Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, September 21, 1862

In this letter from September 21, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife offering advice pertaining to the affairs of the family farm. He briefly mentions hearing of a treaty made with the Indians, but states that he has "no faith in treaties with them if the war with the south lasts." Reed also states that orders from Mr. Thielsen have caused him to delay his plans to visit home, but that he will return as soon as he can.

Charitin [sic] Iowa

21st Sept 1862

My Dear Wife & family

I am at last here in Charitin [sic] and in good health. Two weeks has passed since I have had an opertunity [sic] of sending you a letter and I know how anxious you will be to get this. Last evening when I came in I found yours of Friday and Sunday and was glad to hear that you were well and very sorry to learn that Rollin has been so sick and hope he is quite well now. I als [sic] a day or two before getting here recvd your welcome letter of 7th Sept (a long time in getting to me you no doubt think). I hope Sister Lettie will come and spend the winter with you. There has been a treaty (so I hear) made with the Indians but I have no faith in treaties with them if the war with the south lasts. And hope she will at least come and spend the winter with us. I think Charly has done the best with the corn he could this season I want to make the last payment on the mushine [sic] out of the proceeds and the balance I suppose will be needed for [cornent]expenses. I wish Chs would see Mr. Shepler and pay the note perhaps he will take a little less by paying before it is due.

I hope they have saved all the cobs for fuel a cold winter is approaching and they will save (as they say here) a power of wood. I would not sell the flaxseed or hay I think they will both be worth more before spring. I am glad you have found a [carpet] you might as well gold watches among the Indians as [carpet] in this country. Homemade flennel [sic] seems to be quite common and would it not be best for me to get some of that for you if I can find it you know best advise me.

When I moved here I found a letter from Mr. Thielsen describing trials and troubles on the north line and directing me to run back until I meet them. I don't know how long it will take but think two weeks and then there is some work to do on my line back before I can [leave] so it seems that I shall necessarily be detained here longer than I expected however I shall get away as soon as I posably [sic] can and if I can't come why not come with Marty and see me. I wish you could but on thinking over the matter you can't come out beyond the end of the RRoad and as soon as I can get there I can go home which I hope will be very soon. In running back to meet the other party I shall be in vicinity of the stage road and will write you a line before next Sunday if an opportunity occurs of sending it to any P.O.

I have not written to Burrett as I did not recieve yours [containing] his letter until after I supposed Sept 21 1862 they had gone into [camp] and did not know where to direct.

If I could spend this quiet sabbath evening with you Dear Jennie I know we should both enjoy the precious boon. But it is imposable [sic] and we must be content to abide by the poorer privelge [sic] of writing each other for I feel that at this quiet hour you are penning your thoughts to me. Could we but know that pease [sic] and prosperity were once more to be ours as a nation how thankfull [sic] we should be and how highly should we praise the blessings written our [reach] as it is let us look on the bright side of life's picture and not on the reverse any more then is posable [sic] . rember [sic] me to all.

Yours Very Affectionately
Samuel B. Reed