists he be careful about his health and write to her more often.
April 18, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from April 18, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing a trip to the western end of the line. He details his attempts to "put the road in order" following a recent flood of the Platte River and its tributaries. Reed laments that it will cost above $50,000 and be "ten or twelve days before I can get a train over the road."
April 19, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from April 19, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the recent flooding on the Platte River and his attempts to get the road repaired by the following week, when the Union Pacific's executive committee will arrive to inspect it.
April 25, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from April 25, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family with mixed feelings, noting that the first train in ten days has passed over the road, but that a "large amount" of work still needs to be done to get the road in "good order."
April 27, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from April 27, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his feelings about the hard work he has done getting the road repaired and putting trains back on their regularly scheduled runs.
May 4, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from May 4, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family noting the executive committee's pleasure at the condition of the line. Reed mentions that he may be spending most of his future time in North Platte, given the expected arrival of a new general superintendent of construction.
May 6, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from May 6, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the unrest among members of the Union Pacific Railroad's executive committee. Following their inspection of the line, they "broke up in a row" and thus, "no work has been let west of the fourth hundred and will not be until they come to some agreement."
May 8, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from May 8, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family letting them know that he will be relocating to North Platte.
May 14, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from May 14, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing recent Indian attacks near Julesburg, Nebraska. He also mentions that since the railroad has been completed from Omaha, NE to North Platte, his only concern will be with the new construction to the west. The eastern section will be "the same to me as any foreign road."
May 23, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from May 23, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his new office in North Platte, NE. He also mentions the "troublesome" Indian situation, lamenting that the government "does not give us sufficient protection."
May 27, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from May 27, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the arrival of the Union Pacific's commissioners and their acceptance of 40 more miles of road. He again notes the Indian troubles, which have become such a hindrance that "unless we get more government protection the work may be suspended."
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.
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.
August 6, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from August 6, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing various business items regarding Union Pacific Railroad construction. He also mentions that several of the railroad's "best men" have recently died, due to illness or Indian attacks.
August 15, 1867
In this letter from August 15, 1867, Mina writes to her sister Jennie Reed, wife of Samuel Reed, discussing her experiences working in Atlanta, Georgia. She states that her pay for the last month was only twenty dollars, as she was only in Atlanta for eleven days. She tells Jennie Reed that she will write to a Mr. Knowlton the next week regarding a railway pass, and hopes to "get up home in a week or two."
August 31, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from August 31, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his success in getting bridge timber and noting the extreme heat in Julesburg, which reached 120 degrees in the sun.
September 19, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from September 19, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing Colonel Silas Seymour's attempt to delay construction of the railroad, in order to "injure someone's reputation." Reed states that he has written to the directors in New York City in support of General Grenville Dodge, who is Col. Seymour's target.
September 22, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from September 22, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his desire to resign his position and return home to Chicago. He is sick of the "wild life" and "untold dangers seen and unseen."
© 2006–2017
All Rights Reserved
William G. Thomas
Copyright Statement