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Selected
correspondance to Grenville M. Dodge May 1868 -
1869
May 1868
J. R. House to Gen. Dodge, Omaha May 6
Since my last there has nothing of importance occurred.
No profiles, maps or notes have been received from either of
the parties. Mr. Blickensderfer was at Green River four days
ago. He asked some questions by telegraph about the highest
places between Sanders and Green River, which I answered;
have heard nothing from him since.
The Commissioners left here last week for the end of track.
I gave them 50 miles of maps and profiles, also report
including all the data I had in the office. I was unable to
give ____ of the last 20 miles, as I had not received the
____ bridges, water stations, &c; in fact, the track was
not laid over last 20 miles when they left here. I stated to
them the incompleteness of record, and directed them to
apply to ____ the balance needed also wrote Mr. ____ to the
same ____ to Mr. Evans the propriety, and as he considered
the ____ __ing up the report for the Commissioners at his
office. The ____ is so great to the end of track, ____
telegraph and track, besides they often add 5, 10 or 14
miles to the original amount each time they examine, that
job is utterly ___sible to have the report correct and have
it ____ this office before the road is examined. If the
report was not called for before the examination took place
there would be no difficulty in preparing it here, but I do
not see how it can be made up at this end before the
examination takes place, and have it done correctly. I can
furnish Evans the profiles and maps also grade and alignment
notes made up in sections of 20 miles each, or even a less
amount if necessary, and wrote him to that effect, an also
stated that he could have Nelder and his party (who will be
through to Laramie this week) to measure track for
commissioners; that he should retain that for that purpose
alone. I hear nothing from Evans concerning the matter
although I wrote him the 28th ult. Should the above meet
your views, I wish you would mention it to him.
Mr. Dillon and Durant have decided upon depot ____ in all
respects as I wrote you before. The curve commences with in
70 ft. of the main bridge and is 40 radius. It more than
doubles the __ Yds. embankment on depot grounds.
We have had considerable Indian difficulties on the road,
____ being from Plum Creek west 4 section men killed near
Plum Creek Station; one man killed at Sidney; two conductors
wounded one scalped; ____ cases considered very dangerous.
Four men killed on Ryle's work and 6 teams captured; 4 or 6
men killed on Hall's work & c. G. M. Day, Jr. was killed
at one of the saw mills day before yesterday. The road will
be opened to Laramie for passenger travel Monday, so I am
informed. Mr. Snyder is making the necessary arrangements
now. Mr. Van Lennep left for New York the 1st day of May;
____ Nevada - will finish up his sketches there-will take
him ____. He left two that were completed here, shall I ship
them to you?
Note: Jas. A. Evans to Gen. Dodge, Ft. Sanders, May 7,
1868
Location to Green River completed - Disp__ities of
parties.
Jas. A. Evans to Gen. Dodge, Ft. Sanders, May 8,
1868
As I intimated to you before Seymour and Reed are making
west with full power (derived from the Doctor) to alter and
change lines; the former in the capacity of acting Chief
Engineer and the latter in some ___descript capacity that I
cannot explain.
There is a printed circular, one of which will ____ you,
giving Seymour the whole control of the engineering during
your absence from the line, and rescinding any orders that
you may have previously given conflicting with the orders of
Seymour. Now, so far as I am concerned, the distinguished
individual can give me no order that I can obey. I will have
nothing to do with any such deed; so that you can consider
my resignation in your hand now. I don't care one cent for
matters here, but it is annoying to see such men succeed.
Why can't you leave Washington and come here? I am quite
sure if you were here for an hour all the plans could be
dissipated. I do hope that Blickensderfer will so understand
matters, and that this work is in such a shape that he can
say to them that his location is gone, and that he will
insist on reporting to you only, and ignore them altogether.
The letter will reach you in time perhaps so that you can
reach him by telegraph.
As soon as O'Neal gets through changing line a little, will
set him to lying out North Platt. The Commissioners will get
their notes from here after this. Will sign your name to the
reports as House has done heretofore.
J.E. House to Gen. Dodge, Omaha, May 18, 1868
Dr. Durant came in from the west a week ago today; has
been sick ever since, threatened with fever. I have not seen
him, but learn that he was improving on Saturday and would
be out in a few days.
Young Newcomb, who was employed at the River soundings last
winter was drowned at the North Platt River, Dakota, on the
19th last. He went out with Ferguson the first of the month
on construction.
Jas. A. Evans to Gen. Dodge, Laramie, May 18
Went to end of track; wrote Mr. Ames letter. Visited the
coal mines, 8 ft. vein. Creighton says he will take contract
to take out coal at three points for 5 percent. Evans
promises to take it out for 5.5, 5, 4.5 for three years,
Took hacks and went west to tunnel; bad job; should be faced
up on south from to solid face and flush with first
shoulder. Line west of tunnel should have _ut ___ near
Dowling's camp. Arrived at North Fork at night. Stopped
____.
Col. Dodge Diary, July 1
By order of Mr. Ames gave orders to Mr. Benson to allow
Gen. Gibbon, Col. Dodge and Capt. Coates here 15 of reserved
lots. Col. Dodge reports the timber of North Fork 45 miles
very fine; that up to French Fork 6 miles from River they
have 10,000 ties out and others getting them. Timber for Ft.
Steel is being obtained from around Encampment Creek on west
side about 40 miles up. Men on ____ generally on strike and
ugly. Bridge at North Fork well under way, but piles have to
be driven 8 feet. May have to put in a crib. I agreed with
Mr. Alley to buy U.P.R.R. stock with him at 70.
Note: Henry Harding to J.E. House, Ft Sanders, June 1,
1868
Wants pay for the month of June, which Mr. Evans says
must look to him for.
To Gen. Dodge from his brother, Council Bluffs, June
9, 1868
I have just received your telegram and send ____ ____ mail:
Annie is still at Kansas City, or may be on her way up.
I will see Mr. Alley; hope he will take that property it is
the best bargain I have seen for many a day. I will go
shares with him if necessary to induce him to take it.
Hawthorne made deed for his 15 acres today.
Rock Island R.R. will run in here at a much earlier day than
___ ed of. Contract for grading in Mosquito Valley is to be
completed by first of November and tie contract limited to
same time.
We are well; weather very warm.
J.J. Williams to Gen. Dodge, Omaha, _, 1868
(Telegrapher)
Have sent by telegraph to President and Vice President
earnest remonstrances against any grade over ninety feet.
Will send copy to Secretary Interior and each Government
Director.
F.S. Hodges to Gen. Dodge, Pass north of Pilot Pass,
Utah July7, 1868
A short time ago I mailed a hasty note in regard to surveys
the first of the season. It was to the effect that lines had
been run through Ogden river, Box Elder Creek, Cache Valley
and tributaries, and Bear Lake Valley. That it had developed
the fact that from Soda Springs northward no route exists at
all comparable with Echo, except it be by right hand fork of
Blacksmith's Fork, which to my great ____ I was unable to
explore. From what I could see and from about best
information obtained it is believed that this route is
impracticable, but I cannot state such in a very
satisfactory way.
The route spoken of by Ives was via left hand fork of
Blacksmith Fork and by Bear Lake Valley. This involves
maximizing grades and also a long tunnel, and other
objections. The Pass at summit is 7631 ft. No other routes
without heaviest grades and work, and four or five miles of
summit tunnel exist.
Upon the line with which I am now engaged 128 miles have
been ____ from Promontory Point, 65 miles to Humbolt Wells
____ of 100 miles have been sent Mr. Blickensderfer. Red
Dome Pass requires probably 74 ft. grade. Ascending west for
five miles it may be reduced. Nothing over 40 ft. is
encountered elsewhere with light work.
In relation to Mud Flats or Great Desert, you are aware that
opinions conflict. From my own experience I would judge that
they would prove very slow material to move, and when cast
up would have to be protected from both wet and dry weather.
When powdered to dust by passage of trains the wind would
blow it away. When wet there are good reasons for doubting
its capability of upholding such ____. I cantered my horse
over an apparently dry and hard desert my lightly loaded
wagon followed; but the wheels cut down to the axle while
between the spokes the soft clay filled in until each wheel
appeared as though a mason had filled them in with mortar
and smoothed them over with his trowel.
Upon arrival at Humbolt Wells I will endeavor to write you
again. We followed Ives' line all the way.
Mrs. Dodge to the General, Council Bluffs, July 7,
1868
I have not received a word from you since your letter June
24th sent to Kansas City, and wonder why you do not write. I
wrote twice from Kansas City and sent to Omaha, It is
strange you do not write, you must certainly find some
time.
I arrived here last Saturday after a tedious ride. The
rai____ from St. Joe up to Forest City is a disgrace to any
place. There is very little energy I should think shown in
the management. I am having rather a hard time getting a
place; have been hard at work; have to come down to your
Mother's for meals; suppose I might get them at the
hotel.
The children here are pretty well. There is considerable
sickness in town. I have not heard from Ella; don't see why
they don't write. I shall have to go out as soon as it is a
little cooler. I hope she keeps well, but am anxious to hear
from there.
Mrs. Deny Folsen died today; Mrs. Chamberlain's babe
yesterday, and if this warm weather keeps on there will be
more. I attended the Spooner's wedding yesterday. She and
Mr. Reed have gone East. They are to live in Central City,
Col.
I hope to have a letter from you tomorrow. Hardly know when
to send this. Little Annie talks of you every day.
From Gen. Dodge's Diary, Camp. No. 3, July 7,
1868
Marched 25 miles and camped at Twin Lake, Sta. 1220 Rawlin's
Spring Station, is on north side of Valley; well down 45 ft.
with little water, very alkali. Will have to take water from
Rawlin Springs by pipe to tank. Arrived at Twin lakes a 2
P.M. Indians killed two men at Rawlins Springs two weeks
ago. Attacked camp 9 miles west Sunday night. Attacked Reed
at Twin Lakes Monday ____ did not succeed in getting any
stock. Took heavy____ and ____ __ing day, and rode horseback
17 miles. Gen Willamson left for the East.
Oliver Ames to Gen. Dodge, North Easton, July 26,
1868
Your letter of 13th from Green River and Telegram of 23 from
Weber received Saturday the 25th. While we were out on the
road some injunctions were served on the Company for black
mail purpose, and the ex-committee were called together and
some very strong actions taken to head off the injunctions.
In order to push the road resolution was passed that the
Vice President in addition to ordinary powers have the
supervision of the affairs of the Company on the line of
road, including such surveys preliminary or final as are
being ____, and all officers and employees are subject to
his instructions. It being the intention to have full powers
in accordance with the by-laws for his acts under this
authority." I think that these full powers were given
to Durant under the impression that he could do a good deal
to push the road, and that it might be necessary to head off
____ but I think the Doctor coincides with you in regard to
what should be done to locate and construct road.
The final location of the line between Green River and Salt
Lake is an important event and I hope we have got it where
we shall be fully satisfied that in our hurry we have not
sacrificed everything to speed. The laying of such immense
stretches of line over a difficult country in so short a
time is as unheard of an engineering as construction.
In regard to stone structure for water way, I am urging up
Snyder to put all the men possible, and hope you will see
that whenever it can be done without material delay it
should be done in constructing the road. As you suggest in
your letter, it may snow before the track get along to
deliver timber in many places where stone is abundant have
the culverts and piers put in before track reaches them
cheaper than they can be with stone.
Hope to hear from you on your way out to end of central
track, and what you learn from there. Carter has gone out to
explore their country and report. I hope your interview with
Dr. Durant was all harmonious. He is so pugnacious sometimes
that he is difficult to please.
Oliver Ames to Gen. Dodge, North Easton, July 27,
1868
Your favor of July 16th is received this morning. I wrote
you yesterday and directed my letter to Weber River, from
which I received your telegram of 23rd. I wrote you in that
letter fully in regard to action of ex-Committee. As our
great object is to complete the road, we must as far as
possible set aside all these annoyances and let no ordinary
thing turn us from this object. I am glad that our line is
so well located and is ready before the graders are really
ready with their tools to take hold of it. You do not say
whether you have taken the long or short tunnels.
I hoped we should have had stone all along on line of road
fit for culvert, and we would not have to first put in
trestle work; but we must not let our bridges delay us if we
can do the rock work by pilling without delay.
Duff Green got out an injunction on Gr. Mobr. and we
supposed it was of no account and was put off till the 8th
of August. Dillion and Durant went up on the road with that
understanding. Dillion and Durant having been subpoenaed as
witnesses to appear on the 21st inst. and this case was
supposed to be put over till the 8th. By some hocus pocus
they got it on the 21st and Dillion and Durant away, it was
represented in the Herald that they had run away to avoid
testifying, and quite a damaging article was gotten upon it.
Jas. Fisk, the fellow who figured in the Rock Island &
Erie R.R. controversy and made a good deal of money out of
them, and is also one of the parties that Durant got in to
subscribe to 2,000,000 of our stock last fall, and got out
injunction then for Durant in his fight against the road. He
saw claims that Durant and Bardwell agreed to pay him
expenses and Sept come up, and he will get what he can. He
has served an injunction on Cisco, and will serve on on me
if gets a chance to tie up the road, and do every possible
thing he can to annoy us and make us pay him off with
$50,000.
I do not think it will do to go across the Arm of Salt Lake,
if the water is 22 ft. deep and still rising, nor do I think
it desirable to survey a route to Salt Lake unless Brigham
Youn and Mormons should express a strong desire to have it
there. As soon as we have our line grades and track laid
within 300 miles of Salt Lake we can then lap over and put
our men on to Humbolt Wells, and I think, with the best
information I can get grade it and lay their track before
they get there. If Blickensderfer finds a line 60 ft.
instead of 70 ft. wont do for us to spend any time for this,
as we must hurry up this heavy work, and while we have 80
and 90 ft. at grades along the line we can hardly afford to
do much for a 60 ft. grade when our engines are made heavy
for 80 ft.
You don't say anything about Seymour. I hope you found him
enjoying himself, as that is the great object of his life,
and he ought not to be disappointed. You say Hodges has
reached Humbolt Wells and is surveying or working east from
there. Carter went out to Salt Lake with the intention of
looking over the line of the Central Road and see what they
have got to do, and how rapidly they can get along with
their work. He will probably report to you on his
return.
I hope you will be able to get along without Indian
troubles, and that you will see that the water question is
settled, as this is quite as important as you supposed last
year, and strong parties should be at work.
Note: Notes on the Act of July 27, 1868, authorizing the
removal of certain corporation cases from Courts of the
States to these of the United States.
J. Blickensderfer, Jr. to Gen. Dodge, Salt Lake, July
27, 1868(Telegram)
Message received. Hodges finished on 17th. He is now
here; his party at City of Rocks and will return to location
immediately. McCabe has no party. Bates hired all his men on
construction, new men must be gotten together. Can you send
me a transit man and a leveler? What do you mean by
Lawrence's line head Echo? Is it stage road line? Shall I
stop Hudnutt for that work and let Mr. McCabe make roundings
with common men? Where do you want line to cross river,
below Devil's Gate? Shall I use heavy grades for
commencement of new line there? There are no slides below
Devil's Gate only washes exporting ____. Williams has seen
all; he wishes to know when you well be here.
To Gen. Dodge from his brother, Council Bluffs, July
27, 1868 (Telegram)
Council Bluffs carried the Bridge Loan by one hundred
and fourteen (114) votes for twelve (12) votes against.
J. Blickensderfer, Jr. to Gen. Dodge, Salt Lake City,
July 28, 1868 (Telegram)
Did you get my message saying Hudnutt was here? He can
start for Promontory Point on Thursday. Maxwell is on
Promontory Point; will finish experimental line this week.
C. _ Patty is ____ed one mile from Maxwell locating toward
Weber. McCabe can start for head Echo on Thursday with party
full except transit man and leveler. Shall he go, and may I
call on Lawrence for leveler?
From Mrs. Dodge's Diary, July 29, 1868
Went down to depot this morning. Ocean came in with
Genls. Grant, Sherman, Sheridan & c. went over to N. W.
depot. Went to ride by moonlight, the evening was
pleasant.
From Gen. Dodge's Diary, July 29, 1868
Arrived in Omaha; met Annie. Took Grant, Sherman, and
Sheridan to Bluffs.
Wednesday, July 29, 1868
At home all day. Sent telegrams to Blickensdefer, Evans,
O'Neil and others.
Jr. Briggs, Jr. to Gen. Dodge, Washington, July 29,
1868
Your report was printed as and Ex. Doc., and I sent you
a copy. I revised it again, correcting some minor errors
that slipped through, and had 1000 extra copies printed on
better paper.
I shall be gone to Chicago until the middle of September,
and then return here.
I hope your trip and business out on the line have been
satisfactory. Almost everybody is gone from here. Members
generally do not expect a meeting in September.
J. Blickensderfer, Jr. to Gen. Dodge, Salt Lake City,
July 30, 1868 (Telegram)
Messages of 28th and 29th received. Requests attention
to Hodges found heavy grades ascending table commanding west
approach to Reed's Pass, and heaviest work on table; both
can be materially diminished.
J. Blickensderfer, Jr. to Gen. Dodge, Salt Lake City,
July 30, 1868 (Telegram)
Dr. durant telegraphed me yesterday for estimated
quantities on those lines run at head of Echo, and I send
you a copy of my message to him in answer to his request,
that you may have the facts before you.
Norris is at work at Weber Canyon, and will finish in a
short time, but the ground is difficult and will require
more time than it otherwise would. McCabe's party left for
head of Echo today. Col. Hudnutt will leave for Promontory
Point in the morning, and Hodge's party is in motion from
City of Rocks. He will be in position between Promontory
Point and north end Lake early in next week. Maxwell will
close his preliminary with Hodge's line west of Promontory
Point in a few days, and then will commence locating between
Promontory Point and mouth Weber.
It is proper for me to inform you that I have heard from
sources entitled to credit, that the water across the bay
and Mud Island and Promontory Point is much shallower than
we found it on a line bearing more to the northward than
Maxwell did. My informant says on the line directly towards
the point which Maxwell took, the water is deep 16 to 18 ft.
as he says (we found 22) while on a line made to the north
it no where exceeds 8 ft. My impression is that this matter
should be examined further.
The weather is exceedingly hot.
Oliver Ames to Gen. Dodge North Easton, August 20,
1868
Your letter of 4th inst. is received. We had known by
telegraph that the Mormons had taken a contract west of Salt
Lake, and that the Central Road was doing everything
possible to secure the line to Salt Lake. Reed, I understand
has sent a heavy force of men west of Salt Lake, and I have
no doubt but we shall be able to lay the track from one to
two hundred miles west of the lake. It is clearly our right
to lay the rails till the two roads meet, and their giving
out contract to grade beyond their ability to lay their
rails should not stop us nor the road from completion.
Carter went over their road and I understand wrote you fully
on it. He says they have not the iron to lay, and if they
had it their rolling stock is entirely insufficient to
supply them with material to lay the track more than two
miles per day under most favorable circumstances. Looking at
the matter in the most favorable view for the Central Road,
I see no real chance for them to prevent our occupation and
construction of the line 150 to 200 miles west of Salt Lake,
unless the severity of the winter in Wasatch Range shall
prevent the delivery of our material while at the same time
it will favor them. We, however, know that last winter their
line was closed by snows much more than ours. You will know
better than we do her the real prospect of completion of our
grading to Salt Lake this fall; but our information is that
by the first of December we shall be entirely completed to
Salt Lake excepting the tunneling which can have the track
laid round, and with a favorable winter the track will be
laid to the Lake.
I hope you will be able to get a good line west, and if our
graders have gone to Humbolt Wells that arrangements may be
made for the two roads to work in harmony on the grading,
and as soon as that is finished the track can be laid and
the party that gets the most down or rather lays the track
will hat the road. There seems to be no other way unless we
permit the road to be stopped.
Gen. Dodge Diary, Monday, August 24, 1868
Went out to examine Hodges line, and ordered change.
Rode to Hodge's camp and back to Hudnutt, who had reached
road ravine. Line on west side of Promontory Point good,
over east very bad, one mile of very heavy work which cost
$150,000. Am in hopes to get this line in two or three days.
Ordered La Bosen over to sketch Hudnutt's line so as to map
it. Near Perkins Springs are two good groves of cedar good
for wood, and some of them I should judge to be good for
ties.
Edward P. North to Gen. Dodge, Salt Lake City, Utah,
August 28, 1868
I came in yesterday without having completed my survey
on account of an attack of dysentery.
I did not sound far enough north to find a line of over 12
feet water, but on a line starting about two and a half
miles north of Hodge's initial point on survey around
Promontory Point, I found 14 feet of water, while on a line
from the initial point the water will not exceed 15 ft.,
both lines ending at the north side of Mud Island. The
better line is much the shortest that can be found. I think
the distance across is less than 7 miles though I cannot
state exactly, as my triangulation's taken from Mr. Hodge's
preliminary survey line as a base do not check on one
another...
Gen. Dodge Diary, Monday, August 31, 1868
Closed up line over Promontory and made map and
profiles. Wrote Reed giving him notes of grades on line,
&c. also profile and map and notes on timber on Red Dome
Pass. Mr. McElvine came to join Heard and Patty. Wrote
O'Neil to lay off town at Bridger also to the Casements
telling them about the country, &c. See by papers that
C.P.R.R. laid 6 miles and 800 ft. of track in one day. Wrote
Annie, Lettie, and Ella. Amount of curvature 90 ft. grade
line over Promontory Sta. 2621 to 3275 id 1003 degrees.
Gen. Dodge's Diary, September 1, 1868
Marched and camped at the Seaton Springs. The clay on
edge of mud flats- are very singular in formation, deep and
circular; water looks pure but is mostly brackish. I
examined the line to Sta. 4285 Think Hodges could avoid some
curvature crossing his last summit before reaching the Lake;
The mud flats appear soft but have a hard stratum under
them-sometimes almost as solid as rock. They may have to be
ballasted with gravel to keep them from getting wet and
muddy.
Wednesday, September 2, 1868
Marched and camped at Willow Springs. Passed Monument
Point C.P.R.R. Crossed their locations farther west on
Wednesday a week ago. Learn that they have tracks 100 miles
west of this. They ordered all their engineers on location
and construction west of Monument Point. Our line runs south
of Locomotive Springs, a fine body of water, and takes mud
flats again for several miles.
Samuel B. Reed to Gen. Dodge, Salt Lake City,
September 3, 1868
Dr. Durant telegraphed me to cover the line from Humbolt
Wells to east with men. When can you give me a profile and
map of line? I shall make arrangements to send men out as
soon as possible. Please send messenger with answer
immediately. Track at Sta. 4400 two days since.
Gen. Dodge's Diary, September 3, 1868
Went out to Red Dome pass. Met Morris who was half way
down slope, getting along well. Met Maxwell in came on Duff
Creek waiting for water. Gave him a strong hint that it must
be the last time he ever stopped while he was with me,
ordered him onward with Hudnutt. The C.P.R.R. and our line
that diverged at Monument came together again at Black's
Butte Table. We make 58 stations in distance to get 11 miles
more mud flats than they do. Telegraphed Durant and Reed
relative to C.P.R.R., contract, &c.
Gen. Dodge's Diary, Friday September 5, 1868
Mr. Blickensderfer went over to Morris to look at line.
Moved camp to Duff Creek Springs. Egan and two Indians
arrived having lost one man in trip. Found lumber but in
limited quantities on Raft River Mountains and on head of
Surprise Creek. Made map of 1000 ft. to inch over east
slopes of Promontory. Morris has got line nearly connected
on east slope of Promontory.
E.B. Crocker to Gen. Dodge, Sacramento,
California September 16, 1868
Learning from Mr. Tracy, W.F. & Co's Agent at Salt
Lake City that you desired some of the stereoscopic views of
the Central Pacific R.R., I have mailed to you at Omaha
(which will go by next Isthmus Steamer of the 19th) 3
packages of views of 30 each, making 90 in all. Some of them
show a very rough monotonous country and afford some slight
idea of the difficulties we have had to encounter in
constructing our R. R. Many of these views were taken before
the road was completed.
We are just finishing up the line over the Sierra Nevadas,
with about 25 miles on the eastern slope, which takes us
pretty much out of the mountains. We hope soon to be laying
track at a rate to compare favorably with the Union
Pacific.
I shall be pleased to receive any views you may have of the
Union Pacific, as also any reports of your, Company you may
have to spare.
Thomas C. Durant to H.A. Grey, Salt Lake City, Utah,
October 10,1868
Understanding that the Central Pacific and the Union
Pacific R.R. Companies are both at work grading a section of
road for a distance of one hundred miles or more parallel to
each other, I make the following proposition to prevent
unnecessary cost to either company. Take the average cost of
the line per mile ready for superstructure between Weber and
Humbolt Wells, provided the work done by the Central Pacific
is as good as that we do and the same as well located, and
let either party pay at the average cost for as much as they
lay the iron on. Each party if preferred to grade an equal
portion of the distance.
You will please reply within three days by telegram to me at
Echo City.
Gen. Dodge Diary, October 11, 1868
Started for end of track by the line. Durant, Reed,
Seymour, Root and a French Countess, and Miss Young. Met
Boyd from West, said B was at Scorpion Creek last Monday;
that C.P. had stretched workmen on line for 100 miles from
Monument Point.
J. Blickensderfer to Gen. Dodge, Red Dome, October 12,
1868
Yours with enclosed message from Judge Otie, is just
received. We have been detained west of this longer than
expected, and ran so short of supplies that our animals gave
out, and we were reduced to corn meal and coffee. For this
reason I consented to lay over here yesterday and today to
recruit. We push on eastward tomorrow and I send messenger
to Pilot Springs Station in morning.
We changed the line from Terrace Pass westward to grade east
of Surprise Creek. The alignment is excellent, the grades
pass, and undulations diminished, but the length is
increased by nearly 1,100 feet. There is now no curve of
more than 1' 20'' between Terrace Pass and foot of Toans
grade, distance of nearly 50 miles, and one tangent of 14
miles and another of 18 miles, besides shorter ones.
Hudnutt finished his work and passed us on the old trail
east and without communication with me, except to send me
revised a ____ alignment notes &c. somewhat imperfect. I
have therefore not yet sent Reed tracing, but will do so a
soon as I see Hudnutt.
U.P. graders are at work from Surprise Creek westward in
pretty good force. Construction engineers have full notes,
&c. Central Pacific graders are just commencing at
Suprise Creek, and from Terrace Pass eastward are working in
full force; much of the line from Terrace Pass to this place
is graded, and I understand east of this still more is done.
Will write you again when I reach Promontory. They have
followed our line closely for much of the way both slopes of
Red Dome and destroyed our location. I have decided not to
replace our stakes now as they would have to be placed on
their work and would undoubtedly be taken away again. When
needed for our graders line must be retraced. The C.P.
Location is cheap and not so good commercially as ours.
I have sent answer to Judge Otto that I accept, and enclose
copy of my answer herein. I also send answer to Ricksecker
to be sent from Salt Lake. Please see that answer goes. I
sent my messenger to Box Elder, but send this way also for
greater certainty.
I am not specially desirous to accept this commission, but
have great confidence in your judgment of the propriety of
this course. Please leave me full instructions before you go
East. I would have liked to see you before your departure,
but suppose I must forego the pleasure.
J. Blickensderfer, Jr. to W. T. Otto. Red Dome Pass,
October 12, 1868
Message just received. Will accept. Send instructions to
Salt Lake City.
H. McCulloch to Gen. Dodge, Washington, October 12,
1868 (telegram)
I understand that all the Pacific Railroads are to be
examined again. The Union Pacific first because the advance
to it are the heaviest.
A. West to Gen. Dodge, Council Bluffs, October 12,
1868
Many of the towns in the mountains and on the U.P.R.R.
are doing business with the Council Bluffs people, and where
it is practicable, we would like to keep the accounts with
their bank and not be compelled to collect their drafts on
Omaha banks. Mr. Strong thinks the cashier of the U.P.R.R.
ought to keep an account here for the accommodation of the
N.W.R.R. He thinks you could make the change.
J. Blickensderfer, Jr. to Gen. Dodge, Red Dome, Utah,
October 12, 1868
Since writing my previous note I have been thinking more
about your account of Durant, Seymour and Co., and their
statement in regard to location &c. You will remember
that I telegraphed you at an early day that contractors were
making no preparations to begin work in Weber narrows and at
the tunnels, and it is true that the location of both those
places was ready before contractors were on ground or had
shanties or tools. Weber Canyon was ready on 19th of June as
I have heretofore advised you, and I say head Echo, rim of
Basin and all important points were ready before contractors
were ready or had men and tools on ground, unless we make an
exception of Miller and Patterson and John W. Young, who
might possibly have worked a few men 24 or 40 hours before
they did, but not more. Seymour's and Reed's interference
with my parties kept Weber narrows, tunnels and Weber Canyon
back at least a week or ten days; but the fact is, they
would not work in Weber Canyon when it was ready, simply
because they had determined not to construct my location if
they could avoid it, and hold off in hopes of compelling or
accomplishing a change.
I want to see you and have a talk with you about this
commission but this can I presume be had at a future time.
As I consented to accept, it matters less when I can see
you, but would have preferred it should be before I had
accepted.
Will you notify Reed that our line is destroyed by work of
C.P. Company? When retraced it might perhaps in some cases
be changed a little, and thus kept away from their line if
desired, and at the same time improved. Will note such
cases. I think one occurs on eastern slope of Red Dome. If
straight lines are the rage now I hope you can gratify them,
and what will they say to your improvement of Hudnutt's line
over Salt Flat east Promontory and Hodges' V line? Perhaps
we should abandon 6% curves on Promontory and give them the
work; and what about eastern slope Black Hills? Straighten
that line?
Jas. R. Maxwell to Gen. Dodge, Salt Lake City,
November 30, 1868
You will probably remember my speaking to you when you
transferred me to the construction department about
employment after that work was done, and that you said the
Southern Pacific was preferred to the Kansas branch.
Mr. Reed has treated me very well. He gave me charge of B___
and Basement's work just east of Rents making one hundred
miles in all. Since abandoning that he has put me in charge
of thirty miler of road running form Monument Point to
eastern side of Promontory. As soon as that part of the work
is completed there will be more engineers than there are
divisions, and as I am the junior division engineer, I will
probably be left out, but even if it should not be so I
would not like to crowd another.
Will you be kind enough to recommend me a division engineer
to any of the officers of the Southern Pacific R. R. if you
has an opportunity.
J. M. House to Gen. Dodge, Omaha, December 8, 1868
Enclosed you will find list of bridges as asked for in
telegram of the 6th inst.
Mr. Blickensderfer and Warren returned from the Eastern
division Saturday. They go to Sioux City today, from there
to Chicago. Mr. B. thinks he will take a run down home
before he returns.
We have a fearful snow storm. The road was blocked in many
places west. Passenger train went out last night on time.
Evan telegraphed that no track will be laid in 8 days;
grading in the way. Evans is on his way down. Reed
telegraphs Snyder to ship 100,000 ties and all the bridge
timber belonging to construction on the road at once. Snyder
thinks this is done to block him on other freight.
Mr. Sickles left for Kansas City and other points last
Tuesday has not returned yet.
Thos. B. Morris to Gen. Dodge, Ogden, Utah, December
8, 1868
Your letter of Nov. 30th reached me this evening. I left
the Promontory with party on Friday last; remained in
Brigham City one day to furnish Mr. Hurd with a copy of
profile and complete copy for Mr. Reed. I left in the hands
of the Asst. engineers of construction full notes of grades,
&c. of located lines. These notes were delivered at
their camps, Dec. 20, '68 Mr. Reed's tracing and profile
leave here tomorrow.
I think $3 per C. yd. a fair living price for the solid rock
excavation on the Promontory. There is almost on half of it
which will be "cliff" rock-open on one side and laying in
the very best position to be blasted. The other half will be
through cuts. I cannot estimate the latter at more that
$3.75 nor the open cut at more than $2.25.
As regards the quantity of excavation which can be used in
embankment I think 11 should be used particularly the rock
on account of the caving in the quantity of embankment by
means of the steeper slope it will I assume and the increase
in bulk after being broke up. My reason for not allowing it
in the estimate I sent to Mr. Blickensderfer was that I see
on the constructed road that in most cases the material is
not hauled but "wasted" and borrowed. On account of waste of
the road being open on one side much of the material will be
lost being blown below the bed of the road-say 20,000 C.
yds. This should be deducted. I do not think an average
price of 50 cts. per C. yd. is sufficient for embankment.
The chief amount of embankment is between stations 3030 and
3080, and is about 300,000 C. yd. form which take 100,000 C.
yds. which has been saved by alteration of the line, and
there is 200,000 C. yds of material to be provide for
embankments and in the very worst place on the whole line,
for the ro__ are p__ fairly covered with earth.
I will investigate the question of quantity and cost of
conducting water to bench north of Ogden. Do you wish
estimates of quantities on temporary lines at Promontory? I
send profile &C. of those lines to Ricksecker this week.
I begin work on branch tomorrow. Shall I refer to Mr. McCabb
for section lines? Mr. O'Neal is not here.
Jesse L. Williams to Gen. Dodge; Ft.Wayne, ____,
December 8, 1868
I shall be greatly obliged if you will send me promptly
all reports &c. concerning the U.P.R.R. or other roads
printed by the House; also Secretary of Interio's report. I
could write ____ ____ but I would not know, what I want as
you do.
Durant and Seymour's entire answer on Commissioners report
____ "hold tate". It is all humbug. Some very sound R.R. men
in N.Y. say that the U.P.R.R. Company will break soon after
R.R. is opened. I hope not. But then this, interest first 6
months on lst morgage bond will be $1,200,000. How will they
get it? If the contractors get all the subsidy and lst
mortgage as they will be very apt to default with in 1st
year or 18 months. Even Harbaugh thinks it dant pay at
first. We had better get a receive fund in same way as the
bonds of the Company as Durant says the President will
accept the case.
I have no doubt but Durant expects the , road to
default.
From Gen. Dodge's Diary, December 8, 1868
Sick, and stayed in my room.
W. Snyder to Gen. Dodge, Omaha, December 22, 1868
Yours 1st reached me yesterday on my return from a two
weeks trip over the road.
815 mile track laid up to last night. I have over three
hundred cars of ties and iron landed west of Benton and
supply faster that they lay track. Have 40 miles of iron
unloaded at Benton.
Durant, Seymour and Genl. McCollum at Chicago, T.C.D. is
sick there; expecting all here in a couple days. Have my
roads ready for any emergency and can retire in good
order.
Hoxie quite sick I am very uneasy about him. Will write you
at length as soon as I can. I send you papers daily.
L.E. Ricksecker to Gen. Dodge, Salt Lake City,
December 22, 1868
Your favor of the 8th inst. is received. I have
forwarded profile from Rim of Great Basin to Sta. 400 Echo
Canyon for you to Mr. House about a week ago. Have the
remaining to mouth of Weber nearly finished and will forward
it without delay. I have also made copies of No rise 116 ft.
and 150 ft. grade lines for temporary track West slope of
Promontory, and will send them with the above.
Except myself, there is no one in this office at present.
Mr. Hodges discharged all his men. I have had no time
therefore, to work on the estimate commenced by Mr. North
and fear I shall not have for some time to come, for I have
yet to make a complete ___ ___ profile, from mouth of Weber
to Humbolt Wells, for Mr. House. Mr. ____ party will be in
soon, and I will then see to having the estimate finished as
you desire. Maps and profiles of changes of line on east and
west slopes of Promontory I have sent to Omaha.
Mr. Maxwell passed through this city yesterday, and from him
I learn that the C.P.R.R. have probably finished their
location across the Promontory and as far East as Ogden, and
expects they will now locate a line from Ogden to Salt Lake
City.
We have had a very mild and open winter here so far. On the
18th inst. we had the first snow storm of the season, and
then only 2 inches of snow fell.
S. B. Reed to Oliver Ames, Echo, Utah, December 23,
1868 (Telegram)
Have paid for grading, masonry, ties and bridge timber
from present end of track at head of Echo to Salt Lake
Valley $2,260,000. Paid for grading west of Promontory Point
$ 95,000. The above amounts are to the first of December.
Nearly one months work to be added which is not yet
estimated.
Ricksecker to Gen. Dodge, Salt Lake City, December 24,
1868 (Telegram)
Central Pacific to have located through to Ogden. They
are grading on mud flats and on eastern slope of Promontory,
and in places between there and Ogden.
Unknown early January 1869 letter to Gen. Dodge
.... Morris' party is camped near the Warm Springs with
their line at the edge of the city ready to close in one
more day's time. This will have done under any circumstances
before he goes away.
My desire is to settle my accounts here in the shortest
possible time, dismiss the men or turn them over to
construction; gather up papers, maps, &c. and remove
this office to Omaha and then finish up my report. I ought
to get away from here in a week or less, but may be
detained. If Durant orders the office to Brigham City I
shall consider that as a delivery of the papers to Omaha,
and pay no further attention to them, except to consult them
as far as necessary to make up my report. Is this correct?
If I cannot take the profiles and maps to Omaha, I may be
obliged to stay here until my report is finished. Mr. Morris
informed me that several letters which he thinks you have
written him were never received, and this explains why the
were never answered. Two or three letters which he says were
addressed to me at Omaha I never got.
The track was at the stage station at the foot of Echo grade
when I passed there on the night of Dec. 31st. It ought to
be at Echo City on the 10th inst or before. Morris tells me
that nearly one-third of the distance from mouth of Weber to
Bear River crossing on U.P. line is graded, but thinks less
than 1-4 of the work between these points is done. Nothing
done between Bear River crossing and Promontory Summit; a
little done on west slope of Promontory and from foot of
west slope to Monument Point nearly all is done.
The Central Pacific Company have their grading well advanced
between Monument Point and Bear River crossing, but
considerable work done between Bear River and Ogden. This
work between Bear River and Ogden is lighter than ours and
for that reason they have a bigger portion of that line
ready for track than we have... much labor performed as on
our line. Their location ____ more, and has more and sharper
curves.
Our line along Clay Bluffs this side of Ogden ____ thrown on
sliding hill-side, and will be changed at other points
between Ogden and Promontory.
Before I go East I desire to ride over the line from here to
Ogden, and may extend my trip to Promontory or Monument
Point to see how things look unless you think I should not
do so. ____ at all event to see Maxwell before I go away,
and he is on Promontory I understand, and I should like to
see the Central Company's line.
At Omaha I received your letters of 7th, 10th, and 21st Dec.
You think we set the coulter too deep. I hope I hope we
shall now break the slow; but seriously it will take more
money to put your road in good working condition for
permanent use than you think, and if we live ten years I
think you will admit it....
Thomas B. Morris to Gen. Dodge, Salt Lake City,
January 5, 1969
I wrote you on the 2nd inst. giving account of my visit
to Dr. Durant. I stated he would forward to me the written
directions. These directions I received he would forward to
me the written directions. These directions I received
yesterday afternoon. I copy them:
Union Pacific Railroad, Omaha. ____
T. B. Morris, Esq,.
Acting Division Engineer.
Sir:
The former Division Engineer having left his work to accept
appointment under the Government, you are hereby appointed
Acting Division Engineer with head quarters at Ogden or
Brigham City. You will at once take charge of the office at
Salt Lake City ____ with all instruments, maps, profiles,
field notes and other property which Mr. Blickensderfer has
been ordered to turn over to you.... During the absence of
the Chief Engineer from the line of the ____ will be
governed by the following instructions: 1. Complete the
survey and location you are not making of the branch to Salt
Lake City and keep possession of the maps, profiles and
notes pertaining to the same until further orders from
me.
2. After completing the above you will take your party to
Promontory Point and make such further surveys and profile
of eastern slope as will enable me to decide upon the
expediency of making some change in the line in that
vicinity.
3. I desire to know at the earliest practical day the
difference in length and cost between the lines already run
and the best line you can get crossing the summit, with such
grades and curves at your judgment are best adapted to the
country. You will report the results of these surveys to me
by telegraph and await further instructions.
4. You will draw upon Gen. G. M. Dodge, Chief Engineer, ____
Mr. J. E. House, Division Engineer at Omaha, for such
funds as may be necessary to enable you to carry out these
instructions.
I enclosed for your information a copy of the resolutions
passed by the Executive Committee on the 3rd July 1868.
Yours Respectfully, Thos. C. Durant, ____
The resolution is one offered by Mr. Duff, giving Dr.
Durant very large powers, saying, "And all officers and ____
are subject to his instructions." It does not say he can
____ ____ officers. I have shown the instructions to Mr.
Blickensderfer and some other few things necessary and
started wagons and ____ Promontory Point tonight. I have not
demanded from Mr. the papers, Profiles, instructions &c.
I have in my possession the copies of the Salt Lake City
Branch. I have not had any topographer for the past month
and hence have not kept up with my office work and have some
work on profile and map.
I would like to know what you wish me to do in regard to
reporting progress and results of any surveys I may make
from now on; also what to do with maps and profiles &c.
of branch line Mr. Blickensderfer also tells me he expects
to move his officer to Omaha under any circumstances. Am I
to do anything towards looking after the interests of this
Company by directing or supervising the motions of my party
except the one I am and have been directly in charge of? I
will go to Promontory probably in a day or two. Will wait
for answer to telegram to you.
S. Seymour telegraphs me tonight that he will soon be at
Ogden and go out with me, bringing probably much more
specific directions about curves, grades, &c. Until I
hear something from you I shall report directly to you in
Washington.
J. Blickensderfer, Jr., to Gen. Dodge Salt Lake City,
January 6th, 1869
Your telegrams of today to Morris and myself of course,
determined our actions. Morris will take what notes &c.
he want at the west, will leave in my care all I need to be
by me taken to Omaha and will ship all others to Omaha
office at once.
I ought to have stated that Hodges was paid off by House in
Omaha sometime ago. McCabe was paid off by myself here
immediately on my arrival, and the only parties in field are
Morris and that part of McCabe's under Moberly tracing
section lines. O'Neil party has waiting a day or two, I
understand, arrived to take Moberly's place and the latter
will be paid off at once. I should have done it, but now
Morris will; at all events he so informs me. This should be
none and thus reduce the forces here to Morris' and O'Neil's
parties.
I never learned how far you desired to have the section
lines traced. If your only objective was to get far enough
to locate the line near Ogden, that work should be stopped
for the lines are not traced to Brigham City; but if you
desire the thing carried on as far as ____ surveys have been
made it will take all winter. I enclose you a map of the
work as far as we have it in the office.
I shall, of course, await your instructions from New York as
indicated in your telegram of today. I have already written
what I had desired to do in the way of passing over line and
collecting information...of course, all is subject to your
pleasure. My accounts will be closed tomorrow so far that I
can finish them at any time in an hour or two, and after
tomorrow I can leave here at any time on 24 hourly
notice.
I find many things wanting to full discussion of location at
head Echo; profiles, maps, &c. having been gobbled up by
Reed, Seymour & Co. and not returned, and it will take
me some little time to get up what I want or think it all
out again. But this work can be as well done at Omaha, or
perhaps even at my home, as any where else now that I cannot
have Morris or Ricksecker to help me and I shall be
compelled to think all it up alone.
Durant want Morris to make additional surveys to Promontory
to try to get a cheaper line. I think he will be ordered to
use 100 ft. grades and run over the higher summit into
Hudnutt's ravine, down the south side of that ravine, and at
its mouth turn south and follow down to flats. This makes a
cheap line but a higher summit and about 3 miles longer and
more curvature. Commercially the line is so inferior to the
revised 80 ft. grade that when he first wrote me about it I
told him it would not answer.
Whatever you desire me to do telegraph or write and I will
move at once. My desire is to get away from here soon as
possible, and finish what may be left at Omaha or home.
January, 1869 Writer unknown
In accordance with your telegram and the orders of Dr.
Durant, a copy of which I forwarded, I have taken charge of
____ profiles, maps, notes and other property of the Company
as was under the control of the office at Salt Lake City. I
divided them into the ____ as might be needed in any
alteration or re-running of the location west of Brigham
City, and all preliminary or other notes that had found
their way into the office. The first I take with me to
Brigham City the others I packed and have made arrangements
to ship to Omaha together with such notes as were packed up
by Mr. Hodges.
Mr. Moberly, now in charge of Mr. McCabe's party, has been
ordered to report to Salt Lake City where Mr. Blickensderfer
will ____ off and return the vouchers in his account. Mr.
Blickensderfer has returned over the profiles, field books
or maps of the located line ____ of Weber Canon but takes
them with him to Omaha. I understand Mr. O'Neil has received
special instructions from Dr. Durant, ____. I will have
no charge over any work he may do.
I have a map and profile of the Salt Lake which to make and
a copy for you which as soon as I can will have Mr.
Rickrecker do and forward.
There is now a telegraph office of the Western Union Company
at Brigham City and any telegram or letters for me had
better be addressed there. I leave her tomorrow; stay one
day in Brigham City and go to Promontory. Col. Seymour has
telegraphed me that he will go with me. I shall ask for more
definite instructions as to grades, curves, &c. as I am
instructed to run the line best adapted to the ground and I
think the present located 80 ft. grade line is the best line
for the Company to build and operate. A much cheaper line
will be found to build but it will be longer, a higher
summit and probably a steeper grade. It will not compare
commercially but will probably be some $200,000 less first
cost. As I go West, I will carefully examine the work on
both the U.P. and C.P. lines and write you the very latest.
I will as far west as Monument Point for that purpose.
Luther S. Bent to Gen. Dodge, Salt Lake City, January
11, 1869
I send you herewith information given a friend today by
Gov. Stanford as official and reliable, notwithstanding I
have serious doubts as to its truthfulness. I am expecting a
messengers daily who will give a true account of the state
of affairs at the end of the C.P. track.
The Central Pacific Road is finished today to Bishop's Creek
14 miles west of Humbolt Wells or what is now officially
__ed Tulasco, 503 miles east of Sacramento. The C.P.P.R.
grade west will joining grading parties east on the 15th
inst. making a continuous line east to Monument Point all
but two miles which will not ____ the track laying. Grading
on the Promontory is progressing very satisfactorily.
From personal observations I know that grading on the
Promontory is being done by small parties and a few stations
in places where is can be done easiest. There is not to
exceed seventy-five teams at work between Monument Point and
Brigham City. They are short of necessary supplies of all
kinds.
Thos. B. Morris to Gen. Dodge, Promontory, Jan. 14,
1869
I reached here today before yesterday with my party.
I have received no further instructions from Durant. I am
grading a line with 100 ft. grade down the ravine used for
____ 116 ft. grade line. I will use no curves less that 6
degrees. Will forward to you results as soon as
obtained.
I rode over most of the line from Bear River west and
examined most points where work was going on east of Bear
River on both the U.P. and C.P. Companies. From Weber Canon
to Ogden there is a large force at work on the U.P. Almost
every point of any ____ is opened and twenty days should
close it up...
The C.P. have no location or work done east of Ogden. From
Ogden to Hot Springs there are only two outfits working on
the U.P.; ____ of about 30 teams eastern men. The other a
"easting" gang of about a dozen Mormons. Not more that 2
miles completed out of 10. C.P. Co. have about 100 ft.
graded at Ogden and a mile and a half on the bench 5 miles
north of Ogden. They have about _ teams at work on same
distance. From Hot Springs to Willard City U.P. about half
done. C.P. 1-6 done. From Willard City to Bear River U.P.
1st done. C.P. about 1000 ft graded.
From Bear River to Little Mountain distance about 9 miles
U.P. all done but a little finishing - C.P. nothing. From
Little Mountain is Hay Branch C.P. nothing, U.P. 1000 ft.
C.P. no one at work - U.P. two small Mormon outfits. From
Hay Ranch to foot of 80 ft. grade over Promontory U.P.
nothing, C.P. about one mile. 15 teams working on C.P.
Eastern slope of Promontory, U.P. nothing done and no one at
work. Boyd Bros had just begun about 1 mile east of summit
but were stopped yesterday by order from Durant. C.P.
Company have about 1 mile graded near the foot of the grade
in three pieces. They have besides on the heavy work the
following pits opened with men and ox cart.
Rock Cut about 10 ft. No. I., 11 men and one ox cart.
Largest fill on the work, 26 men, 5 wagons and one
plough.
Rock Cut No. 2, 9 men, 1 drill and two barrows.
Rock Cut No. 3, 6 men, 1 drill and one barrow.
Rock Cut No. 4, 4 men, 1 drill and 2 shovels.
Large Embankment, 3 scrapers, 4 wagons, 8 men and 1
plough.
Rock Cut No. 5, 11 men, 2 drills, 2 barrows.
Rock Cut No. 6, 2 men, 1 drill, 1 shovel.
Rock Cut No. 7, 3 men, 1 drill, 1 shovel.
Light Cut, 4 wagons and 6 men.
Total on east slope of Promontory 96 men and 81 (?) teams.
There is a driver for each team and two men with a plow not
included in the number of men. The total amount graded by
the men will not exceed 600 feet. Between the west end of
the heavy work and the east end of our 50 ft. grade on the
west slope of Promontory the C.P. Company have 2 1-2 mile
graded and have 12 teams working. U.P. Company nothing and
no men at work. The rock work, about three or four miles
from the summit west, is not touched by either company.
On the work from about 3650 of our line to the mud flats the
U.P. have a large and efficient force and the work is 2-3
done. The C.P. have about 20 teams and put all their small
pieces not to exceed 1-2 mile in all. From west side of mud
flats to Monument Point U. P. all done, C.P. about one
mile.
These salt flats are soft now, the lake has been up to foot
of embankment; but they can be worked ... I don't know. I
will write you (as soon as I can determine them) the main
... of the C.P. location over Promontory.
J. Webster to Gen. Dodge, Omaha, January 25, 1869
Enclosed I send you description of work completed and in
course of construction in 1868. We have no means of telling
what the cost of the structures amounts to as but a part of
cost comes to our department. The plans and bills of
material are made in engineer's office, and bills of
material sent to Gen. Supt's office; he sends the bills for
lumber, stone, brick, &c. to the purchaser for purchases
supplies. The iron work is furnished from the Company's
shops. Carpenter work is generally done by the men in the
employ of the Company. No bills for labor or material are
sent to engineer's office and we know but little about the
actual cost of the work.
The construction is done according to the direction of the
engineer, and he certifies to all work done by contract
excepting that done by T. Bost such as stations and eating
houses. All that we have had to do with them is to put in
foundation.
Thos. B. Morris to Gen. Dodge, Promontory, January 25,
1869
I hope to be done here by February 1st. All the work
which Dr. Durant's orders, a copy of which I sent
you....
Should it be probable that this Company would need any
engineering parties next summer it might be well to have the
mules which I am using herded on Promontory. They are all
good mules and in good order and the cost will be but
little; I think it is $1.50 per head per month. The price
for mules is much more in the spring that now, and I am sure
should they be needed by April 1st, herding would be the
cheaper.
Letter to Senator Sherman with your endorsement reached me
yesterday. I will hunt the young man up and write him. I do
not know him nor where he is employed.
Dr. Durant offered me the Promontory division on
construction, but I prefer remaining in the employ of the
R.R. Company and told him so. He left the matter open.
I have run here a line with summit 75 feet higher than your
located line-grade of 100 feet per mile-not equated and
having 4 curves of 717 feet radius. The work is very light.
I will send you the quantities in two days. Were it not for
the increased height of summit it would compare favorably
with the other lines.
The location of the C.P.R.R. Company is on a 90 ft. grade
unequaled and 8 degree curves (717 ft. Rad) used. This is on
east slope of Promontory. On west slope they have used much
steeper grades than ours is high as 70 or 80 ft., and make a
much higher crossing of the ridge near the lake, making an
undulation in their line of I should think not less than 150
feet; this shortens the distance somewhat, but then crossing
the mud flats between Promontory and Monument points so much
north of the line of U.P. loses this advantage. A run from
Humbolt Wells puts the end of C.P. track at that point
January 29th.
Note: Estimate 1st cost 80 ft. line, U.P.R.R.
Gen. Wm. S. Smith to Gen. Dodge, Council Bluffs,
January 25, 1869
Mr. Boomer has sent me a copy of your letter to him of
the 14th inst. with regard to bridges of 500 ft. span and
requested me to write you on the subject.
With the exception of suspension bridges I know of no single
spans of such great length. The long span of the Kinlenary
Viaduct over the river Lek in Holland (492 ft) recently
completed is the nearest approach that has been made, so far
as I know, to the 500 ft. span on any but the suspension
plan; and at American prices for iron and steel made into
the forms required this span would have cost, fitted ready
for erection $713,664. The cost of false work on the
shifting and treacherous bottoms of such streams a the
Mississippi and Missouri that could be relied upon with any
sort of confidence to sustain such a costly structure during
the time that must necessarily be cosumed in putting
together in place 2124 tons iron and steel, consisting of so
many parts, would be something very difficult to estimate. I
don't think very judicious contractors would place it at
less than 25 per cent of the cost of the structure itself;
men the lower chord of the bridge is placed as the steamboat
interests now demand 50 feet above high water surface. Add
this amount $178,416 to the cost of span $713,664 and we get
the enormous sum of $892,080 for a single span of 492 feet,
the only example furnished us from actual practice for the
purpose of an estimate.
We find, in fact that in the case in question the single
long span cost in raw material four time as much as the
short span of 262 1-2 ft. and as much as the whole 7 spans
for the enormous additional expense for falsework and
erection. One 492 ft. span therefore equal to (4X862 1-2 x
1050 feet of bridge in spans of 292 1-2 feet or 66 feet more
than double its length. It is equal to (7 x 186) 1309 ft. of
span of 186 feet or two and two-thirds its length. The eight
additional feet required to make it a 500 ft. span would
increase the dimensions of its parts nearly in proportion to
the square of this addition, and so make the comparative
cost of the long span greater still.
It so happens that many of the great navigable streams of
our country lie across the lines over which its surplus
products must move to reach their best markets. As the trade
obstructed by them increases the burdens imposed upon it
unnecessarily by the far less important river commerce will
become more and more distasteful to the people interested,
and they have a right now to demand that while guarding
minor interest a greater one shall not be sacrificed. We of
the Northwest will have to pay in additional freight upon
our grain and other products an interest on every additional
dollar ____ the legislature proposed will cause our bridge
to cost.
Thos. B. Morris to Gen. Dodge, Brigham City Utah,
January 26, 1869
Your letter of Jan. 16 received tonight. I completed a
new line in Promontory this morning and arrived here this
afternoon to meet Col. Seymour. I located with a grade at
100 ft. per mile, using 8 degree curves in four places- two
of these curves can be replaced by sixes with but little
additional cost, but the other two must stand or the cost
will be quite largely increased.
I have made an estimate upon this new line using the same
care as was used in making the estimates of the cost of the
80 ft. and 90 ft. lines, viz; taking slopes and where
necessary cross sections. I enclose copies of the
quantities, estimate of cost, and equation of the two lines.
I have used the same prices as were used before; and have
corrected my estimate of 80 ft. line as was necessary on
account of alteration made by myself. I would not take the
100 ft. line as it stands now. I consider the 80 ft. line
the best line that can be obtained over Promontory but not
as estimate proves the cheapest to build.
I do not think the 100 ft. grade is used to the best
advantage for a line to equate well. I wanted to make a
deeper...cut but Dr. Durant (in conversation) wanted me to
avoid heavy cuts and mentioned 25 ft. out at summit. I made
it 35 in locating and think it should be 50 at least. The
deeper the cut the less curvature, the shorter line, the
less rock work and the higher you cross the mud flats. I am
satisfied from the results of the line just run that if you
make a 60 ft. cut and use 100 ft. grade you will have a line
that will equate well with any line over Promontory. I have
an estimate (on judgment) of the effect of cutting 15 ft.
more. I enclosed the copy.
I have not had time to run the new line to its connection
with 80 ft. line, but in order to have distance and be able
to compare lines, I triangulated to a stake on 80 ft. line
by using fires and working at night. This leaves 11 miles
not run but it is across the bottom land and mud flats, and
I think it will be fully as cheep as line to build if not
cheaper than the one located, estimating, these lines have
been taken as equal in cost.
The Central Pacific Company are doing but little on their
earth work from Monument Point to Brigham City. I know of
only one outfit at work and that a small one. They have
about double their force on the east slope of Promontory
since I sent you a list of their force. Bishop West, on of
the contractors of the work here, tells me he intends to put
on a very large force and complete the work at once. They
are doing poor work and putting in very few culverts or
other drains. I wrote you in relation to the line of the
C.P. Company over Promontory in my last.
Mr. Ricksecker has sent to Mr. Blickensderfer for the first
100 miles of map and profile from mouth of weber west, and
balance will be completed by tomorrow night. The $200,000
was the gross saving, extra distance, ties, iron & c.
was to be deducted.
Mr. Blickensderfer informed me that you would give me a
position on constructed road, but could give me no
information as to salary, amount of road under my charge nor
to whom I would report. I will gladly take a position under
you but would not like to take a division or section and
report to any one between the Chief Engineer and myself; nor
would I like a division on which there is no work of
importance, such as are between Cheyenne and Omaha. I would
like very much to have the division from the Salt Lake
Valley east to Green River where there will be questions of
importance to decide and structures of size to build. Dr.
Durant has desired me to take charge of the construction of
the road over Promontory and also said he would increase my
wages $1000. I told him I preferred remaining in the employ
of the Company, and he said he would leave the matter open.
If convenient to you I would like to know something more in
relation to length of division, salary and position of
engineers on constructed road.
Should the line with 100 ft. grade be taken as the permanent
location, I want to keep my party a week or ten days
dressing up that line. Then there will be about two weeks of
office work completing the records of my location during the
entire season. With your permission I would like to make a
complete record before closing up my connection with the
Company.
I have made inquiries and find Charles Laughridge to be in
Maj. Lawrence party snagged near Quaking Asp. I understood
that they would be engaged during most if not all the
winter.
Do you want any of the members of my party to go to
completed road. Two or three are competent and have had
experience in the same kind of work on roads in the
East.
J. Blickensderfer, Jr. to Gen. Dodge, Salt Lake City
Utah January 30, 1869
Yours of 21st is at hand. You will no doubt remember
that I have not seen the line from mouth of Echo (Echo City)
to mouth of Weber, since August last, and, of course, I can
only infer what changes have been made from the
representations which have reached me. From these I am
certain the long tangent above Petersen's Point has not been
built; but that Durant and Reed adopted the circuit line for
which Bates asked the hoes when we were going west. This, of
course, changes your location more than "15 ft." but taking
no consideration of this I am also advised that changes were
made in Round Valley, below the lower tunnel on Weber which,
if the truth had been told, are likewise greater than
represented. So also along the Clay Bluffs between mouth of
Weber Canyon and Ogden, changes have been made which I am
advised Mr. Bissel Reed's contracting engineer admits not
only damaged the alignment, but actually made a materiel
increase in the work, and without saving any riprap. Of
course, I cannot speak from my own knowledge.
In regard to the reported saving in cost the fact is simply
this, that I will stake my reputation against this that the
statements made on that subject are simply untrue, unless
indeed every principle of value in our location has been
sacrificed, and even then I do not believe half his
statements are correct. In regard to Promontory Point I am
well satisfied he cannot find a better line commercially
than our 80 ft. grade line. He can get one about three miles
longer with 90 or 116 ft. grade that will cost less money,
but not near enough to compensated for extra length or high
grade. I have morris' estimates and will try to hunt them up
and send you copies. Promontory Point will afford Durant and
Seymour less success than head of Echo unless I have been
very blind indeed.
Walren arrived here today days ago suffering somewhat from
snow blindness. His eyes are now better. Willamson arrived
on Monday last.
Applications was made to Stanford for map and profile of
their location from end C.P. track to head of Echo....
Thos. B. Morris to Gen. Dodge, Promontory, February 8,
1869
The day after my last letter to you left here Col.
Seymour came to Brigham City, and after examining maps,
profiles and estimates of the 80 and 100 ft. grade lines
went to Promontory with me. He was here parts of three days
and after examining the main features of the work here
returned to Brigham.
He instructed me to examine and report to him the amount of
money which could be saved in first cost of the 80 ft. line
by using 10 degree curves and 116 ft. grades as temporary
tracks around the hard work. I was to take the 80 ft. line
as a base and break up the grade using pieces of level or
light grades and regain the lost elevation by heavier
grades, none of which were to exceed those allowed by the
charter of the company.
I made such a survey resulting in a saving of $200,000 but a
10 degree curve alignment and the maximum grade is 116 ft.
per mile unequaled. I completed the estimate on this line on
Thursday and reported results to Col. S. at Ogden on Friday.
Mr. Durant telegraphed Col. S on that day asking what line
could be had by using 116 ft. grade and 10 degree curves on
the ground over which the 100 ft. line is located. I told
him (Col. S.) I thought $40,000 could be saved in first cost
and 3800 ft. in distance over the 100 ft. line. He then
instructed me to go and see. I began this morning and expect
to complete line and estimate by Wednesday night. There can
be no doubt so far as the engineering questions are
concerned but that the 80 ft. line is by far the best, but
the difference in the cost is very great for seven miles of
work.
The final line of the C.P. Company is a 90 ft. grade with 8'
curve and I can find no signs of equation. The plan of the
location is the one Mr. Stevenson advocated and was working
on when you were here, except they have run around the point
through which he located a tunnel. This has given them more
distance and they cross Blue Creek at the same place the 80
ft. line of this company crosses. The work on their line is
well opened and has been pushed wherever the lines of the
two companies approach. In two or three places where there
is heavy embankment to be built by both companies the C.P.
Company is using up the convenient material for their bank.
This will materially increase the cost of constructing the
line located by you. They have between three and four
hundred men on the east slope of Promontory and are doing
little or no work at other points. A man just in from end of
C.P. track says it is 11 miles east of Humbolt Wells. If
this is true they are making good headway, something near a
mile and a half per day.
Our track is at Slate Cut near Loose Creek being detained
there by slide. Expected to begin laying today; have 8 miles
of ties down, and about 27 miles between Piedmont and end of
track. Our work from Ogden to Brigham City looks well and is
being pushed. One or two swamps are the only pieces likely
to be in the way of track and there is plenty of time to get
them out. Work on East slope of Promontory should be under
way.
Mr. Eddy told me he had written you fully about special
Commission and its movements. Col. Seymour says he wants me
as his principal assistant and has telegraphed Dr. Durant
asking if he can have me. I told him I was in your
department and would not leave without being transferred or
until you did not longer want me, and asked him if he moved
in the matter to have me regularly transferred. He said he
would have Dr. Durant speak to you about it.
I now have map showing 80 ft. line referred to in this
letter and will put on the 116 ft. line I am now running. I
will send you copy to New York.
L. S. Bent to Gen. Dodge, Salt Lake City, Utah,
February 16, 1869
Elko, Feb. 11th. End of track is 8 miles east of Humbolt
Wells. Laying a little over 2 miles a day.
Been sick 4 days and could not write during that time. 40
cars iron and ties passed here for end of track. Weather
cloudy and warm.
Thos. B. Morris to Gen. Dodge, Brigham City, Utah,
February 16, 1869
Enclosed please find letter from C.P. Laughridge the
young man whom you wished me to hunt up.
When I last wrote you I had examined the ground over which
the 80 ft. line is located with reference to alterations for
temporary tracks. I was then directed to examine and report
on a line with 10 curve and 116 ft. grade. I continued the
line which I had run for temporary track under your
direction to the flats and connected it with the 80 ft.
line. Result was saving of $100,000 in cost and 3360 feet in
distance over the 100 ft. grade line as reported to you.
I inquired where the special commission was and found they
were in San Francisco, and that Col. Williams could not
leave there on account of business for a week or ten days. I
have all notes in my hands of the Promontory surveys. Mr.
Reed has nothing but the notes of the located 80 ft.
line.
Mr. Reed has received two telegrams from Dr. Durant about
line over Promontory. One directing him to put forces to
work on the line described and recommended by Col. Seymour
which is the 80 ft. line with alterations (116 ft. grades
and 10" curve) the other that the grading must be ready for
the track in 40 days.
I have received no orders from Dr. Durant to turn over notes
to anyone, Neither Mr. Reed nor Col. Seymour are willing to
direct me to turn over notes, and so I "hold them for
further orders" as directed by Dr. Durant.
Gen. Hurd and Mr. Maxwell both being away from their line, I
went over the line from Brigham City to Salt Lake Flats,
near Monument Point, with Mr. Reed and returned today. The
work from Station 3550 to Monument Point is almost
completed. A good force is at work from 3550 to the East
slope of Promontory today. He will have about 300 men and
100 teams at work on the east slope. In addition to these
forces most of McGee's force who have been discharged in
Weber Canon are working west and will be picked up by
Earnt.
Good progress has been made from Ogden west and I think
there is nothing in the way of track until the Salt Flats
are reached between Little Mountain and Promontory. I rode
over there with Mr. Reed on Sunday; found about 1-4 mile
which was under a foot of water, and a mile and a half which
is very soft and away from any high ground where material
might be borrowed. Although it is the very worst season of
the year for work upon these flats, yet that worked can be
done and done in time to prevent the track form being
delayed if it is taken hold of now and pushed by men who
will not talk all the time against the possibility of doing
the work. Mr. Reed says there is no question in his mind but
that the material will stand and will make good
road-bed.
The Central Pacific Company have about 600 men between Ogden
and Monument Point; are doing good work on Promontory and
have opened all the rock cuts. More men are going daily to
them. Since Commission went west their force has been
multiplied by them. They have some Salt Flats both east and
west of Promontory yet to do.
I have just received the following from S.B. Reed: "The
following telegram just received." "Let Morris take charge
of construction on eastern slope of Promontory" Signed S. B.
Reed. I will start work and go to meet Commissioners. I
wrote Col. Seymour telling him I did not think the 80 ft.
modified line could be so located in 40 days by any force
the company could put on the work; also that the 80 ft. line
as far west as station 2898 could be done in that time. That
the 116 ft. temporary line could be used from 2998 to 3256
that it could be finished in time and that the cost would be
for grading about $59,000, and length of temporary about 5
1-2 miles; and that the work done on their temporary tracks
around heavy work on 80 ft. line, and which would be thrown
away when line was completed would amount fully $50,000.
W. to Gen. Dodge San Francisco, February 17
(telegram)
As Senate Committee reported against aid to Branch 1
suggest by provise to some bill or by resolution your
company obtain right to purchase 150 township in Idaho,
Oregon and Washington to aid construction with right t of
immediately location either surveyed or unsurveyed and to
restrictions as to selection. This controls the ground and
other valuable points 30 inches on pass 1st. January.
J. Eddy to Gen. Dodge, Salt Lake City, February 18
(telegram)
No instructions relative to town since January 27th.
Every thing at a stand-still. Am waiting for orders to go
ahead.
W. Snyder to Gen. Dodge, Omaha February 17, 1869
Hoxie telegraphed last night from Echo as follows:
"Detained from end of track. The temporary line around end
of tunnel No. 3 is hard one to operate laying ties in the
ice and snow to reach Ogden.
I have iron at Echo to lay track beyond Ogden. Am taking
ties there as fast as Davis and associates deliver at
Piedmont & c. Plenty of spikes, splices, & c. on the
ground....
Sidney Dillon, Augustus Kountze & Ezra Millard to
Gen Dodge, Omaha, March 30, 1869 (telegram)
Have House proceed in condemning depot grounds and right
of way. Arrangements all satisfactory; funs will be
ready.
J.D. Williams to Gen. Dodge, New York, March 30, 1869
(telegram)
Am still waiting here. What prospect of organizing board
soon?
W. Snyder to Gen. Dodge, Omaha, March 30, 1869
(telegram)
Blickensderfer and balance of Commission will be here on
Wednesday. Will try for items.
Sidney Dillon to Gen. Dodge, New York, March 30, 1869
(telegram)
Received your letter this moment, just as I started for
Springfield to meet Ames and Duff. I think well of your
proposal. Will telegraph you from there.
S. Seymour to Gen. Dodge, Brigham City, March 30, 1869
(telegram)
We commenced first November, they first December. We
show their work averaged less than 5000 per mile 25th
February between Humbolt Wells and Mouth of Weber. Central
track 57 miles west of Monument 28th and preparing to lay 9
miles yesterday. Grading at Red Dome would be completed
middle of April.
S. Seymour to Gen Dodge, Brigham City, March 30, 1869
(telegram)
Morris testimony very full. No such message to send.
Poppleton will send package by young Frost from Salt Lake
tomorrow. Track last night at 1570.
Note: Edward Weed to Gen. Dodge, New York March 30,
1869
Enclosed bill for maps.
Thos. D. Morris to Gen. Dodge, Promontory, March 31,
1869 (telegram)
We will be at least 10 days behind the Central unless
they have accident.
W. Snyder to Gen. Dodge Omaha March 31, 1869
(telegram)
Am sending men daily to head of Echo, but White Pine is
taking many and force not large as it has been. Earnings
read last quarter this month will be over 100,000 cash.
S. Seymour to Gen. Dodge Omaha March 31, 1869
(telegram)
With plenty of track material and work driven to utmost
on west slope of Promontory, I think we may reach Monument
first, otherwise not. Agent fully posted from Central will
arrive in four days when I can tell better.
T.C. Durant to Gen. Dodge New York March 31, 1869
Have sent package by Adams Express as desired. See
Stevens speech before the House at same time.
W. Snyder to Gen. Dodge Omaha March 31, 1869
Think we can make Monument Point sure.
W. Snyder to Gen. Dodge Omaha April 5, 1869
I enclose copy of part dispatch from Seymour giving
situation at front. We have for past ten days been picking
up ties fast as possible at all points on the line as far
east ass North Platt (Beton) ans now commence at the
Laramie. Will do all we can to push things.
S. Seymour to W. Snyder Brigham City, April 5, 1869
(telegram)
This is the situation. Track now 1 mile past Bear River,
grading done from this to east base of Promontory, on 20
miles of which track should be laid at once, so as to
deliver timber for large trestle we work 5 miles beyond.
While this is being done and grading finished over
Promontory, which may delay one week, material should be
delivered and track laid on permanent road at side of Echo
and tunnel No. 3., so that road may be accepted. All this
must be done within next 30 days or we are whipped by
Central for possession of Monument Point. We are now 50
miles and they about the same distance or less from it. If
you can put track material here in time we can beat them to
death. Is not this some important than anything else? There
are ties enough along the road west of Sherman with those
being delivered at Piedmont to lay track to Monument. Ought
they not all be picked up at once and brought to the
front?
Please keep me pointed about material as other arrangements
and expenditures may be governed by it....
S. Seymour to Gen. Dodge Brigham City, April 6
(telegraph)
Central 38 miles west of Monument last night. Union 50
East. We are being ruined for want of track material.
Geo. J. Edmond to Gen. Dodge Washington April 6,
1869
I beg leave heartily to ask you to appoint some suitable
place in your corps of engineers my young friend, Lewis W.
Platt of my state but now at Hudson, Wisconsin. You will
find him strong, willing and capable for one who has had no
experience in the field.
April, 1869 writer unknown
I understand that the masonry and its foundations on
bridge work on Bitter Creek are unworthy of a first class
road, that the bridges are placed on sharp curves, diverging
from the location line, making it dangerous to run over them
on high speed and that temporary work is being substitute
for permanent. Let me say to you that such work cannot be
accepted, and unless made first class as required by
contract, the Company will do it at once at your
expense.
D.M.E. to W. Snyder, End of C.P. April 7, 1869
Crocker, Supt., returned from the east yesterday. We
told several that they would meet the U.P. at the
Promontory; said that the U.P. would not be able to get the
cuts open there before the C.P. would have their track
there. They have laid 9 miles in the last 3 days.
Hurd returned from the West today. He said he had gone to
the Truckee and back. Rose Reed, 20 miles from Duff Creek
West, is to be the end of a division. Water is brought 8
miles in wooden pines to that point. The pipe is coming, it
is said, for 15 miles to put in at Monument Point. Duff
Creek and Locomotive Springs cant be used, to salty.
April 9: Four miles laid today. A man is here who
claims to be a U.P. man by the name of Harvey; is sent by
Seymour I think. He don't seem to have any favors shown to
him here by this company Brass a great heap on the U.P.
April 9: 12 M. Laid two miles today; more iron
expected.
April 11: I have been here 14 days and 14 miles
have been laid in that time. They had a collision, two
engines and several cars used up yesterday.
Strobridge, Supt. Construction said yesterday they would
have to change their line some from the Promontory to
Ogden.
Sidney Dillon to Gen. Dodge New York April 7,
1869 (telegram)
How soon can you meet me in Omaha? Answer.
John A. Alley to Gen. Dodge New York April 7,
1869 (telegram)
Field, Counsel for Fisk, says they shall disregard
Blackford's decision, and they have issued subpoenas to
appear before refaree this morning. Barnes and himself had
not yet done anything either way, but probably will
today.
S. Seymour to Gen. Dodge Brigham City April 7, 1869
(telegram)
Particularly ties. Reed says there are plenty on line
west of Sherman and being delivered at Piedmont to lay track
over Promontory, but they do not come forward. I have
telegraphed Sydney and Durant repeatedly upon the
subject.
B.H. Miller to W. Snyder Brigham City April 7,
1869
I arrived here this afternoon direct from Salt Lake
City, where I have been stopping a few days at the request
of Mr. Poppleton, who anticipated the commencement of legal
proceedings on the part of the C.P.R.R.
Upon my arrival here I found Col. Seymour, at this hour 9
p.m. S.B. Reed and party have just returned from the front
and intend returning tomorrow and I have determined to go
myself on the first coach tomorrow morning.
I met this evening a man by the name of Brown, a train
conductor, who certainly has done well by his contract
facilities, in as much as he is the possessor of a fast
woman, horses, & c. and is generally "loud". His case
could not stand a very searching or honest
investigation.
The railroad from Wasatch to Corinne is in a fearful
condition and requires the utmost care for the construction
trains to pass over it in safety. I understand upon inquiry
that the same amount per mile is changed for this road in
its present condition as though it were properly graded,
blasted and ironed, and it is a self evident fact that it
will require as much money by two-thirds to put it in
running order, should the Government Commissioners deem fit
to accept it.
I will mention here that our different Head Quarters of
Construction are adorned by gems of the fair sex; I am not
aware that this....
W. Snyder to Gen. Dodge Omaha April 7, 1869
I enclosed 2 of last night's dispatches. The track at
Slate Cut West of Echo has frequently been obstructed an
entire day by blasting-side out and material thrown on track
that required an entire day to remove. As soon as Reed is
sure that trains cannot pass his obstructions he commences
telegraphing all over America that he can't get
material.
Geo. W. Martin to Gen. Dodge Omaha April 8, 1869
(telegram)
Eddy arrived in Omaha yesterday morning. Mr. House is at
Corinne.
W. Snyder to Gen. Dodge Omaha April 8, 1869
(telegram)
Sanford officially notifies Bent forbidding him stirring
any material within 200 ft. of Central line on
Promontory.
J.E. House to Gen. Dodge Corinne, Utah April 10,
1869
I have already sold $25,000 worth of property at Bear
River. How shall I settle this matter with the people here?
Answer.
S. Seymour to Gen. Dodge Brigham City, April 10, 1869
(telegram)
Please post me every day or two all about matters in
Washington.
Note: N.P. Chipman to Gen. Dodge Washington April
10, 1869
Wants a pass for his brother-in-law; says he is going to
California to take charge of a Mission Church.
Note: Instructions to Gen. Dodge about settling
with C.P.Co., and to use up surplus stock of iron, steel
&c. on hand; and to have every thief and incompetent man
removed as soon as his place can be filled with a better
man.
B. Miller to W. Snyder Brigham City April 12, 1869
I returned to this point last night from Promontory;
came in with a lot of mule teams belonging to a sub
contractor who is shortly going on to the Northern Pacific.
The information gaines while there I will give to you
substantially as follows:
First-Rock contracts as a rule have been very profitable and
are more acceptable of producing large returns than the
ordinary run of grading contracts: About a year ago there
was one, James Farrell, came out from New York without a
dollar and for some time was the recipient of the bounties
of his celtic friends; through the influence of Carmichale
he obtained a sub contract for rock grading from S. B. Reed,
the stipulation of the contact road rock, and the price
claimed per yard $5 was allowed, under this false statement;
what rock existed within the limits of his contract was ____
and rock which cost him including wages, stock expenses,
&c. $250 per ft. a clear gain to the afore said of $2.90
per yd. this man will admit himself (so I am informed) that
he has made over $50,000 on that and other job, from off a
capital of nothing, and now intends trying is
experience-backed by his present capital-along the line of
the ____ Pacific. This information is in the main correct as
I received it from a party who was at one time a foreman of
the ____ ____.
Second: In reference to ties and their delivery I rode down
from Promontory with a man who is owner of 23 mule teams,
and has been engaged in the delivery of ties. He contracted
for and received $36 per day for each team and on some days
only one team would be on work, on other days a few of his
teams world make a train and during the whole course of the
day perhaps only two dozen ties would be delivered and
distributed. When he tough he had ties enough above cost not
to be caught, he would hire out his team to entirely outside
parties for the transportation of freight, and in this way
he has made considerable money, enough to enable him to
invest several thousand dollars in land along the line of
the road, considerable portions of which is at Corinne
City.
Carmichael has made equally as much if not more than an ____
sub on the road, and judging from what some of his own men
tell me, he is the most accomplished thief in the
construction, and he has around him the worst gang of
cut-throats and marauders that it has ever been my
misfortune to fall in with. When I was in their midst they
were highly delighted at the prospect before them of cutting
the Chinamen into small pieces.
Hill & Green are also at Promontory and they are
entirely bankrupt, the firm's liabilities being over a
quarter of a million. From what I saw and learned I don't
believe any contractor is making much money on the works at
or around Promontory. They have very heavy rock work to go
through and are working the same men all day and up to 10
o'clock at night; night work and Sundays double wages,
besides this it requires many teams to be taken off from
legitimate work for the purpose of hauling brush to keep
their night fire blazing. Some of these rock contracts,
however, have been given out at figures ranging from thirty
to forty dollars per yard, but you may rest assured that
should any of the men merely get out of their present
contract without losing money they will be certain to make
up the loss before they get through with it.
Matters here are at a stand still; there has been no track
laid for three or four days, and I understand by last
night's report that the Junction will not be decided upon
until May.
If you see Mr. Poppleton inform him that Judge Robinson is
at present at Corinne, and I learn from good authority that
he has not at present any intention of commencing suit, but
is there on business with the contractors of the C.P.R.R. I
will remain between this place and Corinne; cannot go to
Promontory very often, as it is very expensive and my
treasury is growing extremely low.
Oliver Ames to Gen. Dodge North Easton April 12,
1869
Your telegram saying you would leave for the west Sunday
night is received. The arrangement made to settle on point
of Junction we have not yet learned definitely as we have
yet daily rumors of the papers. Any settlement is better
than a constant fight, but the information we yet have is
not so favorable as we hoped. To give the Central Pacific
the Junction at Ogden is giving all they claimed. They only
paying us for our road to Promontory Point and ____ paying
near as much as it has cost us....
Thos. B. Morris to Gen. Dodge Promontory April 17,
1869
Central Pacific track tonight 3 miles of Monument Point. If
we have no strike will be ready for track in 15 days. Final
estimate completed on all but about 7 miles. Can turn work
over at any time with few days notice.
W. Snyder to Gen. Dodge Omaha April 17, 1869
Blickensderfer says: "Have received telegraph. Course
and distance between Central Pacific. Zero at Ogden and same
station of U.P. line. also bearings of C.P. and long U.P.
tangents immediately.
Writer unknown April 1869
.... I had thought until I saw Mr. House that you were
fully informed as to the work here and the line which this
company were building in all its details. The line which is
being built up to the big fill (station 3030 is the line
located by you-80 ft. to mile and 6 curves except in one
place, near station 2730, here the line was thrown in by
increasing the curvature in one degree curve and 200 ft. of
distance. At the big fill the alignment has been bettered by
throwing a tangent across the gulch in place of turning in
as was the original location. The embankment has been very
much increased; this is being filled by trestle work. The
alteration also made the rock cut lighter. There are two 8
curves at either end of tangent which can be reduced to 6 by
taking off a little more rock all of which can be used in
the fill. At station 3053 a 10 curve is used which runs
around the point there and leaves very little of the big
rock cut and allows the 6' curve to lay further up the hill,
decreasing the long fill but increasing the distance.
The next rock cut near station 3030 is very much decreased
by another 10 curve. From station 3090 to 3110-90 ft. grade
and alignment are both used. Rock cut at 3115 is taken out
on 80 ft. line and very nearly to 80 ft. grade. From 3120 to
3155 there is a temporary line having a number of 10 curves
and a 116 ft. grade to station 3140 and level from there to
3155; from 3155 to summit, 80 ft. line, curves and
grades.
Chas. Laughridge went north and west with _aj. Lawence and
up to yesterday I could hear nothing from him. He was in
Corinne yesterday but I have not been able to get one word
out of him. I hope however, to see him tomorrow or
Monday.
There are two cuts on line of the C.P. Company on the east
slope of Promontory which will not be out until our line is
graded unless the force is very much increased and worked to
better advantage. If our track does not come ahead faster
than it has during the last 15 or 20 day we will have all of
the grading out of the way.
The Central Company have drawn off all forces east of the
crossing of Blue Creek.
Thos. B. Morris to Gen. Dodge Promontory April 22,
1869 (telegram)
C.P. track yesterday 22 miles east of Monument Point;
rain here three days. Mud in flats very bad. Central Company
carried ties on to them; cant work animals. U.P. track at
station 2740, 11 miles east of summit.
Sidney Dillon to Gen. Dodge Echo, Utah April 22,
1869 (telegram)
I saw Getland and Stanford. Their line over Promontory
[Summit not] Point is nearly done. They want us to
stop and lay a track on their line. It will take us until
the 10th of 16th of July to finish our grading. What do you
think of it, will it interfere with our settling with
them?
Thos. B. Morris to Gen. Dodge Promontory April 22,
1869 (telegram)
C.P. across mud flats 7 miles east of Monument Point.
They have 2 miles material on hand.
J. Bliekensderfer, Jr. to Gen. Dodge Washington April
22, 1869 (telegram)
Your quantities will not answer. Send details per
station immediately.
W. Snyder to Gen. Dodge Omaha April 22, 1869
Your dispatch received. I judge that Seymour and Reed
have gotten hold of Dillon and are making the most of it. He
takes their side for various matters without examining for
himself and is telegraphing me to do various things which I
know are not right, and which he would not do if S. and R.
were not writing dispatches for him.
I wish you could go out and look through the outfit. It
ought to be done quickly or there will be nothing left. I
T.C.D. comes here with any authority I propose to quite at
once.
Jas. H. Bowen to Gen. Dodge, Dillion, Duff and Durant
Chicago April 23, 1869
Say when last connecting rail will be laid! We desire to
arrange for demonstrations here at same time. Will you
arrange to have it occur at noon that day we can
jubilate?
Sidney Dillon to Gen. Dodge Wasatch April 23, 1869
(telegram)
We have 11 miles track to lay yet. I think the work will
be ready for track except Carmichael's cut 2 1-2 miles from
end of track; that will take until 10th of May. We are
working it night and day with all the power we can put on. I
am going over work at head of Echo today with Mr. Reed; will
report to you this evening.
Thos. B. Morris to Gen. Dodge Promontory April 23,
1869 (telegram)
Camp equipage is all that I stored in Salt Lake City. It
is in charge of Wm. Gilbert. Received notice yesterday to
change it, thought I had better be sold or send one of teams
after it from here. Have 14 mules, one horse 4 wagons with
camp outfit and blankets complete horse under charge of
Isaac Rogers, who is herding the mules.
Sidney Dillon to Gen. Dodge Wahsatch April 23, 1869
(telegram)
I don't give up our rights. Will finish to Promontory
Point. Duff and you had better take the officers car when
you come up the road.
Peter A. Dey to Gen. Dodge Iowa City April 23,
1869
I.R. Hartsack of this place has been appointed and
confirmed Post Master here. The feeling of indignation is
universal and bitter. He held the office at one time before,
was very much disliked and in every way unfit for the place.
That he should be forced on this community for another 4
years is an outrage-no man applying was as unfit or
unpopular.
I began this letter, not for the purpose of finding fault
with anybody but for myself and Frank, to thank you for the
interest you have taken in him, and to assure you we
appreciate your efforts to aid him, and only now regret that
it was not in your power to have succeeded.
W. Snyder to Gen. Dodge Omaha April 23, 1869
(telegram)
Will you be over today? All easy as yet, but I get no
help from East.
S. Seymour to Gen. Dodge Brigham City April 23, 1869
(telegram)
If both companies agree will Government agree that
Central line be adopted on east slope instead of ours?
J. Blickensderfer, Jr. to Gen Dodge Washington
(telegram)
Received no pay from Reed. Will mail Invoices today.
Want quantities between points of comparison with Central
Pacific line that is between points of comparison with
Central Pacific line that is between stations 480 at Ogden
and 2742 Lookout Mountains 4569 Monument Point 5932, Red
Dome 8395, Passage Creek 10570; ___no Summit 11230; Pig Nop
Summit 12308, and location each by itself. Will need it
immediately.
J. Blickensderfer, Jr. to Gen. Dodge, Washington
____
Your telegram dated yesterday, inquiring whether I had
received pay for outfits of Lawrence, Maxwell and others
turned over to Reed on construction, was received today. I
answered that I had not received pay for any. I enclosed
herewith the papers in my possession showing the disposition
made of property in hands of parties in Utah...
Unknown to Gen. Dodge
...I understand the Central Pacific is becoming anxious
to hurry up our report. I think they should have hurried
some time ago. I fear we shall not get entirely done here
until week after next. The comparison between the two
locations west of Ogden will be favorable to U. P. line
and my impression is it will be the line reported to the
Secretary by the Commission. We have not yet fully discussed
the subject, but I think we shall do so tomorrow.
Thos. B. Morris to Gen. Dodge Promontory April 24,
1869 (telegram)
C.P. forces drawn off on Last slope. Our men making
trouble for money. C.P. track at east side of mud flats.
U.P. track near Blue Creek tonight.
W.E. Chandler to Gen. Dodge Washington April 24, 1869
(telegram)
Wilson and Morris will probably be sent out next week;
Warren to follow. Some delay in withdrawing lands, but will
succeed next week. All looks well here.
Oliver Ames to Gen. Dodge Boston April 29, 1869
(telegram)
Message received and being attended to. Duff, Dillon and
Price have full power, and no one else.
Oliver Ames to J. Duff, S. Dillion & H. Price
Boston April 29 (telegram)
You will make no permanent arrangements for connection.
Change cars only at end of the track laid by us-till they
pay us, other wise shall find it difficult making settlement
with them. Get matters in best shape you can. Come home
soon, and let the new Board authorize future
arrangements.
Ezra Millard to Gen. Dodge Omaha April 29, 1869
The assessor for this precinct has assessed the whole
capital stock of the bank $100,000. It is therefore
necessary I think for you to list your shares in the Bank in
the precinct where you reside for 1869, as the tax will have
to be paid by the bank here.
Wm. E. Chandler to W. Snyder Washington April 29
Please read and forward the enclosed. The Commissioners
will probably be be with you the first of week after next,
at least Messrs. Morris and Wilson. Gen. Warren may be
delayed longer. I told Mr. Morris that you would furnish him
passes for any friend he might bring along. I will send my
enclosures to Gen. Dodge under cover to you and you can read
them before forwarding unless they are marked
personal...
J. F. Wilson to Gen. Dodge Fairfield Iowa April 29,
1869 (telegram)
Commissioners will meet at Omaha on 12th day. Go west at
once. Winslow once lived a Mt. Pleasant, now contractor on
construction; also is a civil engineer.
Oliver Ames to Gen. Dodge Boston April 29
Have instructed New York to pay no drafts not authorized
by Duff and Dillon. Say to Duff that he will want all his
sagacity about him to not be circumvented by Central Road in
any arrangement they may propose about running road. I would
make no delivery or read until we get our pay they will come
it over us if we do.
I have sent to Mr. Bushnell tonight power signed by Bates
and self giving Duff and Dillon full power of Board of
Trustees on line, and he is to forward it immediately. We
hope if you can fix up the road so as to run it at
reasonable cost to give you money enough to finish it
up.
W. Snyder to Oliver Ames Omaha May 7, 1869
(telegram)
Help necessary to keep in motion. Please assist at
once.
W.P. Kennedy to Wm. J. Glidden Echo City Utah May 7
(telegram)
I have drawn on you today sight draft for $450,000 order
of John Duff and T.C. Durant.
Sidney Dillon to Wm. J. Glidden Echo City, Utah May 7
(telegram)
We must have $500,000 waiting 3 days. We will draw on
you for it.
Gen. Dodge to Oliver Ames Promontory May 8, 1869
(telegram)
You can make affidavits of completion of road to
Promontory summit.
Wm. J. Glidden to Sidney Dillon & John Duff Boston
(telegram)
Messages sixth received. Have remitted Central other two
hundred for First National Omaha. This complets our orders.
Will have another hundred collected soon-beyond that you
must draw 90 days write us fully.
....
END
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