Murray's letter was written in response to recent comments Huntsman made about the rescue effort.

"If it takes every dollar this guy has in his bank account, he needs to bring closure to this darn thing. We've got families of six good people who are currently sitting in that mine," Huntsman said last week.

In his letter, Murray criticized the governor, saying he has damaged the reputations of mine operators Murray Energy Corp., UtahAmerican Energy and "thousands of coal miners who do respect what I have done." Murray has owned the Crandall Canyon Mine and the South Crandall Mine for about a year, and also owns the Aberdeen and West Ridge mines in Carbon County.

Murray sent the letter to Huntsman and Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining director John Baza on Wednesday, marking it "personal and confidential." Calls to officials at the Crandall Canyon Mine for comment went unanswered Friday. Murray has been staying there since the Aug. 6 collapse.

In the letter, Murray takes exception to being called "this guy."

"Governor Huntsman, I suggest that, for your own sake, you address me as my employees do, as Mr. Murray, as you have shown the ultimate disrespect to the heroes who have died and were maimed last Thursday, August 16, and whose bodies I helped recover with my own hands, in referring to me as 'this guy' and that you are going to 'take every dollar."'

Murray admitted in the letter that his financial future is uncertain at this point.

"At this time, we are worrying about how we are going to keep UtahAmerican going from a financial standpoint due to this tragedy, and, in fact, all of Murray Energy. Every dollar has been spent that I have in my 'bank account."'

Murray said the governor has falsely assumed that the recent "emotional statements" from the families of the trapped miners are indicative of the feelings of all Utahns.

"We have always done our best, and they see that," he wrote.

Asked for a response to the letter, the governor's office said they would not engage Murray in personal attacks.

"The governor is concerned only with the families and the communities who have been affected by this terrible tragedy," Huntsman spokeswoman Lisa Roskelley said Friday. "The governor is focused on the future and the things that can be done from here on to ensure closure for the families and the health and safety of all Utahns, especially those miners."

Union reps