Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, June 22, 1863

In this letter from June 22, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing how busy he has been finishing the month's work. He notes that the railroad director's meeting "did not amount to much," and that nothing "definite" can be done until the railroad's primary investors return from Europe. Reed states that he does not believe the prospects for the railroad work in Burlington, Iowa look encouraging for the remainder of the season.

Burlington
22d June 1863.

Dearest Jennie

I have been very busy since I recvd [sic] your letter sent by Mr. Harbach and expected to write to you yesterday but did not leave my room except to go to meals until evening then I mustered courage to go to church. Today I have been out on the road as usual. There is so much work for me to do that I shal [sic] not try to go home until after this month's work is settled. Which will take me three or four days in July. The director's meeting did not amount to much there was but one man from Boston, and if he is a fair specimin [sic] of Bostonians I should say from all such good Lord deliver us. The men who furnish the money to build the road are still in Europe and nothing definite will be done until they return. I shall write to Mr. Boyle and keep him informed about the prospects here. To me they don't look very encouraging still the work may be pushed ahead with vigor yet this season. You will I trust write me a long letter giving all the little incidents of your visits since you left me for Washington June 3 1863 I have had but two very short though welcome letters from you since I last saw you. You no doubt have enjoyed your visits very much if I could have been with you a part of the time my happiness would have been much greater than being alone in my room when there is nothing to do on the road.

I will send a line to Adda which I hope you will be in time to give her before the day of redemtion [sic] expires on the land sold for taxes.

There has been no rain in this place or country around since you were here dust & drouth seem to be killing all vegitation [sic] unless we have rain soon the spring wheat crop will not be worth harvesting winter wheat where there is any looks quite well corn is very small generally not more than 6 inches high some peaces [sic] look well.

Last Friday there was two small boyes [sic] about 12 years old one the son of a merchant the other of Judge Wyhtman (Martha will know him) drowned while bathing in the river. Their bodies were not found until the next day. Remember me to all kiss our little ones for me.

Yours Very Affectionately husband
Samuel B. Reed