Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, November 24, 1863

In this letter from November 24, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife after returning to Burlington, Iowa from a visit home to Joliet, Illinois. He states that he has not yet seen Mr. Thielsen and therefore does not know "how much work he wants done on the line," but says there will be plenty to do in Burlington until after the first of the next month. Reed also notes that he met several stock drovers on the train from Chicago who believed beef prices would "be very high before New Year's." He advises his wife not to allow their steers to be sold until they can bring a good price.

Burlington
24th Nov 1863.

Dearest Jennie

I arrived here this morning at 11 o'clock tired and hungry. We were too late in Chicago to get supper and I did not get my breakfast in Galesburgh consequently had a very good apetite [sic] for my dinner today. I have not seen Mr. Thielsen yet to know how much work he wants done on the line. There is plenty to do here until after the first of the month and I don't expect to go west until after this month's work is settled.

On the train from Chicago I met several stock drovers they all think that beef will be very high before New Year's. I speak of this on act of a talk I had with Charles about selling three steers. They will be worth $5. per hundred live weight before New Year's. Tel [sic] Chs to watch the market closely and not sell below their value. I would let them go as soon as they can be sold to good advantage.

How do you like the new man I hope he will proove [sic] to be as good as Andrew without his bad habits.

I hope to hear from you very soon.

Yours Affectionately
Samul. B. Reed