Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, June 12, 1868

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."

Echo Canyon, UT
June 12, 1868

I am once more in camp and as comfortable as circumstances will permit, have two good tents; myself and Col. Seymore occupy one and the cook and teamsters the other. We have on our table all the delicacies of the season, for instance, for dinner we have roast elk, potatoes, the finest you ever saw, passable bread, good coffee with our desert, which is bread pudding and jelly tarts. Don't you pity me? Really I have not had as much leisure and as comfortable a time when on duty since I have been on the road.

It is more than probable that I shall remain out here until the work is well under way. I must go home in the fall and now think it will be the last season I shall remain on the road, there is so much jealousy and hard feeling in various parts, both in New York and on the line of the road that there is not much pleasure in trying to advance the work. For some time past I have been determined to resign and may still do so when Doctor Durant comes west. Mr. Evans is doing my business at the east and of the track and, if possible, is a worse enemy than W. Snyder, so say my friends by letter and telegrams.