January 17, 1866 | Letter
In this letter from January 17, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing the quietness of the office since the "notables" of the Union Pacific, who had been there observing construction and planning, have "left for the east."
January 19, 1863 | Letter
In this letter from January 19, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife telling her of the death of a brakeman due to a fall from one of the railroad cars. He also describes his encounter with several female relatives who hope to visit the family in Joliet, Illinois.
January 23, 1863 | Letter
In this letter from January 23, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife apologizing for not writing her sooner and lists the reasons that he has little time to spare. He also notes that a telegram has been received which announces that "a great battle is raging in Virginia" and wonders how much longer the war will last.
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, 1862 | Letter
In this letter from July 27, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife from Ottumwa, Iowa describing the difficulties of running lines through the "rough and brushy country" of the state with a party of eight men who are "entirely unused to the business." He writes that he hopes conditions will be more favorable further from the Des Moines River or else the work will last into the winter. Reed states that were it "not for the few dollars I can make here more than on the farm I should be tempted to take the first train for Illinois and bid farewell to Rail Roading."
June 22, 1863 | Letter
In this letter from June 22, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing how busy he has been finishing the month's work. He notes that the railroad director's meeting "did not amount to much," and that nothing "definite" can be done until the railroad's primary investors return from Europe. Reed states that he does not believe the prospects for the railroad work in Burlington, Iowa look encouraging for the remainder of the season.
June 7, 1863 | Letter
In this letter from June 7, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife upon learning of the death of family friend Charles H. Abbott in the war. He notes the heavy losses of Union troops and, referencing Vicksburg, states that hundreds more are added each day. He tells his wife that after the directors of the railroad meet on the 17th of June, he will "know what to do about remaining on the road." Reed also describes an unexpected encounter with three "contrabands from Arkansas" while scouting timberland for purchase.
March 8, 1863 | Letter
In this letter from March 8, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing how busy he has been preparing "the estimates for the western work." He notes the lack of available laborers and expects the situation to grow worse if the government calls for more troops (which he believes it should). He also states, however, that there has been a decrease in business over the past month and that they have been "discharging quite a number of men" as a result. Reed also describes accounts he has seen of rioting in Detroit, and details similar civil disobedience which took place recently in Keokuk, Iowa. He expresses fear of the possibility of "military despotism."
May 3, 1863 | Letter
In this letter from May 3, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife asking when she will come to Burlington, Iowa to visit him and possibly pick up a relative. He states that he may not be able to leave for a visit home that month, but will send her a railroad pass over the Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad "as soon as one can be obtained from Chicago."
November 20, 1862 | Letter
In this letter from November 20, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife informing her of his return to Burlington, Iowa after a visit home. He states that he resumes his work with "dislike," and believes that "living at home for the past three years has spoiled me for this kind of business." Reed ends the letter with optimism, noting that the winter will not last and "unless the road is extended I don't intend to stay here in the situation I now hold."
November 28, 1862 | Letter
In this letter from November 28, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife reiterating his displeasure at being separated from her for so long. He tells his wife that she was correct in thinking that he felt badly for leaving, telling her "never since we were married has it been necessary for me to leave you for so long a time." Reed also states that he is currently "discharging a good many men and shall soon be reduced to winter force."
October 29, 1862 | Letter
In this letter from October 29, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife to inform her that he has arrived in Burlington, Iowa. He describes his overnight trip on the train, stating that he rode all night in his seat as he "did not feel like paying a dollar" for a double booth in the sleeping car. He mentions meeting a family friend from St. Joseph [Missouri] while passing through Galesburgh who said "he may go to Chicago to reside if the war continues much longer." Reed states that "business has been loosely kept" in Burlington, and it will take him some time to get it organized and see to it all.
October 5, 1862 | Letter
In this letter from October 5, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing the difficulties his party has encountered surveying land in Melrose, Iowa. He writes that two of his men were badly wounded "by cuts with an axe," a creek in the valley has been nearly impassable, the food has become tiresome, and his party experienced a severe rainstorm. He also notes that Mr. Thielsen has informed him of a possible change in the supervision of the railroad and would like Reed to stay on as his engineer if the change does occur. Reed tells his wife that nothing is certain yet and that she should "say nothing about it until more is known."
September 1, 1862 | Letter
In this letter from September 1, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife to assure them that he is safe from "all [Confederate] moving bands." He also comments on "the Indian troubles in Minnesota," stating that although he knows nothing of them he is not surprised to learn that there have been attacks on "the defenseless frontier on the north west" as there are many "fierce and warlike nations" which would relish an opportunity to attack whites.
September 11, 1863 | Letter
In this letter from September 11, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing how busy he has been for the past week. He tells her he is uncertain whether or not he will be able to "get the passes you so much desire," as an order has recently been issued barring the granting of railroad passes for ladies. Reed also notes that since he returned from surveying land west of Ottumwa, Iowa, he has been thinking that he may return home to Joliet, Illinois for the winter if work is not commenced in the fall.
September 13, 1863 | Letter
In this letter from September 13, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife repeating his request for information regarding the frost damage to crops on their farm in Joliet, Illinois. He notes that lately he has been in charge of the movement of trains, in addition to his regular duties, as "all in authority above me are absent." He also states that it now appears possible that there will be new work on the railroad in the fall. He expects to receive instructions to "let the first division of the road west of Ottumwa [Iowa] which will include the bridge over the Des Moines River which will cost about 70,000 dollars and will be a fine chance to display engineering skill."
September 21, 1860 | Letter
In this letter from September 21, 1860, Samuel Reed writes to his wife informing her that he has arrived in Cairo, Illinois. He notes the poor state of crops there and offers a brief description of the landscape, characterizing it as "the most forbiding looking place I have seen in the west." He tells her that he and John R. Boyle will travel to Memphis by railroad that morning, and then proceed to Vicksburg, Mississippi by river.
September 21, 1862 | Letter
In this letter from September 21, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife offering advice pertaining to the affairs of the family farm. He briefly mentions hearing of a treaty made with the Indians, but states that he has "no faith in treaties with them if the war with the south lasts." Reed also states that orders from Mr. Thielsen have caused him to delay his plans to visit home, but that he will return as soon as he can.
September 29, 1863 | Letter
In this letter from September 29, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing how busy he has been since his return from a visit home. He notes that he has written to a man on the "Rock Island Road" to inquire about a position which would enable him to be closer to home. Reed also asks his wife if she has heard from his enlisted brother, Erastus H. Reed, since the defeat of Rosecran's army during the Battle of Chickamauga.
September 6, 1863 | Letter
In this letter from September 6, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing the extent of frost damage to crops in Iowa. He tells her he is "very anxious to know how much damage has been done in [the] vicinity of Joliet and especially on the farm."