Letter from H. Thielsen to Samuel B. Reed, February 19, 1861

In this letter from February 19, 1861, H. Thielsen writes to Samuel Reed offering high praise of both his and John R. Boyle's abilities as contractors. He states that he believes the prospects of commencing work in the spring appear "slender," as orders to undertake work on roughly 55 miles of the lines from Ottumwa, Iowa to Chariton, Iowa were withdrawn when the Secession Crisis occurred. He tells Reed that the "character of the work though is what a contractor would call magnificent."

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Burlington and Missouri River Railroad Company.
General Freight and Ticket Office.

Burlington, Iowa,
Febr. 19 1861

Saml. B. Reed Esq. My dear Sir,

Yours of yesterday is before me. In reply let me say that Mr. Boyle's reputation as a reliable, energetic & experienced contractor is well known to me. As regards yourself I will say nothing, fearing that I might shock your modesty. Though this much let me say. That as soon as more work is to be put under contract west of Ottumwa, that I think this much of you two, that should you of your own accord not apply for a contract, I am determined to make application to you, to take some work.

As regards our prospects for commencing work in the spring though, it appears slender. In the early part of November last I received orders, to [re-vew] the lines from Ottumwa to Chariton, about 55 miles, but then came secession and a withdrawal of the order again. When the order will again be renewed, I know not. The character of the work though is what a contractor would call magnificent.

Yours very truly
H. Thielsen