Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, November 1, 1863

In this letter from November 1, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing a cold and "comfortless night ride" on a stage coach from Chariton, Iowa to Burlington, Iowa after being called away from his work in Chariton to settle the previous month's business in Burlington. He states that the trip could just as easily have been made with a sleigh, given all the snow and ice on the ground. He intends to finish the work as quickly as possible and visit home before returning to Chariton to finish his work there.

Burlington
1st Nov 1863.

Dearest Jennie

Late last evening I arrived here from my western trip. Left Chariton Friday evening and roade [sic] all night in the stage without overcoat or shawl with thermometer almost down to zero. And such a cold comfortless night ride I have not had for years. I recieved [sic] a dispatch to come to Burlington the first of the month and had to leave my work unfinished and come in to settle up the month's business. Which I shall do as quick as posable [sic] and visit Joliet before I go west again. On my arrival here I found your two letters of Oct 18th & 21 was glad to hear you are well hope little Mary is quite well before this. It seems a very long time since I have heard from you before, and I was very anxious fearing something might go wrong or you and the children get sick this cold stormy weather. Who ever [sic] saw a such a very cold disagreeable stormy uncomfortable season as this. We could have come from Chariton in a sleigh if we had one the snow and ice on the ground was sufficient to make prety [sic] good slipping. There was quite a number of parties out staying in Chariton when I left there and farmers were hauling wood and grain to market on sleighs. This in October is rather unusual I think for Iowa.

I am very anxious to know what success Mr. [Knowe] meets with. If perseverance is a virtue that will conquer all dificulties [sic] he must certainly be successful in the end. For such perseverance as his is rarely met with even among the sterner sex of humanity but the object be what it may. I have not been to church to day [sic] but shall go this evening. Have been writing letters most of the day. Sister Anne is answered. She writes a good letter and I know I have not done right in not being more punstual [sic] in writing to her. I am glad to hear they are well and doing well. If you go east to make a visit you must certainly go and see them.

Does Adda think of visiting Galesburgh this fall if so and I can be of any assistance to her in getting the [Libra] I will meet her there if posable [sic] but must have notice some time ahead so that I can arrange my business accordingly. Your watch is not lost or ignored. I have had it cleened [sic] and regulated and it keeps good time. You [?] give me due credit for having it repaired and regulated. Remember me to all.

Kiss the dear children for me.

Yours Affectionately
Samul. B. Reed