Letter from Oliver Ames to Thomas C. Durant, August 12, 1868

In this letter from August 12, 1868, Oliver Ames writes to Thomas C. Durant informing him that the company has decided to keep the grading of the road "down to 90 feet." He states, "we can't afford, with the magnificent Subsidy we have, to do anything but the best possible thing for the Road and the Government, while, at the same time, we are doing the best thing for ourselves."

Union Pacific Railroad Company
20 Nassau St.

New York
Aug. 12^th 1868

Dr. T. C. Durant VP

Dear Sir,

The Telegrams from Reed, Seymour & Gen Dodge this Morning on Echo Cannon [sic] Line, which Mr. Crane forwards to you, shows very clearly that the 90 feet grade will not delay the Track and is a Line which, in the end, will not cost us any more than the 115 F. Line. We have put the Road through on such favorable grades, I think it will be now our true policy to keep them down to 90 feet. The fact we have built our Road with no grade over 90 F., while the Central has 116 F., will tell greatly in our favor with the Country.

We can^t afford, with the magnificent Subsidy we have, to do any thing but the best possible thing for the Road & the Gov^t, while, at the same time, we are doing the best thing for ourselves. I expected to see you here to-day, but I understand that Bernard had so modified his order as to enable his associates to give you more trouble.

Bushnell has just come in and has seen these telegrams, and says there is no need of any Suggestion to you on this line; you will see the advantages of the 90 F. Line at once and will issue your orders to push it ahead at once.

Yours Truly,
Oliver Ames P