Letter discusses the need for a new house-keeper and cook at the Las Vegas Ranch. Smith addresses the problems with hiring a woman and suggests hiring a Chinese man.
Letter relates a letter from Helen J. Stewart and discusses the possibility of artesian water sources in Las Vegas. It also identifies possible crops that could grow in Las Vegas and gives suggestions for purchasing land in the area.
Letter describes the behavior of Kiel Ranch operator, George Lattemore, in selling wine and whiskey to settlers in Las Vegas. McDermott complains that Lattemore is selling wine to his Indian employees.