Letter from A. O. Patterson to Samuel B. Reed, January 25, 1860

In this letter from January 25, 1860, A. O. Patterson writes to Samuel Reed discussing difficulties with the Muscatine branch of the State Bank of Iowa, which Patterson managed along with his partners J. W. Dutton and Reed's good friend Charles H. Abbott. Patterson states that he will have to "commence anew," and tells Reed he wishes he would "sell out & go with me to a warmer country." He also states that he believes a grant to the Mississippi and Missouri Railroad is in danger of being forfeited "on account of not having 75 miles done."

State of Iowa Senate Chamber,

Des Moines, Iowa,
January 25th, 1860.

S.B. Reed Joliet Ill
Dear Sir

Your letter came [duly] to hand. I was really glad to hear from you. I wrote to Mrs. Reed before I left home giving her the particulars in reference to my troubles in bank & with Dutton.

I arrived here on last Sunday feel in good spirits & am in good health. I really am afraid that the grant to the M & M R R is in danger of being disturbed on account of not having 75 miles done. I understand a majority report will come in today declaring the grant to the old Lyons road forfeited. I am certainly of the opinion the grant to the M & M is in the same category & wrote to Price to that effect this morning.

I have no news important to write you. Will send documents after Mr. [Agrlast] & I think of going to Misouri [sic] in the spring to [find] a new place to go to. What do you think my dear friend? We would like to have you along. Give me your advice I am really broken up. Lost all. Will have to commence anew. Even give up my house. I wish you would sell out & go with me to a warmer country. Say Misouri [sic] where we can raise fruit & everything else. Write me after. Love to Mrs. Reed.

Yours Truly
A. O. Patterson