Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Thomas C. Durant, June 21, 1866

In this letter from June 21, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to Thomas C. Durant, Vice President of the Union Pacific Railroad, discussing a bill received from Dunbar and O'Hanlon. He states that the only items on the bill which should be paid are those for siding and flooring work done on a mill to be used by contractors building the railroad. The other charges should not be allowed, Reed argues, because the mill was returned to the railroad contractors by Dunbar and O'Hanlon in disrepair, costing the railroad at least $7,500 to put it back "in working order."

Union Pacific Rail Road Co.
Office of the Gen^l. Sup^t.

Omaha
June 21^st 1866

Tho^s.C. Durant Esq

Dear Sir

Your letter of 14^th [inst] containing enclosed bill of Dunbar and O'Hanlon was received this morning.

The mill on account of which these items are charged was turned over to [Weper] D and O in October last & possession of it was resumed by the contractors for building the road in Feby last.

The only item in the bill that ought to be allowed, as a whole or in part, is the first, viz the claim for siding and flooring. [Weper] D and O enclosed part of one side of the building and put in part of the flooring. Lumber used for these purposes would not exceed four thousand (4,000) ft b. nl.

The other items in the bill of D and O should not be allowed. The charges are for alterations and repair of mill, and ordering expenses incident to operating machinery of any kind.

The mill when taken by D and O was in complete running order and good condition. When delivered to us by D and O the expenditure of at least 7500. was required to put it in working order.

Yours Respectfully
Saml. B. Reed Lee.