March 1866

Jack Casement had spent the winter at Omaha preparing the ingenious box cars he used during the coming years. They were built atop Union Pacific undercarriages. The box cars served as bunkhouse, kitchen, dining hall, office, pantry, and supply depot. Each had a small arsenal in anticipation of trouble from Plains Indians. He had workers lined up (many of whom were former military personal) and was anxious to work. But the iron rails had to be delivered by paddle steamers on the Missouri River, and the river was frozen for most of the month of March. Plus UP was competing for supplies with companies building or repairing railroads in the south after the Civil War. Frances' letters reflect her deep mourning for the couple's son Charlie who died Dec. 2, 1865. Frances also gently admonishes Jack to watch his drinking, which could be a problem. Jack rents a house in Omaha for his family, although it won't be ready until May.