Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, November 20, 1862

In this letter from November 20, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife informing her of his return to Burlington, Iowa after a visit home. He states that he resumes his work with "dislike," and believes that "living at home for the past three years has spoiled me for this kind of business." Reed ends the letter with optimism, noting that the winter will not last and "unless the road is extended I don't intend to stay here in the situation I now hold."

Burlington and Missouri River Railroad Company.
General Freight and Ticket Office.

Burlington, Iowa,
20th Nov 1862

Dearest Jennie,

I did not stop in Chicago as I intended but came on last night. There has been a change of time on the road so that I should not get here before 11 o'clock at night if I had staid [sic] in Chicago until this morning and as it was I only rode one half of the night getting here about noon today. I don't feel any bad effects from the night ride and hope soon to be entirely well from my hard cold that has been almost distracting me for the past month. I put mothers [sic] letter in the office this noon and shall expect to see or hear from her soon. I shall go west on the road in the morning and return Sat evening. Jennie you don't know with what dislike I resume my business here It seems as though I could not stay away from home and live as it is necessary for me to while engaged in this business. I am afraid that living at home for the past three years has spoiled me for this kind of business. However the winter will not last always and unless the road is extended I don't intend to stay here in the situation I now hold. Remember me to all. I did not sea [sic] Mr. Boyle in Chicago.

Your Affectionately
Samuel B. Reed