Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, September 13, 1863

In this letter from September 13, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife repeating his request for information regarding the frost damage to crops on their farm in Joliet, Illinois. He notes that lately he has been in charge of the movement of trains, in addition to his regular duties, as "all in authority above me are absent." He also states that it now appears possible that there will be new work on the railroad in the fall. He expects to receive instructions to "let the first division of the road west of Ottumwa [Iowa] which will include the bridge over the Des Moines River which will cost about 70,000 dollars and will be a fine chance to display engineering skill."

Burlington
13th Sept 1863.

Dearest Jennie

Yours of last Sunday was recieved [sic] on Wednesday following and perused with pleasure. I am sorry to hear of the prevailing sickness in and around Joliet and hope that all loved ones may escape. I hope the new team will proove [sic] to be all we expect of them all that is required is proper training to make them kind and gentle. You don't say much about the prospect of the corn crop. I am anxious to hear; if the frost has been as severe in Joliet as in this part of Iowa there will not be corn enough for home consumption let me know in your next? I have been very busy all the past week most of the time out on the road trying to get every thing [sic] in good order before the winter. All in authority above me has are absent and I have all to do as far as the moovement [sic] of trains are conserned [sic] and that with my other duties keeps my constantly on the moove [sic] . However Mr. Thielsen is very good about such things and cheerfully does my dutys [sic] when I am absent for a few days.

There is a fresh proberbility [sic] that something will be done on the new work this fall. We are expecting daily to recieve [sic] instructions to let the first division of the road west of Ottumwa which will include the bridge over the Des Moines River which will cost about 70,000 dollars and will be a fine chance to display engineering skill. I shall write to Mr. Boyle and ask him to give us a [bul] for the work but don't think he would like to tak [sic] hold of bridging if he can get earth work to do. Church bells are calling and I will close this for the present. Would that you were here dear Jennie to go to church with me. I know you would like Mr. Barrows very much.

You ask me about my eyes which I must answer sometimes I think they are almost well and again they are as bad as ever. But I think they are a little better than they were when I was home last. Remember me to all. Kiss our dear children for Papa and recieve [sic] the love and affection of your husband.

Samuel B. Reed

B Reed 63