Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, May 3, 1863

In this letter from May 3, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife asking when she will come to Burlington, Iowa to visit him and possibly pick up a relative. He states that he may not be able to leave for a visit home that month, but will send her a railroad pass over the Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad "as soon as one can be obtained from Chicago."

Burlington
3d May 1863.

Dearest Jennie

Your kind letter of last Sunday was recvd Friday morning. I was very glad to hear from you and regret that you suffer so much with your cold. It seems the girl disappointed you I thought that the arrangements were all made for her to come when called for. Marhta [sic] was called for her things last evening. Catherine was with her and I think if Catherine could get a place to work they would both go to Joliet. Martha wants to go but her mother don't like to have her. I will write and urge her to go and let Catherine follow as soon as a good place can be found for her. If you were here I think there would be no dificulty [sic] about getting one of them to go at once. They want very much to see you and the children when you come down. And to see me Martha or Catherine I hope you will conclude to come very soon. I may not be able to leave here this month and will send you a pass over the C, B, & Q Rail Road as soon as one can be obtained from Chicago.

I hope Mrs. Baily will put off her visit May 3 1863 until you come to Burlington. Don't think that is only to get a girl that I want you to come to Burlington.

I was at church this morning it was communion today and I wished for you to go with me to the table of our Lord & Savior.

Please let me know as soon as you can about what time you will come to see me.

Rollin sick again he has more sickness than ought to be allotted to one person. I hope ere I hear from you again he will be much better.

It is time to have the flax sowed I want a small peace [sic] sowed thick for use some one [sic] may want to work it and give us a part of the cloth.

I hope to hear fro you very soon.

Yours Affectionately
SamlB. Reed