Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Henry C. Crane, December 30, 1867

In this letter from December 30, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to Henry Crane advising him of changes to the schedule of production and shipment of railroad ties. He also discusses moving teams of workers to different sections of the line as a means to ensure that work will be completed in time to lay track in the spring.


Union Pacific Railroad,
Office of the Supt. & Engr. of Construction.

H. C. Crane Secry
20 Nassau St. NY

Dear Sir

Notice has been given to Evans, Turner & Payton and Gillman & Carter that no ties will be recvd that are made after the first of January 1868. Evans suspended work in the timber some days since except hauling.

Carmichael has mooved [sic] all his teams up the line to help out the work to the summit. He has 51 mules and 5 horses belonging to the contractors. There will be as much work as he can do with them after all the grading is done to the summit on the secion west of Miller & Patterson. The rock work on western slope will have to be pushed vigorously to complete it in time for the track in the spring. I propose to have Carmichael go on the west end of section 289 as soon as the work east of the summit is closed up and work east. This force will be needed to help out if we get in a tight place with any of the work on the western slope, and in the meantime can be worked to good advantage. I send you profile today showing unfinished work to Saunders. Also profile to complete the line from summit as far west as I have been pushed with profile of located line. Hope to send estimate of quantities this week.

Yours very respectfully
Saml. B. Reed

About this Document

  • Source: Letter from Samuel B. Reed to H. C. Crane
  • Extent: 2 pages
  • Citation: Special Collections, University of Iowa Libraries, Iowa City, Iowa, Papers of Levi O. Leonard, Box 26, Samuel Benedict Reed Correspondence: 1867
  • Date: December 30, 1867