Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, October 29, 1862

In this letter from October 29, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife to inform her that he has arrived in Burlington, Iowa. He describes his overnight trip on the train, stating that he rode all night in his seat as he "did not feel like paying a dollar" for a double booth in the sleeping car. He mentions meeting a family friend from St. Joseph [Missouri] while passing through Galesburgh who said "he may go to Chicago to reside if the war continues much longer." Reed states that "business has been loosely kept" in Burlington, and it will take him some time to get it organized and see to it all.

Burlington Iowa
29th Oct 1862

Dearest Jennie

We arrived here this morning all safe but quite weary as there was no place in the sleeping car unappropriated except one double booth which I did not feel like paying a dollar for so we rode all night sitting in our seats and it was not quite as comfortable as I would have like however I don't feel much the worse for the night's ride. I shall go out on a hand car over the road today or at least a part of the way and hope to get back here by Saturday night. The business has been loosely kept and it will take some days for me to get worked into it so that I can see into it all.

Oct 29 1862

At Galesburgh I met Mr. [Neare] of St. Joseph he was returning from Chicago apeered [sic] very glad to see me and wished to be remembered to you. He had seen Adda about three weeks since in St. Jo she was quite well then. He says he may go to Chicago to reside if the war continues much longer.

I must now say good bye as my train (hand car) is waiting.

Yours Affectionately,
Samuel B. Reed