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."

New York
January 31, 1867

I had a long talk with Mr. Durant last evening and shall start for home this evening. I am not sure that the work will be done as rapidly this season as last and should not be surprised to hear that there is some delay and difficulty in procuring the necessary funds to build the road. Monied men are afraid of committees and will be very careful how they put their money into the work when they have more than one man to deal with. The operating department is not arranged, but I think there will not be any change except perhaps to appoint an assistant superintendent. I expect to let the work the same as last year. I spent last evening at Mr. George Francis Train's house.