Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, May 6, 1867

In this letter from May 6, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the unrest among members of the Union Pacific Railroad's executive committee. Following their inspection of the line, they "broke up in a row" and thus, "no work has been let west of the fourth hundred and will not be until they come to some agreement."

The committee to accept the road on the part of the company have gone, except Mr. Durant. They broke up in a row and no one knows what will be the end. No work has been let west of the fourth hundred and will not be until they come to some agreement in New York.

Oliver Amos, acting president, with two of a committee of three to manage the work have decided not to do anything more until the present difficulty is settled. This fight places me in a very unpleasant situation and I have a mind to resign my position but shall remain a few days until I hear from New York. The Doctor is very jealous of every one and I think dare not let any more work until he goes east.

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: May 6, 1867