Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Thomas C. Durant, August 14, 1866

In this letter from August 14, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to Thomas C. Durant, Vice President of the Union Pacific Railroad, updating him on the status of several aspects of the railroad construction. He calls Durant's attention to the fact that work on the bridge at North Platte, Nebraska needs to be commenced as soon as possible in order to have it finished by the time the track is laid to that point. He states that the grading is being done as quickly as possible and "40 miles will be completed by the first day of Sept. unless we have another strike among the men." Reed also notes that work on the car shop and road house at Omaha is progressing slowly, as strikes have been occurring among the laborers and masons.

Union Pacific Rail Road Co.
Office of the Gen^l. Sup^t.

Omaha
Aug 134^th 1866

Ths.C. Durant V.P. U.P.R.R.
20 Nassau St. NY

Dear Sir

I wish to call your attention to the importance of commencing the North Platt [sic] bridge as soon as posable [sic] to complete it by the time the track is laid to that point. I have made a contract for the work subject to your approoval [sic] of which you have been notified by telegraph. A plan of the proposed bridge was sent to you some days since by Genl Dodge. I have just recvd the soundings from the engineer sent out for that purpose and find that there is only about five feet of sand then a hard substance is struck in which it is very difficult to force the sounding rood, insuring a good

foundation for the bridge. Red cedar piles can be obtaned [sic] at the same cost that was [used] fo [sic] Loup Fork bridge.

I am satisfied that a pile bridge will stand until requred [sic] to be replaced in consequence of ordinary wear and decay.

The grading on 3^d hundred is being done as rapidly as the very hard material will permit. 40 miles will be completed by the first day of Sept. unless we have another strike among the men. The balance of the 3^d hundred will be graded by the time specified in the contracts 1^st Nov.

The grading on 4^th hundred should be put under contract immediately to Julesburgh 81 miles, beyond that the line over the first range of mountains will govern the location. We can lay track to Julesburgh befor [sic] the opening of navigation

next spring if I am authorized to let the grading in time to have it completed before winter.

The work is about one half heavier than on the 3^d hundred, and the bridging about the same as on the 3^d hundred.

We have on hand ties enough to lay to Cottonwood and contracts that I think reliable to lay to Julesburgh the last 100 miles will be red cedar ties. After Sept. 1^st the price for soft wood ties will be reduced to 60⁰⁰.

The work on car shop and road house at Omaha goes slow. Strikes among laborers and masons the cause of the delay. Walls will be up this week.

Building 7 to 8 cars per week.

Yours very respectfully
Saml. B. Reed