Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, April 10, 1868

In this letter from April 10, 1868, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the work on the Union Pacific Railroad line. His workers have completed the track to within one mile of the Dale Creek bridge and will have the bridge finished within a week. Reed is quite busy as Sydney Dillon, Thomas C. Durant, and others will arrive to inspect the line next week.

For two weeks I have been so busy that I have not had a moment to spare. Hardly time to go to my meals. Have been twice to the mountains. Work is progressing as well as can be expected. Will have Dale Creek bridge completed in six days. The heavy rook excavation will be done in that time. All east of the bridge is completed and track laid within one mile of the bridge. I have too mach for any mortal man to do. Mr. Bean is with me and does a great many things that relieves me of the details of the work on the completed part of the road. Doctor Durant, Mr. Dillon and several others will be here next week. I have but little new profile for them to let, only twenty miles.

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: April 10, 1868