Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, August 30, 1863

In this letter from August 30, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife after a visit home telling her how homesick he is and how busy he has been since his return to Burlington, Iowa. He notes that he met a Captain Mundore on his return trip through Chicago and plans to "write to him about a situation nearer home," though he has little faith in succeeding.

Burlington
August 30th 1863.

Dearest Jenny

This Sunday morning is the first leisure moment I have had since I left you that I could write a line to you. I found a great deal for me to do dozens of letters to read and answer and as much work on the line as two men ought to do. I send you my ticket from Chicago Joliet to Chicago. Capt Philips did not see me officially on the cars for which he has my thanks.

I met Capt Mundore in Chicago and will write to him about a situation nearer home not that I have much faith in succeeding but will make the trial.

How cold it has been since I left home more like November than August. There has been quite a hard frost here and many fealds [sic] of corn are killed the frost seems to have extended over a large section of country and has already done much damage. It is very cold today. [Fires] are needed and unless there is a change before night we shall have a killing frost that will Aug 30 1863 S B Reed complete the ruin already begun. I am very anxious to recieve [sic] a letter from you and almost fear that little Mary is quite sick, but hope she may get all her troublesome teeth without serious illness.

I hope the horses [suit] and forget their tricks of running away. If they are properly trained they are worth much more than we paid for them.

When I returned to Burlington and at night went to my lonely room I was really homesick and have not got over the attack yet. It is no way to live. I dispise [sic] hotel life and hope I can do better than to live so much longer.

Evening. Mr. Barrows edified his congregation by a discourse on fretfulness. Appropriate to a great many no doubt. I did not take it all to myself. Marion writes me she shall visit Joliet this fall. I hope she will put off her visit until I can go home again and have written her to that effect. Kiss Anne & Mary for Papa. How I wish I could see the dear children. Remember me to all.

Yours Affectionately
Samuel B. Reed