The majority of the letter concerns construction of the Utah Western Railway which ran from Salt Lake west into Tooele County. Young gives instructions regarding materials, routing, and property acquisition, especially concerning the property of one Brother Clinton. He also inquires about his wives and family and gives instructions concerning their maintenance. Other items discussed include donations to the St. George Temple, his interest in some iron works (probably the Great Western Iron Mining and Manufacturing Co.), the establishment of the Utah Western Telegraph Co., and the purchase of the steamer "City of Corinne" for the railway. Numerous references are made regarding an associate named Heber, but no last name is given.