The Record of Services summarizes Reed's military assignments from June 26, 1875 through March 18, 1882.

Brown reports to the Surgeon General that the Board has examined Reed and considers him qualified for a promotion, with the proviso that he continues his studies in Physics. A second letter written on March 24, 1882 by C. H. Crane informs Reed of the outcome of the examination. The letters are accompanied by an endorsement.

Reed discusses finances, and offers advice on female health and education. He advocates against too much emphasis on academic excellence.

Reed requests that his orders be ready for him by November 14, 1882. A note from the Surgeon General encourages speedy processing of the request. The resulting orders re-assign Reed from the Department of the East to the Department of the Platte.

Howard requests that Reed be assigned to the hospital under his command, due to his steward's disability and the limitations of the Medical Director. The Adjutant General's office denies the request. Included are an endorsement of the request and a document specifying its removal.

Carter describes his newborn son and mentions his wife and daughter.

Reed teases Blincoe and her husband. He gives news of his wife and son and their life on the post, and he relates the progress of his Florida orange grove.

Carter provides family news and describes Christmas celebrations.

Reed reports that he has taken up his assigned post as Post Surgeon, Fort Robinson, Nebraska.

Reed has requested four weeks of leave. His commanding officer has asked for an officer to replace him in his absence, but the request for replacement is denied.

Reed requests and is granted a one-month extension to the leave of absence he was granted on November 18, 1885.

Reed is coming to Washington to apply for a leave extension. He plans to visit Florida, and then to visit New York City for coursework.