Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, March 15, 1868

In this letter from March 15, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the progress on the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad line.

Cheyenne, WY
March 15, 1868

I have just returned from my second trip to the work since my return. Everything is moving nicely and with good weather there will be but little left to do on the heavy work April 1^st. The bridge also is being pushed rapidly. The night I stayed at Carmichaels two horses and three mules were stolen from his stables. They were followed and recovered after a running fight of two miles. No one on our side hurt. I was safe in bed during the excitement.

At this time Mr. Reed's many friends connected with the practicable building of the road, as an evidence of their high regard for him, presented him with a magnificent set of solid silver plates. The set was designed and made by Ball & Bleak of New York, the design having been drawn especially for it and destroyed after the set was made. The beautiful gift was accompanied by the following note: "S. B. Reed, Esq. With the happiest wishes of his friends connected with the Construction Department of the Union Pacific Railroad."