July 3, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from July 3, 1868, a frustrated Samuel B. Reed writes to Sidney Dillon regarding his letter of resignation. Reed describes his displeasure over his recent treatment by high-ranking company officials, but announces that "All I want is to be retained as chief of construction."
June 25, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from June 25, 1868, Grenville Dodge writes to Samuel Reed's wife regarding the misunderstanding that led to Mr. Reed's resignation. Dodge promises to "fix the matter" so that Reed will continue to work for the Union Pacific Railroad.
June 23, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from June 23, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his actions in regard to resigning his position as Superintendent of Construction for the Union Pacific Railroad.
June 12, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from June 12, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his surveying camp, commenting on the sleeping arrangements and food. Reed also states his intention to resign his position, citing the "jealousy and hard feeling" which has caused him to take no "pleasure in trying to advance the work."
June 7, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from June 7, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his continuing presence in Salt Lake City and his favorable treatment by the Mormons. He also notes that the Central Pacific Railroad's directors are "very much disappointed to learn that we are so far advanced with our end of the work," because that will mean less government land for their company.
May 31, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from May 31, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing a trip via horseback to "locate" another section Union Pacific Railroad line.
May 20, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from May 20, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his continuing negotiations with Brigham Young.
May 18, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from May 18, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his trip to Salt Lake City and his business dealings with Brigham Young. Reed also describes the growing young city and notes that he has purchased a city lot, which he hopes will appreciate quickly.
May 5, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from May 5, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing an upcoming trip to Fort Saunders, via Salt Lake City.
April 27, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from April 27, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his frustration over the start of "so much new work" while trying to manage the existing construction.
April 23, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from April 23, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his progress on the Union Pacific line.
April 10, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from April 10, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the work on the Union Pacific Railroad line. His workers have completed the track to within one mile of the Dale Creek bridge and will have the bridge finished within a week. Reed is quite busy as Sydney Dillon, Thomas C. Durant, and others will arrive to inspect the line next week.
March 15, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from March 15, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the progress on the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad line.
March 4, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from March 4, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his arrival in Cheyenne, Wyoming once again.
February 16, 1868 | Letter
In this letter from February 16, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his preparations for the upcoming building season and his favorable position within the company. He writes that he receives all orders from the company secretary and "no person has any right to dictate to or order me to do this or that." Reed also notes that his salary for the upcoming year will be $10,000 to $12,000.
January 22, 1868 | Letter
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."
January 14, 1868 | Letter
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.
January 11, 1868 | Letter
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.
December 27, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from December 27, 1867, Grenville Dodge writes to Samuel Reed, affirming his support for Reed's work. Dodge states that Reed has been blamed for the construction problems in 1867 "when you ought not to be." He also advises Reed to "steer clear of New York complications" during construction in the upcoming season.
October 23, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from October 23, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the "big row" being made by Colonel Silas Seymour.