Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, June 29, 1864

In this letter from June 29, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing a strike among his workers. He notes that the men have agreed to keep working until he receives a message from Salt Lake City. Reed again notes the high food prices, though they have plenty to eat.

Survey Camp
June 29, 1864

This morning my men have all struck for wages and I have to send a man to Salt Lake City to confer with the President on the subject. They have consented to continue the work until we hear from the President which will be three or four days. Mr. Mathewson is not well and he goes to Salt Lake with the express for a few days to recruit. He is not quite stout enough for this rough country. Our food is as good as could be expected, plenty of bread and meat, dried apples, peaches, etc., with an occasional antelope and brook trout, tea, coffee, sugar, molasses, vinegar, etc. Prices are enormous; sugar 90¢, coffee $1.00, tea $2.00. I shall order what I think necessary for our welfare while making the survey notwithstanding the prices.