Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, January 21, 1866

In this letter from January 21, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his work pertaining to the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad. He also notes that he has been named the Superintendent of Construction, so he will not have to go west again on a surveying expedition.

The work on my report is progressing very slowly. I am continually being interrupted on business pertaining to the work here. We have about fifteen miles of track yet to lay before the 20th of next month. I also hope to finish my reports by that time and have all contracts let for the ties to build the road to Fort Kearney.

I have been regularly appointed engineer and superintendent of construction, which settles the question of going to the mountains next season.

About this Document

  • Source: Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family
  • Citation: Nebraska State Historical Society, Samuel Reed Papers (Union Pacific Railroad Collection), MS 3761, Unit 1, Subgroup 14, Series 1, Box 2, Letters to Wife and Family
  • Date: January 21, 1866