Orders of Release granted prisoners release from custody and explain the reasons for the decision. Some were released by pardons granted by the governor. Others were released because it was determined by the court that innocence or guilt had not adequately been established. Still others were released by bail bond and were expected to make a later appearance in court. The main topics of the correspondence include appointments to positions, prisoner escapes, work releases for prisoners, and transporting prisoners for appearances before judges.
Some letters discuss prison conditions or individual prisoners.
Following the correspondence is a copy of the minutes of the proceedings in justice's court about a theft of animals and other property. There are also depositions which were submitted about the crime. The final two items are records from the administration of warden Frederick Kesler, who served from 1880 until 1894. In the Record of the Utah Penitentiary, Warden Kesler reported on the circumstances of his appointment and on conditions of the prison when he became warden. The Frederick Kesler papers consist mainly of reports Warden Kesler submitted to the legislative assembly.