Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, September 11, 1863

In this letter from September 11, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing how busy he has been for the past week. He tells her he is uncertain whether or not he will be able to "get the passes you so much desire," as an order has recently been issued barring the granting of railroad passes for ladies. Reed also notes that since he returned from surveying land west of Ottumwa, Iowa, he has been thinking that he may return home to Joliet, Illinois for the winter if work is not commenced in the fall.

Burlington
11th Sept 1863.

Dearest Jenny

I know you will be greatly disappointed in not hearing from me this past week. Week before last I was making surveys west of Ottumwa and came in Saturday night weary and worn from the week's hard work in the feald [sic] and did not write you last Sunday as usual. Monday morning commenced the settlement of the previous month's business and that with my ordinary duties kept me every moment during the week.

I was very glad to recieve [sic] your two letters and a kind little letter from our darling Anne the first she has ever written to me with her own hand which will be kept as a memorial of her love for her absent Papa.

I do not go to church this morning but intend to this evening. Last Sunday was communion I was present and joined in the memorials of bread and wine which are testimonials until the second coming of our Lord & Savior. I wish you had been with me.

I don't know that I shall be able to get the passes you so much desire but will if posable [sic] . Col. [Hammon] gets more [chery] of giving passes every week of his life. Not long since he issued an order that no passes Sept 11 1863 would be granted for ladies to pass over the road how long he will be of the mind no one can tell. He is a [crabid] old stick to get a favor from.

Now Jennie I must let you know what I have been thinking of most of the leisure moments I have had since I returned from the west. If the work is not commenced this fall which I which [sic] I have no idea it will be. I have almost made up my mind to go home for the winter. It is two [sic] much of a sacrifice of comfort and all the social blessings of life to be so much away from my loved family and home friends. There is some prospect of making more [surveys] this winter but I think all will end in talk. I go west Tuesday or Wednesday and may be gone two weeks will write you when I know what time I shall be in Burlington again. There was a large democratic meeting in Burlington yesterday. All say there was more people in town than ever before in one day. Tuesday next is the election for governor and other state officers.

I must now say good night [sic] . Love to all. Kiss the darlings for me.

Your Affectionately
Saml. B. Reed