The Brigham Young Center

Salt Lake City, U.T.
Apl 2. 1869.

T.C. Durant Esq.
Vice President U.P.R.R.
New York city.

Dear Sir:-

As the time has arrived when a final settlement should be made with me for my work done on the U.P.R.R. I wish to say a few words in relation to one piece of grading done on my contract, known as the big fill, near the head of Echo kanyon, extending from Stations 379 to 392. (about one quarter of a mile.) When you were present at the time, as you will probably remember, you were pleased to make a promise to my sons Brigham and John W. that if we would keep on a large force, and rush that work you would pay what it was worth, by the day or by the yard, whichever would pay the best. It was a heavy fill, and the soil had to be conveyed by many of the teams from three to Four Hundred feet, and those forces were promised $8. per day for teams accordingly. Previous to the fill being completed, Mr Reed, with my consent, took off the entire force to complete Mr Nounnan's work, and make a track around Miller & Patterson's tunnel, and he paid those teams $10. per day for all the time they were thus engaged & the laborers $3. per day.

Now so far as I can learn, that big fill, containing some 29000. yards, is to be measured up to me at 30 cents per yard. I could satisfy those forces for $8. for teams, and laborers $3. per day, which is moderate, considering that grain was $5. per bushel and hay $75. to $100. per ton. Probably 60 cents per yard would cover the expense.

I have done all that lay in my power to forward the work by compliance with every requirement, under many disadvantages, and at low rates, as is proved by the prices since paid by the U.P.R.R. for grading contracts adjacent to mine being some 40 per cent higher than is paid to me, but in the instance of the big fill I look for your kind aid as before stated.

At the same time I would be much pleased if you would instruct the Superintendent of Construction respecting the amount due me for January and February estimates, and the 20 per cent on the whole job which is now due, as the men are very clamorous for their pay, and I am exceedingly anxious to settle up the business.

With sincere wishes for your welfare, and the success of the Union Pacific Railroad,

I am very truly yours,
Brigham Young