HUGH MACRAE & CO.
Bankers
WILMINGTON, N.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C, .Sept. 23, 1918.

Dear Governor Bickett:--

Referring to our conversation at Newlands in regard to preparing for returning soldiers, I find that matters are beginning to shape up very well for the Southatlantic States. Mr. Matthew Hale, of Boston, and Secretary Daniels have rendered valuable assistance in creating an atmosphere especially favorable to North Carolina.

Mr. Hale and I had a most satisfactory conference with Secretary Lane, and we think the time is peculiarly propitious for you to write to Secretary Lane, bringing out independently (and without reference to the conference) the following points:

1. Indicating your hearty approval of and great interest in Secretary Lane’s plan;

2. Referring to the fact that you have been an enthusiastic advocate of the ownership of small farms as against the present undesirable tenant system. That in connection with this, you had kept in touch with and been interested in the results obtained in the project of settling of agricultural lands as carried out by Hugh MacRae and associations on the coastal plain of North Carolina; and

3. That you would be glad to assist in every way, with the State departments, experts, etc., to carry forward Secretary Lane’s work, and that you would be willing to ask the State Legislature to appropriate money for the purpose of making lands available; but that, in your opinion, the general project ought not to be delayed pending the effort to obtain legislation.

The above suggestions are made because they would fit in with what we know to be Secretary Lane’s point of view, and would focus his attention particularly on North Carolina. He has indicated that he would go with me to visit the Colonies; and when he does this, and which I hope will be the last of this week, I shall wire you, and hope most earnestly that you will arrange to meet him at the Colonies and make the visit with him. This would be very important indeed, because your ideas and his are exactly in line with each other, and it would serve to confirm him in his purpose to carry the project through to a successful conclusion.

I have had most satisfactory conferences with Senator Simmons and Secretary Daniels, and am confident that if we keep in close working touch, there is an opportunity of initiating things for North Carolina which will do greater good in the way of development than the people have ever dreamed of.

Please consider this confidential, because, until Secretary Lane acts, he would naturally like to avoid all publicity except such as is authorized from his office.

With kind regards, I am,

Yours very sincerely,

Hugh MacRae.

Hon. Thomas W. Bickett,
Governor of North Carolina,
Raleigh, N.C.

Address
Hotel Grafton,
Connecticutt Ave.,

until Thursday night
H. McR.