Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, October 3, 1860

In this letter from October 3, 1860, Samuel Reed writes to his wife informing her that he has returned from his trip into the South. He tells her the engineer who promised him and John R. Boyle work was mistaken about the time it would be available and they do not know yet whether they will get it. He describes the wealth present in Vicksburg, Mississippi and states that he found it "very comfortable to have all the help wanted about a place and to feel that they are stationary and will not leave if any fault is found with them." He describes the slaves as "contented and happy," noting that they are better dressed than the laboring classes of the North. He also notes that Stephen A. Douglas is to speak in Chicago "and there will be a gathering of the people that will make the black Republicans quil [sic] in their shoes."

Joliet Illinois

3^d Oct. 1860

Dear Jennie

You may be surprised to hear of my being home so soon. The engineer that wrote to us made a mistake in the time of letting the work. We don't know yet wheather [sic] we get any or not.

I send your things by express to Muscatine. Would send by conductor but there is too many changes and I am afraid they would be lost. I hope you will have a pleasant time with old friends in M -. Would that I could spend a few evenings with you there. I have not been very well since my return from the south, think I have had a slight attach of Dangue [sic] fever which was raging in Vixburg [sic] whil [sic] I was there.

Tell Dr. Risley if he wants to change his place of residence there is no place that I can recomend [sic] that business in his profession promaces [sic] better than in some southern city Vixburg [sic] for instance. In walking through the town I noticed that all Drs live in splendid houses and should judge by their surroundings are wealthy.

We had a very pleasant time and both of us came very near breaking the commandment which says thou shall not covet & c. It is very comfortable to have all the help wanted about a place and to feel that they are stationary and will not leave if any fault is found with them. The negroes as far as I could judge are contented and happy, dress better than the labering [sic] class in the north, feel no care for the future, and the present hour only is full of joy or sorrow. Yesterday is forgotten, tomorrow is not antisipated [sic] . Wherever you sea [sic] them they are joyous and hapy [sic] . I have a long story to tell you about our trip south but can't say what want to this morning on account of time. Erastus has just called and says you don't want your shawl & [chess]. So I shall not send it.

Aunt Ann & Marthy are quite well, and do all household duties quietly so quietly that the old house seems deserted. It is lonely here without you my dear and the joyous smiling face of our dear child. Aunt Ann says Anne has been attacked with the croup. I am very proud (Mrs. Boyle) that you succeeded in breaking it up so soon. Hope the visit will do her good. To day [sic] is a great day among the Democrats. Judge Douglas speaks in Chicago and there will be a gathering of the people that will make the black Republicans quil [sic] in their shoes.

Remember me to all friends I am ashamed to send this badly written letter but have not time this morning to do better. Now Jenny dear you knew how anxious I shall be to sea [sic] you come to me as soon as your visits are made. Don't set the time that you will be here and disapoint [sic] me. I can better stay alone a week longer than go to the cars expecting you and be disapointed [sic] .

I hope you will go and sea [sic] Mrs. Boyle and the friends in Washington before you return. Perhaps you can induce some of our friends to return with you and make us a visit.

Kiss Annie for Pa Pa and acept [sic] all the love and affection I can bestow. Write to me very soon. I am anxious to hear how you are enjoying yourself.

Yours very affectionately
Saml B. Reed