Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, April 9, 1863

In this letter from April 9, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife informing her that he has just learned that he will not be able to start for home that evening as he had planned. A man from Chicago who was supposed to have come the previous week had just arrived to begin making improvements to the truss bridges and Reed must stay to oversee the work. He states that he hopes to leave for a visit home by the very end of the week.

Burlington Iowa
9th April 1863.

Dearest Jennie

Your welcome letter of 5th inst is just recieved [sic] . This morning I had made all my arrangements to start home this evening but now it is imposable [sic] to leave this week. Some time since I wrote for a man to come from Chicago and make some improovements [sic] on the truss bridges. He was to have come last week but could not and has just arrived. I must remain and see the improovements [sic] made; next week I shall go home it is a great disappointment in not going to night [sic] as I had arranged.

I have just recieved [sic] a letter from Martha she thinks she will not go to Joliet. I am very sorry that she has decided not to go she says one of her sisters is to be married in two or three weeks and goes to St. Louis.

How dusty the sheets are not a drop of rain for two weeks past and the wind blows almost a gale from day light [sic] until dark. My eyes are almost put out with the dust. It gets into the office into the house into the food and every thing [sic] is covered or filled with dust. There is but very little time before the mail closes and I must be brief or you will not get this until Monday or Tuesday.

I shall go out on the road tomorrow and return in the evening. And go out again Monday for one or two days but don't think I can get through in time to leave before the last of the week.

I should like very much to have meet [sic] Mr. Nave while at at [sic] Joliet. How does cousin treat him? It is very unfortunate that Mr. Backus has been hurt I hope all will be done for them that can consistently. Aunt I hope is well again.

Remember me to all. I would write a letter for Anne if I had time before the mail closes. Kiss her and little Mary for Papa.

Yours Affectionately
Samuel B. Reed