Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Thomas C. Durant, March 1865

In this letter from March of 1865, Samuel Reed writes to Thomas C. Durant, Vice President of the Union Pacific Railroad, submitting a list of the men he will need for a work party he will take with him to make surveys in the mountains of the Utah Territory. He notes that "if the line is run South of the Unitas and East of Green River a military escort will be necessary for the safty [sic] of the party."

Union Pacific Rail Road Company
Secretary's Engineer's Office,
13 William St.
New York , March 1865
Ths. C. Durant Esqr

Dear Sir

I [submit] a list for a working party for making surveys in the mountains in Utah teritory. [sic]

• 1. 1^st Assistant to sketch topography and take charge of the party in the absence of the Di^v Engineer.
• 2. 2^nd Assistants
• 2 Rodmen
• 2 Chainmen
• 2 Axemen
• 1 Cook
• 1 Flagman
• 2 Teamsters and teams and one saddle horse
• 2 Night Guards.

If the line is run South of the Unitas and East of Green River a military escort will be necessary for the safty [sic] of the party. In that case the two for night guards in the above list can be dispensed with.

Mr. S.W.Y. Shimonski of Omaha is a good and efficient man and I would like you if you have no one in view to have him appointed my 1^st Ass^t. I think the rest of the party can be made up in Utah more economical than to send them out by stage.

For a party to make a permanent [locution] less help will be required.

Yours Very Respectfully
Saml. B. Reed