Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, December 16, 1868

In this letter from December 16, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the progress on grading and decribes the recent weather, which has been clear. Reed again complains about Durant's interference, noting that "this work would all have been finished long ago if my arrangements had not been interfered with."

Head of Echo [Canyon], UT
December 16, 1868

This week, without storms, will close up all the grading to eight miles below my office. And I know all the work in Weber Canon can be completed if I can have my program carried out. This work would all have been finished long ago if my arrangements had not been interfered with.

At my office I have a good cook and two black boys, one to take care of the horses and out door work. We have had no very severe storms, cold but generally clear, without much wind. The ground is frozen about two feet deep. Very expensive work. I am writing in a tent that has just been put up for me. I may go down to the office tomorrow, if so, shall not return here until the track is laid to Echo City. All the forces have to be sent west and placed on new work before I can possibly leave for the east. When that is done I shall ask for permission to go east for a few weeks.