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  • | Letter

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

    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.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, January 6, 1870

    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.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, January 31, 1870

    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."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, January 31, 1867

    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."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, January 28, 1870

    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.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, January 27, 1867

    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.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, January 22, 1870

    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.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, January 22, 1868

    In this letter from January 22, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the formation and actions of a "vigilance committee" in Cheyenne, Wyoming. This group captured three robbers and hung them without a trial. Reed claims that he "does not uphold such proceedings," but that "in these cases it is the best thing that could be done."

  • | 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.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, January 21, 1866

    In this letter from January 21, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his work pertaining to the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad. He also notes that he has been named the Superintendent of Construction, so he will not have to go west again on a surveying expedition.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, January 20, 1870

    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."

  • | 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 16, 1870

    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.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, January 16, 1869

    In this letter from January 16, 1869, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family giving a detailed description of Thomas Durant's interference with the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad. Reed explains how Durant's decisions, including pulling workers from grading duty before winter came, have "squandered uselessly" an incredible amount of time and money.

  • | 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 14, 1868

    In this letter from January 14, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the heavy snowfall in the timber-cutting areas, which makes it "impossible to haul much material." Reed hopes that this will not delay the delivery of ties for spring construction of the Union Pacific line.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, January 13, 1870

    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."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, January 13, 1865

    In this short letter from January 13, 1865, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his work schedule and informs them that he hopes to head west again before March 1.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, January 12, 1869

    In this letter from January 12, 1869, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing Thomas Durant's hindrance to his work and the rising costs of construction.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, January 11, 1868

    In this letter from January 11, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family and describes being caught in a severe snow storm. He also notes that "bridge matters are progressing well" and that he has received a letter from Grenville Dodge, in which the General declares his support for Reed.