Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, November 28, 1862

In this letter from November 28, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife reiterating his displeasure at being separated from her for so long. He tells his wife that she was correct in thinking that he felt badly for leaving, telling her "never since we were married has it been necessary for me to leave you for so long a time." Reed also states that he is currently "discharging a good many men and shall soon be reduced to winter force."

Burlington
28th Nov 1862

Dearest Jennie

Yours of 25th is just recvd. I shall look very anxiously for another letter from you and hope that our dear child is much better them [sic] when you wrote to me you were very right in thinking that I felt very bad on act of leaving home never since we were married has it been necessary for me to leave you for so long a time. And I was a little fearful that my health was not quite as good as it ought to be when I left home but on that point I am without fears as I am much better than when I was at home, has been improoving [sic] ever since my return. In my last I forgot to tel [sic] you that I called on Mrs. Geo Stone in Chicago. She was pleased to meet me made a great many inquiries about you. They are boarding on Michgan [sic] Avenue near the Adams house Mr. Stone was not at home I found him at a saloon playing billiards I wonder what Mr. Rollins would say.

Last Sunday I attended church both morning and evening. Yesterday Thanksgiving there was servis [sic] but I was at Ottumwa and missed the servis [sic] and dinner the last I don't think was much of a loss I shall be very busy next week on Skunk River Bridge. Mr. Ainsworth is still in the field. I have not seen or heard from Martha since my return.

I will lay this aside until morning hoping to get a letter from you tonight.

Nov 28 1862 S B Reed

Monday morning Dec 1st When I commenced this letter I expected to be in Burlington until this morning but had to go west Friday and did not get through in time to get in Saturday night. On my arrival this morning I found your dear and welcome letter. I am so glad that Anne is better than I feared she would be by this time.

I will write again as soon as I get through with my [hurry]. Which will be in three or four days. We are discharging a good many men and shall soon be reduced to winter force. I shall hope to hear from you day after tomorrow when I come in again.

Yours Affectionately
Samuel B. Reed