Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Thomas C. Durant, November 29, 1866

In this letter from November 29, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to Thomas C. Durant, Vice President of the Union Pacific Railroad, informing him that he has recovered from his severe illness and will be departing for his home in Joliet, Illinois soon. He expresses regret that he was unable to devote his personal attention to the construction of the bridge at North Platte, Nebraska, noting that it could have been completed in time and not delayed the laying of track. Reed also states that "the Indian scene and severe storms" have driven most of the men off the line and delayed the grading work, but assures Durant he is doing everything he can to push the work forward as quickly as possible.

Union Pacific Railroad,
Office of the Gen^l. Sup^t.

Omaha,
Nov 29 1866

Ths. C. Durant V.P. U.P.R.R.
20 Nassau St. NY

Dear Sir

I am so far recovered from my severe illness that I think of starting for home next Tuesday. I have been out over the road to the North Platt [sic] bridge and regret my inability to give my personal attention to the work during its construction. The bridge could have been built in time not to delay the track. The track was laid over the bridge on the 24^th inst. Since that time very little has been done on act of the severe storm. Yesterday and to day [sic] are pleasant and the work is being pushed ahead with usual energy. Hope to reach end of 3^d hundred by Tuesday or Wednesday next with the track.

The truss bridge over Loup Fork is completed. The grading on the 4^th hundred is not as

well advanced as it should be. The Indian scene and severe storms has drove most of the men off the line, since I have been able to do anything I have used every effort to get as much grading done as posable [sic] .

We send you a trial bal of acts of money paid out in this office to Nov 1^st and will soon have the books written up to Dec 1^st. Shal [sic] we close the old books to the 100^th meridean [sic] and open a new set of books for the work west of that point. I shal [sic] be able to go to N.Y. in a few days and if you want me soon please let me know. I shal [sic] be in Joliet after Wednesday of next week.

Yours Very respectfully
Saml. B. Reed